Welcome to KAS Middle School!
With 200 students in grades 6–8, our middle school offers a small school feel with a strong sense of community. We prioritize collaborative and student-centered learning driven by the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme to ensure that our students are supported as they grow physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually.
A well-rounded education gives our learners the chance to explore their interests and passions before they enter high school. Student-led clubs and a weekly advisory program, as well as our athletic and arts programs, offer opportunities for students to develop leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that are critical to their growth as learners and balanced individuals.
I’m incredibly grateful for our dedicated and experienced team of teachers and staff who provide a supportive and engaging learning environment, and a fun and challenging education that is tailored to each of our middle school student’s needs.
Ms. Chelsea Armstrong
Middle School Principal
The IB Middle Years Programme
KAS is accredited as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering the internationally recognized and proven IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). Through these programs, KAS students are challenged across the spectrum of subjects as they reach their learning potential and fulfill all the areas of the IB Learner Profile. The Profile includes 10 attributes that nurture active, compassionate, lifelong learners and align with the KAS Learner Profile.
The MYP is a dynamic learning framework that encourages students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world. The MYP is a five-year program, which is implemented in both KAS’ Middle School (grades 6–8) and High School (grades 9–10). In MYP classes, students are asked to go beyond exams, essays, and presentations. They are provided with a broad range of learning experiences, assessments, and resources to help them inquire into the unit’s key ideas. The MYP helps students grow holistically and culminates in the Personal Project.
Cultivating community through Advisory & BIG Time
Middle school students come together every week for joyful and educational activities that expand learning, improve well-being, and promote cooperation. During Advisory, social and emotional learning lessons are given in a safe and supportive environment. BIG Time gives students the chance to participate in student-led clubs, enrichment activities, house competitions, assemblies, and focus time.
Fostering wellbeing through social & emotional learning
Our dedicated counselor supports students, teachers, and parents in situations that may involve social and emotional growth, building personal relationships, or other student concerns that are common to middle schoolers around the world.
Envision Formosa - A KAS Signature Experience
Envision Formosa is our signature middle school outdoor education experience, where education meets adventure, and students emerge not only academically enriched but also as compassionate, service-oriented leaders.
Embark on an Adventure
Envision Formosa offers immersive overnight trips, where students explore the wonders of the natural environment, environmental stewardship, and leadership. We offer carefully curated learning experiences across grades 6-8 for students to be independent while cultivating learner attributes such as social and communication skills. This adventure is not just about exploring the outdoors; it’s about fostering personal growth and embracing the KAS learner profile.
Beyond the Classroom
The program bridges academic learning with real-world experiences by encouraging students to seek meaningful connections between their studies and the community. By doing so, they gain a profound appreciation for the world they inhabit and a sense of responsibility and service towards the community at large..
Building Well-Rounded Leaders
In today’s competitive academic landscape, colleges and universities seek candidates who are not just academically proficient but also well-rounded individuals. Envision Formosa goes beyond traditional learning, emphasizing the cultivation of ethical citizenship, development of practical skills, habits of mind, and a commitment to service. This holistic approach prepares our students as leaders who are ready to make a positive impact on the world.
Keeping Up with the Dragons
Useful Downloads
Meet our Team
Jessica Acholonu MYP/DP Language & Literature
Jessica Acholonu MYP/DP Language & Literature
Originally from New Jersey, Jessica is joining the KAS MYP & DP Language & Literature team. She holds a BA in English from Temple University and an M.Ed in Educational Leadership from Rowan University. She has taught in The United States, Myanmar, and Guatemala, and is excited to begin this next adventure in Taiwan alongside the KAS community. Jessica describes herself as a lifelong learner and deeply passionate about literature, critical thinking, and creating space to include diverse voices and experiences. When she’s not teaching; she loves discovering new restaurants, reading, hiking, baking/cooking, and learning to dance salsa.
Kristi Bell Librarian
Kristi Bell Librarian
Kristi Bell our KAS Head Librarian. She received her Bachelors of Business Administration from Oklahoma Christian University in 2000 and her Masters of Library Science from University of Oklahoma in 2004. She is certified by the Oklahoma State Department of Education as a Media Specialist for PK–12. After receiving her Masters, Kristi worked as the Reference and Instructional Librarian at Southwestern State University. More recently, Kristi worked as the Elementary Librarian at Ruamrudee International School for five years in Bangkok, Thailand, supporting parents, faculty, and students in their literacy needs. Kristi is joined at KAS by her husband, who works as a photographer, and their two cats.
Monica Cho MYP Language & Literature
Monica Cho MYP Language & Literature
Ms. Cho will teach grade 6 and 7 language and literature this year. She was born and raised in Korea and attended an international school from middle to high school. She spent a few years abroad in Canada which exposed her to the world outside of her home country. Ms. Cho obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Secondary Education from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, then worked as an RA and MYP Humanities and ELL teacher in Korea. 🇰🇷 Ms. Cho loves learning and developing new skills. This year, she has started learning to play the guitar and speak and read Chinese! In her free time, she loves watching Formula 1 and going to watch musicals. She’s looking forward to her new adventure in Taiwan!
YJ Choi MYP Design
YJ Choi MYP Design
Originally from Korea, YoungJin has led an international life since 2001, starting with 10 years in Taiwan and 4 years in Chicago as a student. She will join the KAS community in 2022, teaching design and technology integration in the MYP. YoungJin has a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts with an Emphasis in Art Education from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. YoungJin taught elementary school art in Indianapolis USA for one year, and in Macau for three years. She has taught grade 6–12 art in Vietnam for the last three years. YoungJin loves taking photos, traveling, swimming, painting, playing board games, and trying new things. She will be returning to Taiwan with her husband John Rios who is in the IT field.
Paloma Corella MYP/DP Spanish
Paloma Corella MYP/DP Spanish
Originally from Valencia, Spain, Paloma has been living and teaching overseas for the last nine years. During her 12 years as an educator, her experiences have led her across Spain, Nepal, India, Singapore, and UAE, teaching the IB MYP and DP curriculum and serving as an IB DP Examiner. Fostering her love of lifelong learning, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Hispanic Philology and a master’s degree in Teaching Spanish from the University of Valencia, and another master’s degree in Teaching Spanish from the University of Alcalá. She will be joining KAS with her husband, Miguel, and her 4-year-old daughter, Chloe.
Gulian Fang MYP Chinese Language Acquisition
Gulian Fang MYP Chinese Language Acquisition
Gulian is excited to continue being a member of the KAS community in her new role as MYP Chinese Language Acquisition teacher and MS teaching assistant. She joined the KAS family in 2019 as a 4th grade TA and served as a TA leader in 2022. Prior to KAS, Gulian had various experiences in teaching Mandarin. She was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship and worked as the Foreign Language Teaching Assistant at Western Kentucky University in 2018. Gulian also has experience working as a Mandarin teacher in both the Critical Language Scholarship program and the Taiwan Intensive Summer Language Program. Currently, she is pursuing her Masters degree in the field of Teaching Chinese as a Second/Foreign Language at National Kaohsiung Normal University and continuing her professional development through the IB program. Gulian has a great enthusiasm for education, as demonstrated through her various roles in teaching English and Chinese as a Second Language through the years.
Celine Fournier MYP Art
Celine Fournier MYP Art
Celine Fournier joined the KAS community in 2021 as an IB MYP Art and Design Teacher. She has a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago with a focus on painting and animation. She completed her MPhil in Arts, Creativity, and Education at the University of Cambridge with Distinction and received a “Best Dissertation Award”. She is also certified in TESOL and trained in both MYP visual arts and design. Passionate about art and education, she worked as an Education Assistant at the Chicago Artists Coalition where she participated in curriculum planning and management for emerging artists. She was the Visual Design Coordinator of the 2019 Kaohsiung International Piano Festival. Celine is also a visual artist who paints fragments of her everyday life and constructs them into irregular-shaped self-portraits. Her works were recently exhibited at the Auction Center Taipei. In her leisure time, Celine enjoys hiking, working on ceramics, as well as visiting art museums and galleries. As a KAS alumna, she is thrilled to be back!
Todd Fu MYP Japanese
Todd Fu MYP Japanese
Todd is a lively and enthusiastic young man who likes Japanese culture, history, and food. He also loves to travel and explore Japan alone. He graduated from the Japanese Department of Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages at 20 and later obtained the JLPT N1 certificate. Outside of school, he is also keen on teaching Chinese to Japanese. Todd will join KAS in the new semester as a MYP Japanese teacher. He completed the KAS internship this year and is studying for a master’s degree at National Kaohsiung Normal University, continuing to improve his teaching major and IB courses. Todd enjoys being creative and using new technology to teach students, and he can’t wait to join the BIG KAS family.
Chikako Fukuyo MYP/DP Japanese
Chikako Fukuyo MYP/DP Japanese
Chikako joined KAS in 2003. She graduated from Australian Catholic University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Teaching degree. Chikako then became a certified Japanese Language Teacher by completing training from New Global Language Training Center in Tokyo. She teaches Middle and High School Japanese. Chikako has been trained in the MYP and in both IBDP Japanese B and Ab-Initio. Chikako has a husband and two children, and enjoys cooking and traveling with them.
Diana Garcia MYP Individuals & Societies
Diana Garcia MYP Individuals & Societies
Diana is originally from Colombia, holds a B.A in Modern Languages and a Masters in Leadership and Management in Education. She has experience teaching History and Geography in the IB, IMYC, and Cambridge-based curricula and is also an MYP examiner. She began teaching in international schools in Colombia, then moved to teach in Gabon, Central Africa, and later moved to Asia to teach in Vietnam. Besides teaching, Diana has also been a Model UN advisor. Diana is passionate about music and cultures, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Harold Hernández MYP/DP Spanish
Harold Hernández MYP/DP Spanish
Originally from Bogota, Colombia, Harold Hernández C will join KAS in 2022, teaching MYP/DP Spanish B. He holds a BA from La Salle University in Teaching English, Spanish, and French, and a MA from the European Atlantic University (Spain) in Applied Linguistics with an emphasis on teaching Spanish as a second language. Furthermore, he has studied drama, which has benefited his teaching career as he can incorporate new language techniques into his classes. Harold is an experienced IB Teacher. Harold has taught in PYP as a Primary Homeroom Teacher and MYP and DP as a Spanish B Teacher. In addition to being an IBO workshop leader (MYP Language Acquisition) and examiner (MYP Personal Project and Spanish Language and Literature), he is also a TEFL-certified teacher. Running marathons, reading, traveling, and spending time outside with his family are a few of Harold’s favorite things. Harold, his wife Angélica, and their little daughter Guadalupe look forward to having an unforgettable and happy time in Kaohsiung.
Cheng-Wei Hsieh MYP Music
Cheng-Wei Hsieh MYP Music
Born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, the versatile musician Cheng-Wei Hsieh is passionate about teaching and coaching chamber music having previously served as a Teacher Assistant for the string area at the University of Houston Moores School of Music from 2016-19. During the assistantship, he taught violin private lessons, group technique class, and chamber music at undergraduate level. From 2021, Hsieh taught as a string instructor at the Bob Hope School and Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan Middle School. He was in charge of group violin lessons, music theory classes, and music appreciation classes. Besides school teaching, Hsieh maintained a private studio in the Houston metropolitan area, working with students of all ages and levels. Since 2017, Hsieh has been invited to teach and perform as a violin faculty in the Encuentro Anual de Cuerdas, a pedagogical outreach program based in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Hsieh holds his Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Houston Moores School of Music, Master of Music degree from the University of North Texas, and Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance from Tunghai University in Taichung, Taiwan.
Angela Hsu Aquatics Director
Angela Hsu Aquatics Director
This year, Ms. Hsu has accepted the role of Aquatics Director after years of experience in the department. Angela Hsu joined KAS in 2016 as an Aquatic assistant/lifeguard. She earned her BA from Kaohsiung Medical University in Sports Medicine and her MA from National Kaohsiung Normal University in Physical Education. She continued to obtain her teaching certificate in the States of Hawaii. Angela is a certified lifeguard and Lifesaving Coach, fitness coach, volleyball referee, and coach, and has her EMT license. Angela has experienced be an athletic trainer for local, national, and international events, including the National Games in Taiwan and ACAMIS in Hong Kong and China. She also leads the girls’ varsity volleyball team and took them to the championship during 2018-2020 for 3 years. She and her sister live together in Kaohsiung; they enjoy traveling, cooking, swimming, and watching movies.
Nancy Huang Middle School Secretary
Nancy Huang Middle School Secretary
Nancy Huang is the middle school secretary and works at the KAS reception desk. Nancy joined KAS in 2013. Before she transitioned to the main office, she worked as a library assistant, then as prekindergarten and Grade 5 assistant. Nancy graduated from Wenzao Ursuline College of Languages where she majored in English. Nancy enjoys working with students and parents, helping answer their questions, translating, chaperoning trips, or supporting our teachers. In her free time, Nancy enjoys eating out with friends and family.
Erica Jheng Library Assistant
Erica Jheng Library Assistant
Erica Jheng joined KAS in 2012 as a teaching assistant. She earned her Associate of Arts degree from Wenzao Ursuline College of Languages in Kaohsiung. She has been assisting in upper elementary classes at KAS since 2012, and after a long stint in Grade 5, will be starting the 2022 school year in the Library. Ms. Jheng is originally from Chiayi and she loves reading, music, and movies so much that she can’t live without them. She also loves to explore the beauty of nature with her family and friends. Erica has a husband, A-Jia, and two sons, Banks and Nick.
Colleen Johnson MYP Math
Colleen Johnson MYP Math
Graduate of Trevecca Nazarene University with Masters in Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction. Colleen has more than twenty years teaching experience in Middle School Math and Science. A native of Tennessee, she has lived on three continents and traveled extensively, which is her passion! She has one daughter who lives in Taiwan with her husband.
Gloria Kao MYP Chinese
Gloria Kao MYP Chinese
Gloria Kao has taught at KAS since 1990. She currently teaches High School Chinese. Gloria holds a teaching degree from the ‘Department of Chinese Language and Culture for International Students’ at National Taiwan Normal University. Gloria has been trained in DP Literature, MYP Language & Literature, and CAS. Gloria previously served as the DP CAS Coordinator for 4 years. Gloria has a strong passion for community outreach and community service and enjoys sharing this with students in her role as High School Community Service Coordinator. In addition, Gloria leads the KAS Community Service Club, Orphanage Club, Red Cross Club, Zonta clubs, Charity Art Club, Food Bank Donation, and Shou-Shan ES Teaching Club. Outside of school, Gloria enjoys listening to classical music and operas, as well as visiting museums.
Kolas MYP Coordinator/MYP Language & Literature
Kolas MYP Coordinator/MYP Language & Literature
I am a proud Taiwanese indigenous Amis-American international educator. I grew up in the United States and attended private and public schools in the Northeast. My family are Taiwanese scholars and academics. My range of experiences in the Education sector as a professional multi-certified teacher, seminar instructor, and instructional coach empower me to serve and advise KAS families. In 2011, I was selected to Cohort 8 of the Boston Teacher Residency, a Harvard Kennedy School of Government award-winning clinical teacher preparation program modeled on medical school residency. In addition to being MYP Coordinator at KAS, I am a competitive triathlete in Taiwan, and I believe in the power of storytelling as the primary vehicle for teaching, exploring community and identity. When I’m not in schools, you can find me cycling in Taiwan’s mountains, running along rivers, reading, and spending quality time with my wife and family in Boston, Massachusetts.
Irene Lee MYP/DP Chinese
Irene Lee MYP/DP Chinese
Irene Lee joined KAS as a high school Chinese teacher in 2018. She holds an M.Ed degree from National Kaohsiung Normal University. She has been trained in DP Literature, Language & Literature, and MYP Language & Literature courses. She has a strong passion for all classical and contemporary literature, and also enjoys sharing this with students in her role. Before coming to KAS, she taught as a DP/MYP teacher since 2006. She also has two lovely children; an older girl and a younger boy. She loves to travel, reading, watch movies, and be with her family.
John Lin MYP Chinese
John Lin MYP Chinese
John became part of the KAS community in 2015. He is an MYP/DP Language & Literature trained and experienced teacher. John earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at National Changhua University of Education and has his certificate from the Education Ministry of Taiwan. Mr. Lin has eight years of experience as an international school teacher and now he is teaching middle school Chinese. When not in school, John likes to watch different kinds of movies and dramas. That gives him lots of inspiration for teaching.
Elizabeth Marvel MYP Individuals & Societies
Elizabeth Marvel MYP Individuals & Societies
Elizabeth (she/her) joined the KAS community in 2022 as a middle school humanities teacher. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Elizabeth spent time in Osaka, Japan, and Oxford, England while growing up. Elizabeth graduated from Northwestern University with a B.A. in Middle Eastern and Asian history. She went on to earn a M.A. in Ottoman History from Ohio State. Elizabeth has taught history, cultural studies, and English as an Additional Language in the United States, Turkey, and China. She has also held roles in independent school and higher education admissions. A forever student of history, Elizabeth enjoys reading and learning languages. She is looking forward to exploring Taiwan with her partner, Noah Dvorak, who will be a college counselor.
Avi Megiddo MYP Design
Avi Megiddo MYP Design
Avi is joining the KAS community in 2022, teaching design and technology integration in the MYP. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Science from U.C. Berkeley, and a master’s degree in Education from Purdue University, where he majored in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in Learning Design and Technology. Avi has taught SAT preparation and Secondary Mathematics in the United States, ESL in South Korea, and MYP Design and DP Computer Science in Taiwan. Avi is passionate about inspiring students to develop a growth mindset and reach their full potential. In his free time, Avi enjoys cycling, hiking, cooking, brainteasers, and keeping up with current events.
Clint Munkholm MYP Math
Clint Munkholm MYP Math
Clint Munkholm MYP Math Clint hails originally from Alberta, Canada, but has lived in Taiwan for over 20 years. While he graduated with a B.Sc. in Ecology, his career has included a broad array of experience, including Environmental Education, Ecological Design, Electrical Engineering, and the design of green buildings. He has over 10 years of teaching in both public and private schools, community colleges, and via his own hands-on maker workshop, working with children to develop the skills needed to design and build their own creations. He is passionate about helping students practically apply their learning. Clint, a “Tainan son-in-law”, has been part of the KAS family for 10 years, with two sons who are KAS alumni, and a daughter in middle school. In his spare time, he enjoys woodworking, fermenting, rooftop gardening, community composting, and aquaponics.
Vincent Pan MYP Health & Physical Education
Vincent Pan MYP Health & Physical Education
Vincent will be joining KAS at the start of the school year as an MYP PE teacher. He came to KAS in 2018 as a Teacher Assistant and Lifeguard. He was also the Head Coach of the Girl’s Junior Varsity and Varsity teams from 2019–2021. He graduated from Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages in 2014. During college, he was a rollerblade and volleyball athlete. Vincent is a certified lifeguard, lifesaving, and swimming coach. He recently completed his Teacher Preparation Certificate Program in June 2021 at Moreland University. Vincent loves surfing and all kinds of sports. He is currently teaching HS PE at KAS and is extremely excited to take on his new role as the MYP PE Teacher.
Jitesh Pattni MYP Science
Jitesh Pattni MYP Science
Jitesh teaches MYP Science. He brings with him 11 years of experience as a fisheries biologist on the Oregon coast where he led the research of salmonid population dynamics and harvest rates to ensure a sustainable future for the species. He received his BA in Environmental Studies and Economics from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, and is currently working towards completing his Master’s in Education. When Jitesh isn’t on campus, he helps organize the Kaohsiung Ultimate League and can often be found on the ultimate frisbee field. You’ll frequently spot him in his wife Kali’s 4th-grade classroom, playing with his amazing daughter, Ilia, in Aozihdi Park, or crooning to his baby boy, Grey.
Pon Peng MS Teaching Assistant
Pon Peng MS Teaching Assistant
Pon Peng Teaching Assistant Pon Peng joined the KAS family in 2012. She was born and raised in Kaohsiung and loves this city very much. She earned her BA in Applied Foreign Languages from SUE-TE University in Kaohsiung City. Pon worked as a teaching assistant for several years in Grades 3 and 4; she is now working in Grade 2. Pon combined work and travel by working in the United States during the summers she was studying in university. She worked in Colorado for two months in a peach factory; in Ohio for three months at Cedar Point Amusement Park; and at Los Angeles International Airport for one year as a ground service agent for EVA Air. Pon then went to Canada and worked for two years in Vancouver. She really enjoys working with children at KAS and thinks of KAS as her second family.
Laura Rollison MS Learning Support Coordinator
Laura Rollison MS Learning Support Coordinator
Ms. Laura Rollison taught Middle School Humanities at KAS 2021-22. In the fall of 2022, she became our learning support coordinator for MS/HS. Laura is a graduate of NYU and Dartmouth College, and has been teaching English, EAL, and Humanities in international schools since 2012. Most recently, Laura taught at ICS Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, and at the American Embassy School in New Delhi. Living and working in Taiwan has brought her a new cultural awareness of East Asia, giving her a feeling of respect and gratitude for the opportunity to be here at KAS.
Amos Ruffer MS English Language Acquisition
Amos Ruffer MS English Language Acquisition
Amos Ruffer joined KAS in 2022 as the EAL (English as an Additional Language) teacher in MS. He graduated from Ohio State and initially taught 5 years of Elementary PE. After gaining Learning Support certification, he taught for 4 years in the Denver area and was most recently at the American International School of Dhaka for 4 years with his partner, Jean Tsai, and 3-year old daughter Emory. Amos loves being active, eating spicy foods, and will be ready to explore all parts of Taiwan!
Winnie Shen MS Counselor
Winnie Shen MS Counselor
I stepped into the Psychology and counseling field in 2002 and hold a M.ED and an Ed.S. in Marriage and Family Counseling from the Counselor Education, University of Florida. With more than 15 years of clinical experience in working with children, adolescents, and adults at various settings including a school, a hospital, and a college counseling center, I am very enthusiastic about interacting with students as well as helping and supporting them when they are in need. I was a National Certified Counselor in the US from 2011 to 2017 and am currently a certified Counseling Psychologist in Taiwan. I was born and raised in Kaohsiung and grew up in a lovely family that enjoys travel. When I visit or live in other cities or countries, I embrace diversity and cherish every moment that I get to learn from other cultures. I am honored to be a counselor at KAS and excited to work in this great and diverse community in my hometown.
Audrey Sifunganyambe MS Teaching Assistant
Audrey Sifunganyambe MS Teaching Assistant
Audrey Sifunganyambe, a proud Zambian national, is currently in her second year at KAS. She spent her adult life in Germany, Norway and Dubai where she gained an appreciation of diverse cultures. Ms. Audrey prides herself for being an extremely energetic, enthusiastic and self-motivated individual. She has a background in sales and marketing and holds education qualifications in travel and tourism. Ms. Audrey is enjoying her time at KAS as a 1:1 Paraprofessional where she is able to contribute to bettering the lives of students. She is also very actively involved in girls’ soccer at the school, where she is currently the Middle and High school soccer coach. Her interests include soccer (which she played professionally in her younger days), cooking, traveling, working with children, music and current affairs.
Wendy Weng MS English Language Acquisition
Wendy Weng MS English Language Acquisition
Wendy joined KAS in July, 2004 as an elementary ELL teacher. She graduated from Fu-Jen Catholic University with a BA in English Literature and earned her MA in Education from the University of Texas. She has certification in English and ELL teaching from Montana State University and has training and experience in MYP. Wendy currently teaches middle and high school ELL. She loves working with ELL students; she is always amazed at how much progress students can make and feels proud of them. When not working, Wendy enjoys spending time with her husband and son.
Tina Wu MYP Math/Service Learning Coordinator