Dear Korean School of New England families,
I expect we are all concerned about our current situation. This seems to be only the beginning and it seems
likely that the anxiety surrounding COVID-19 will continue until a vaccine is formulated.
<1> Due to inquiries about how the school is coping with the COVID-19 situation, the Parents’
Association/Teachers’ Association is being informed of the following content.
1) Adhering to the CDC’s prevention procedures, last Saturday, early in the morning, all doors, doorknobs, desks, and other places that are touched frequently by students were meticulously cleaned and windows were kept open during classes in order to ventilate the air.
2) In addition, a sufficient amount of hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes were prepared for each class to keep students safe.
3) The city of Newton, which is where we are located, has decided that even in the event a confirmed case occurs in any of its schools, the city will open the schools again after all buildings are sanitized and disinfected. Schools in other areas, including Lexington, Wellesley and other school districts are also practicing this method.
4) In the current situation where most schools and religious groups are still open and meeting, it is imperative that we raise our own security.
5) The Parents' Association has decided to stop selling snacks during lunchtime until the situation subsides. We are also currently discussing with teachers how to prepare a way for absent students to download assignments posted on the school website and conduct indirect education at home and be able to ask teachers questions through e-mail and KakaoTalk.
6) Korean School will most likely delay summer vacation in the case that public schools delay vacation due to COVID-19, or we can also provide summer classes.
<2> Since the opening of the Korean School of New England, this is the first time something like this has
happened and we are deeply concerned about the safety of our students. The following content
contains information about registration cancellations.
1) Accordingly, the teachers' association plans on adding more detailed explanations to the assignments that will be posted on homepage in the future.
2) In the advanced courses yesterday, we have begun discussions with experts to try out using Zoom & YouTube and online lecture methods in the case that a prolonged school break occurs.
3) If it is decided that a prolonged school break will take place, open classes on April & May holidays and a deduction of the registration fee for the new school year in September will be discussed for current students.
4) Instead of cancellation, students can choose to stay at home and continue homework and schoolwork at the pace of students in school. If the situation subsides, students can re-attend school at any moment. They will take a test at the end of the semester and will be able to continue their progress through the courses without a problem in September.
5) Students that decide to drop school will be re-evaluated when they enroll in September and will be reassigned to their appropriate class level, and a re-registration fee of $150 will be administered. Thus, the above method will most likely be more beneficial.
6) If registrations are canceled within 3 weeks of the start of the semester, refunds excluding the 20% administration fee will be given back. After this period, no refunds will be given.
<3> The Teachers' Association and Parents' Association are paying the utmost attention and care to this situation.
The Korean School of New England places the safety of our students, families, and teachers as its highest
priority and follows all recommendations and instructions by the CDC and the city of Newton.
Korean School of New England families will be notified as soon as the city of Newton, Oak Hill Middle
School administration, and school parents make the decision to close the school due to the COVID-19.
Doctors say the best way to boost your immunity is to wash your hands and drink water frequently.
Yesterday, the state of Massachusetts declared a state of emergency, and we pray for this issue to pass soon.
With best wishes,
Principal Il Nam
Korean School of New England