Dear Parents,

Hello, I am Jay Lee, the principal of Arumdaun Korean School.

Since March, 1976, when The Arumdaun Korean School received an authorization from the New York State education department as the United Korean Schools of Long Island, we have taught children with a mission that we should strengthen the root of children.

It already has been 3 years that I have worked as a principal, but I remember every work I have tried for quality of education and interest of children as if it has been done yesterday. I am very thankful and feel sorry at the same time to our teachers for their mission in their mine, which is to teach Korean language and culture for whom lead a future, also to parents of our students for their tremendous support to this school.

Along with that, I feel rewarded seeing students learning and graduating. Especially seeing them enjoying Korean culture in Chuseok(Korean Thanksgiving) event of this school wearing Hanbok makes me feel much rewarded as a teacher.

Teachers have tried their best from the vacation time to now through several inner and outer seminars, but I feel sad for one thing that the average knowledge of Korean language is getting lower in every Korean schools in U.S. because recently the rate of using English in home is increased a lot.

With this serious worry, we have prepared programs as below.

First, excellent faculty members with faith
We hire teachers have faith to God, passion for teaching, love for children, and skill to teach.

The applicants for a teacher should have a teacher’s certificate, a certificate of teaching Korean, or proper careers. Also, we run internships for would-be teachers and our teachers have to participate all inside and outside training programs. They prepare classes before every week and every semester, making and reviewing great lesson plans for a methodical education.

Second, well-organized curriculums and intensive classes
By applying a standard curriculum for overseas Koreans and five curricular steps from The National Association for Korean Schools (NAKS), we offer students a well-organized education. 15 classes are divided into five parts (3 introduction classes, 3 basic classes, 3 beginner’s classes, 3 intermediate classes, and 3 advanced classes) with careful consideration of each student’s age and knowledge about Korean.

Additionally, we operates 2 intensive classes to reduce the academic stress of beginning students because many new students this semester have not learned or used Korean before this school. In kindergarten classes, we adds 1 more class to reduce the student-teacher ratio.

Third, the Bible is a basic subject
Every class has the Quiet Time (Q.T.) during the class hours. The Words of God and raising children in God are the foundation of our education. Every Saturday morning, teachers read phrase from the bible and pray together to teach students with love of God.

Fourth, students participate in one of high-quality extra-curricular activities
In order to help a deeper understanding of Korean & Korean culture and to arouse interest of students, Arumdaun Korean School selected several great activities among all programs we had.

During the last semester, students could choose only 1 special class per semester, but we found out the system could made them losing interest in the special classes. Therefore, students will be participated in different classes in every 2 or 3 weeks this semester.

Students in age of 3-4 will keep learn Taekwondo and in age of 5 will newly learn the school choir. Introduction classes will be in 5 special classes (Korean Dance, Storytelling, Arts Crafts, Taekwondo, and Choir), the upper classes will be in 4 classes (Korean percussion quartet, Cultural history, Media, and Calligraphy) this semester.

Moreover, there will be a booklet about Arumdaun Korean School at the end of semester to give information to parents about every school activities.

Fifth, classes of seniors, SAT II, and adults
Especially, we have had a graduation of eighth-grade students who have studied at Arumdaun Korean School at least two years. We had 6 graduate students last spring, and they are serving as teaching assistants at this school. Through it, the graduates are proud of their graduation of Arumdaun Korean School. We are also planning to offer a SAT II and an adults’ class for people at the grade of 9th or higher.

Lastly, Arundaum Korean School has been operating and developing with amazing love of parents. Thank you for your constant praying and support.

Thank you

Sincerely,

Jay Lee, The principal
Arumdaun Korean School.