Yongsan begins new school year

By Cpl. Samuel Han (IMCOM)August 28, 2012

Yongsan begins new school year
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Yongsan begins new school year
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YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea -- Children from elementary, middle and high school crowded the school grounds on U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan for the first day of school, Aug. 27.

As parents and children visited the registrar's office, students bragged to friends about their new class schedules. Within the first hour of school, hallways and classrooms at Seoul American High School, Seoul American Middle School and Seoul American Elementary School were bustling with activity as children made their way to their respective classes and began the new school semester.

Alondra Cosme, a sixth grader, said that this would be her first school semester at SAMS. Her family had arrived in Seoul four months earlier. For several others like Cosme, going to school on USAG Yongsan would be a brand new experience.

"I heard that this school is really great, so I'm excited to start school," Cosme said.

Although adjusting to a new Community can sometimes be a tough experience, Cosme said that she felt welcome on the garrison because she was able to make friends over the summer. Cosme explained that she had attended summer camp at SAHS where she was able to meet friends who helped her get adjusted to Yongsan.

In addition to helping Servicemembers, Families and Civilians get assimilated to life on the garrison, academics has been a primary area of focus for Department of Defense Dependent Schools. This is in line with its Korea mission statement: "The mission of the Korea district is to provide an exemplary education that inspires and prepares all Department of Defense Education Activity students for success in a dynamic, global environment."

Schools on USAG Yongsan have achieved high levels of academic achievement each year. Based on statistics obtained from DoDEA's official website, SAHS ranks in the top 15 percent of high school academics, providing students an exceptional education. By maintaining high academic standards, schools on USAG Yongsan would prepare students to become Leaders.

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