Taipei American School Upper School Handbook | SY22-23

STUDENT AND PARENT HANDBOOK

TAIPEI AMERICAN SCHOOL SCHOOL YEAR 2022-2023

Last Updated January 30, 2023

At Taipei American School we offer countless opportunities for students to discover more about the world and about themselves. We proudly celebrate the diversity of perspectives, experiences, and talents represented throughout our community and strive to foster an inclusive and positive learning environment. Our commitment is to cultivate an enduring commitment to learning, personal well-being, and service. We aim to develop students of character who are committed to making the world a better place. It is our hope not only that our students thrive academically at Taipei American School, but also that they will make friends, discover passions, draw on strengths, rebound from failures, and enjoy the educational journey.

Taipei American School is a community that relies on its members to ensure a positive experience for everyone. We believe that our values of honesty, respect, responsibility, kindness, and courage are fundamental and are the overarching expected standards for behavior. This handbook introduces campus rules and regulations as well as guidelines for student behavior. It is designed to provide helpful information that will enable students and parents to experience the fullest of what Taipei American School has to offer. We require both parents and students to read and acknowledge their understanding of the guidelines in the handbook as part of the reenrollment process.

Like any good school, Taipei American School is always evolving, so even longtime students and parents are encouraged to read the handbook again. This handbook is not exhaustive, nor is it intended to be, nor does it contractually bind Taipei American School. We reserve the right to modify, add or depart from, or replace this information without notice. Changes to the handbook will be made to this electronic version, so please bookmark this page. In addition, information about academic offerings and graduation requirements can be found in the course catalog, and information specific to the school year can be found in the TAS Parent Zone and on the all-school calendar.

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2022-2023 Upper School Student and Parent Handbook

Last Updated January 30, 2023

2 Mission, Essential Capacities, School Values, Upper School Honor Code, and Community Commitment Statement

Mission Statement

Taipei American School’s mission is to cultivate an enduring commitment to learning, personal well-being, and service. We provide a broad American-based education with a global perspective that develops students of character who are committed to making the world a better place.

Essential Capacities

In addition to a rigorous academic program, and a focus on academic and personal excellence, TAS students will develop:

Analytical and Creative Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

• Identify, manage and address problems

• Formulate meaningful questions

• Use trial and error; devise and test solutions to problems

• Imagine alternatives

• Engage in sustained reasoning; persevere

• Use knowledge and creativity to solve “real world” problems

Leadership and Teamwork Skills

• Resolve conflicts

• Engage in and facilitate group discussions

• Enlist help and self-advocate

• Collaborate sensitively and productively with people of varied backgrounds

• Set and meet goals

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2022-2023 Upper School Student and Parent Handbook

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Complex Communication – Oral and Written

• Understand and express ideas in two or more languages

• Communicate clearly to diverse audiences

• Listen attentively

• Speak effectively

• Write clearly and concisely for a variety of audiences

• Explain information and persuade others of its implications

Digital and Quantitative Literacy Skills

• Understand, use and apply digital technologies

• Use multimedia resources to communicate ideas effectively in a variety of formats

• Understand traditional and emerging topics in math, science/environmental science, technology and robotics

Global Perspective

• Develop open-mindedness, particularly regarding the values and traditions of others

• Develop facility with one or more international languages

• Use technology to connect with people and events globally

Integrity and Ethical Decision-Making Skills

• Sustain an empathetic and compassionate outlook

• Foster integrity, honesty, fairness, and respect

• Exhibit moral courage in confronting unjust situations

• Act responsibly with the interests and well-being of the community in mind

Adaptability, Initiative and Risk-taking Knowledge

• Develop flexibility and adaptability

• Bring a sense of courage to unfamiliar situations

• Explore, experiment, and develop independence

• View failure as an opportunity to learn, and acknowledge that innovation involves small successes and frequent mistakes

• Use creativity and innovation to produce things that are unique and that have value and meaning

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Wellness

• Develop emotional regulation, adaptability and creativity through play opportunities

• Build a growth mindset by fostering optimism, flexibility and resilience

• Engage in homework that is purposeful and appropriate

• Participate in programs that promote mental, social, emotional and physical development (PE, field trips, etc.)

School Values

The values of the Taipei American School were developed by representatives from all of the School’s stakeholder groups: students, parents, faculty, administrators, and support staff. Our school’s mission statement states that we will “cultivate an enduring commitment to learning, personal well-being, and service” and “[develop] students of character who are committed to making the world a better place.” Toward this end, we have accepted the following school values, as noted below. In the enrollment contract, parents agree that their child’s opportunity to attend Taipei American School is contingent at all times upon all members of the family both being a good fit for the School’s community and honoring our standards for civility, courtesy, and respect toward other students, faculty, and staff as embodied in our values of honesty, respect, responsibility, kindness, and courage, in all cases as determined in the sole discretion of the head of school.

Honesty

We will be honest with ourselves and others in all our endeavors, including academic pursuits. We tell the truth even if it is difficult and may not benefit us. Being truthful builds trust and unites us.

Respect

We embrace differences in opinions, identities, and backgrounds. Our actions and words always represent consideration and appreciation of each other and ourselves.

Responsibility

We are part of a broader community and we strive to be trustworthy, reliable, and accountable to ourselves, others, and our environment. We take ownership and accept the consequences of our words and actions. We uphold all TAS values.

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Kindness

We are considerate, compassionate, and caring of each other and ourselves. We practice empathy and help others in need even if they don’t ask or it’s inconvenient, without the expectation of any return.

Courage

We stand up for what we believe is right. We encourage each other to express different viewpoints and to take risks, especially when it is neither easy nor popular. We are not afraid of challenges or failure because we are resilient.

Upper School Honor Code

I pledge to do my best to promote honesty; I expect others to promote honesty, too.

I pledge to do my best to respect others and their property; I expect others to do their best to respect me and my property.

I pledge to assume responsibility for my words and deeds; I expect others to assume responsibility for theirs.

I pledge to do my best to treat others with kindness; I expect others to do their best to do the same.

I pledge to be courageous and stand up for these values; I expect others to demonstrate courage through their actions.

Community Commitment Statement

As a community of students, parents, families, faculty, administration, staff, board members, and alumni, we will foster a culture of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion that embodies anti-bias action and accountability. We commit ourselves and our peers to live the TAS values and to do the work necessary to maintain an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming environment for all. We will continue to question and challenge our own biases and privileges and use our experiences to empower our community. The JEDI Committee’s work and related information is available on the TAS website here.

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As students, we will...

• Do our part to foster a more inclusive, caring, and supportive community.

• Empower ourselves and peers to speak out against acts of injustice and exclusionary behaviors and speech.

• Challenge ourselves and our peers to live the TAS values.

• Commit to supporting our peers in the full diversity of their identities and experiences.

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2022-2023 Upper School Student and Parent Handbook

Last Updated January 30, 2023

3

Useful Contact Information and Links

Phone

• TAS Main Number 02-7750-9900

• Upper School Office (Attendance Secretary) Ext. 211

• Upper School Academic and Personal Counseling Office Ext. 224

• Upper School College Counseling Office Ext. 228

• Guardhouse Ext. 317

For more contact information, please use the School’s faculty and staff directory. Please note that a sign-in is required to view the contact information in the TAS Parent Zone (parent portal).

Web links

• TAS Website: https://www.tas.edu.tw

• TAS Parent Portal: https://www.tas.edu.tw/parent-zone

• PowerSchool Parent Sign-in: https://taspsapps02.tas.edu.tw/public/

• TAS Faculty and Staff Directory: https://www.tas.edu.tw/parent-zone/parentschool-communication/staff-directory

• TAS Academic Calendar: https://www.tas.edu.tw/school-life/school-calendar

• TAS Safeguarding Page: https://www.tas.edu.tw/safeguarding/home

• TAS Wellness Page: https://www.tas.edu.tw/safeguarding/wellness

• TAS Board of Directors Corner: https://www.tas.edu.tw/parent-zone/board

Parent School Communication

Parents are asked to refer to the parent-school communication page on the school website when they need to communicate matters regarding their students. The web page lays out the communication channels used at TAS to help parents identify the right person to contact when questions arise.

http://www.tas.edu.tw/divisional-handbooks/home/upper-school-handbook

http://www.tas.edu.tw/divisional-handbooks/home/upper-school-handbook

5 Academics

As a member school of National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), our commitment to academic rigor is a given. Our commitment to community, character education, and exploring passion is what makes us TAS. The academic program consists of required courses and a wide range of elective courses. Students may choose from standard level, honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) individual classes or full diploma. The Taipei American School program is accredited by WASC and leads to an American high school diploma

Graduation Requirements

Four years (eight semesters) of upper school attendance is required with 22 credits earned in Grades 9–12. One credit is awarded for completion of a full-year course. More specific information on graduation requirements is available in the course catalog.

International Baccalaureate and IB Diploma

All students who take IB courses must sit the IB exam in order to receive IB credit and a weighted grade.

Advanced Placement and Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone Diploma

All students who take AP courses must sit the AP exam in order to receive AP credit and a weighted grade.

Homework

Homework is a necessary part of the learning process and a legitimate demand on the non-class time of students. More specific information on homework is available in our course catalog

Tutors

In cases where the Upper School deems necessary, the counseling office may assist in arranging a school-sanctioned tutor for a student, and the School may permit the tutoring to take place on campus. The approved tutor must have relevant credentials, have passed the required background check, and display a school-issued visitor’s ID at all times while on campus. (In such case, all fees are negotiated directly between the parent and the tutor and are independent of the School.) Tutoring may only take place

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2022-2023 Upper School Student and Parent Handbook

Last Updated January 30, 2023

in an assigned space, and campus access for the tutor is limited to when approved tutoring is taking place. No other private tutoring is permitted on campus.

Grade Point Average

The grade point average that accompanies transcripts for college applications is computed on grades from all courses starting with Grade 9 up through the most recent semester computed (sixth, seventh, or eighth semester). All grades will be rounded to the nearest whole number. The numerical equivalent is listed below:

Academic Probation

Any student whose overall quarter grade point average falls below 2.1 in core courses will be automatically placed on academic probation. In addition, administrators may place

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students about whom they have concerns on academic probation at any time, at their discretion. A letter informing parents of this status will be sent. Once a student is placed on academic probation, the student’s academic progress will be reviewed at the end of each quarter; if the administration concludes that TAS does not offer a program that meets the needs of a student, or if a student is not making the effort necessary to improve his or her academic standing, the student may be asked to repeat the current grade level, or may be asked to withdraw from TAS. Students will not be allowed to begin the senior year unless they will be able to earn enough credits for graduation during that final year.

Student Transfer and Withdrawal Procedure

If a student must transfer out of TAS for any reason, parents should first officially submit the withdrawal notice found in PowerSchool. Once this has been done, the upper school counseling office will send the withdrawal form to the withdrawing student three to four weeks before the student’s last day of school. The form requires multiple signatures before it is returned to the upper school counseling office. Incomplete forms may result in delays in transcript release to the receiving educational institution.

Transcript Requests

Families may request unofficial transcripts at any time by writing to transcripts@tas.edu.tw

Official transcripts, however, may not be handed directly to families. Official transcripts can only be submitted electronically or mailed directly to educational institutions specified by the student, alumni, or their family, and may be requested here.

Drop or Add Courses

• Students must maintain a full course load as is described in the course catalog

• The drop or add period extends to the end of the second week of classes of each semester.

• During the rest of the semester, students may not request to add or drop a class only teachers, counselors, and administrators may initiate such changes, and only the upper school administration may authorize them.

Selection of Valedictorian and Salutatorian

The following criteria will be used in the selection process:

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1 The student must satisfactorily complete all requirements for graduation and graduate in May or June from Taipei American School.

2 The student must have earned credits from the TAS Upper School for two consecutive years.

3 The valedictorian’s cumulative grade point average must be higher than that of any other member of the graduating class. The salutatorian will have the second highest cumulative GPA.

4 The calculation of the GPA will be made upon completion of the third quarter during the student’s senior year.

Honor Roll

Students who establish an excellent record of scholastic achievement are honored and encouraged by having their names added to the honor roll. To be eligible for the honor roll, a student must achieve a 4.00 weighted grade point average in all courses with no grade below a B+. The honor roll is determined at the completion of each semester.

Summer Academy Credit Policy

Students may fulfill some graduation requirements by taking certain TAS Summer Academy courses. For more information please contact the Summer Academy office.

Independent Study

Only in exceptional cases will permission to undertake an independent study course be granted. Students in Grades 11 and 12 who have completed all TAS course offerings in a subject area may request independent study. In some cases, transfer students who require a special program in order to meet graduation requirements may be required to undertake independent study. Independent study courses can be scheduled only with approval of the teacher, department head, and principal; an independent study form, provided once independent study is approved, along with a syllabus (projects and due dates), are required as part of the procedure.

Three Tests in One Day

Students are never required to take more than two tests or exams in one day. Students may elect to take up to three tests in one day, but this will never be mandatory. Tests should be posted or announced at least one week ahead of time. It is the student’s responsibility to keep track of their test schedule. Should three tests be scheduled in a single day, it is the last test scheduled that the student has the option of rescheduling for

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an alternate time. In a case where the last test posted cannot be determined, the administration will determine which test may be rescheduled. This must be communicated with the pertinent class teacher at least two class periods before the test date. In the case of three semester exams in one day, the associate principal will arrange the scheduling of make-up exams for affected students.

Semester Exam

Semester exams will be cumulative and cover material from the semester’s work. Students who arrive late for an exam may enter the exam but will not be given additional time to complete the exam. The only excused absence from an exam requires a doctor’s note. An

unexcused absence will result in a zero for the exam. In the spring semester, if an entire class writes an AP or IB exam, no other final exam is required. While all seniors are exempt from semester exams, they will be expected to attend alternative programing on exam days.

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6 Attendance

A student must have a satisfactory record of attendance in order to receive credit for each course. The guideline for satisfactory attendance is a minimum attendance of 85% (a maximum of six absences per class per semester). Students who fail to meet the minimum attendance requirement may lose credit for the semester, regardless of their grade point average. Each such case will be reviewed, and a decision will be made by the upper school administration.

Attendance and Absences

Students who are absent or late to school must have a written explanation from a parent, or an electronic absence form completed in PowerSchool, or a phone call to the attendance secretary from a parent. This explanation must include the date of absence, the reason for the absence, and the parent’s signature if written. Parents should call the attendance secretary between 7:15 AM and 7:45 AM if their child will be absent or late that day. If a student is absent for any part of the school day, then the student must report to the attendance secretary in the upper school office when arriving at school. The upper school office may require a doctor’s note of explanation for an illness-related absence.

Planned absences for reasons other than illness or emergency must be reported to the upper school administration using the planned absence form available from the upper school office. It is the responsibility of the student to complete the form (by obtaining all necessary signatures) and to submit it to the upper school office at least two days in advance. School holidays are published in advance on the school calendar; teachers are not expected to provide extra support for students who miss classes for additional family holidays.

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Make-up Work

General Absences:

Students are expected to reach out to teachers to make arrangements regarding any missed work due to absence. In cases of extended absences due to special circumstances, students are encouraged to communicate with their grade level counselor for additional support.

IASAS Participants:

While teachers recognize that IASAS participants need proper time to make up work, students need to be responsible for completing work in an efficient and timely manner.

To this end, the Upper School has set a clear policy that allows a reasonable deadline for all missed work to be completed.

a. Students are strongly urged to complete as many assignments, tests, or quizzes as possible prior to departure. It will be the responsibility of students to plan a makeup strategy with teachers.

b. All schoolwork that is missed due to absence from classes for typical IASAS events must be made up by 4:00 PM the Friday after IASAS week. Work that is not completed by this time may receive no credit.

c. During this make-up week, students are responsible for quizzes given that are based on material covered in class that same week.

Participants in Other School Events: MUN, robotics, and other trips are considered similar to IASAS trips; however, the number of school days missed differs from trip to trip. The date that make-up work is due is based on the particulars of the given trip and is communicated through the trip sponsors well in advance.

For the major upper school drama and dance productions held each fall, students are exempted from any graded assessment due on the Thursday of opening night and on the Friday of the performance. All student work should be made up on Monday or at other times agreed upon by the teacher and student. The purpose of this policy is to enable students who are up late during the week of performances to perform their best in their classes and their production without undue stress or loss of sleep.

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IB/AP Study Leave and Make-up Work:

AP and IB test takers are given study leave the calendar day prior to an exam and are excused from attending class the day of an exam. The study leave for IB/AP students is designed to give adequate time to prepare for their exams while meeting the other academic obligations at TAS.

Tardiness

Students who arrive late to school must report directly to the upper school office to obtain an “admit to class” slip. Students who arrive late because of a doctor’s appointment must bring a note from the doctor to the attendance secretary in order to receive an “admit to class” slip. Students who arrive late on a late TAS bus should report directly to the attendance secretary for a late bus pass. Tardiness to school in the morning will be excused if the tardy is the result of a TAS bus being late.

Students who enter class after the starting time are tardy. A student must have a pass from a teacher, counselor, administrator, the school nurse, or the attendance secretary, or the tardy is unexcused. Tardy students will be admitted to class only with an admit slip from the upper school office. Students who have three tardies will serve a detention. For every tardy a student receive after the initial three, they will serve another detention and so on, until the end of the semester. If a student is 10-40 minutes late for a class, the student will be marked as tardy-absent (automatic detention). When a student is more than 40 minutes late to a class, it will be considered an unexcused absence (automatic in-school restriction).

Illness at School and "Admit to Class" Slip

Students who become ill at school should report to the health office. Before returning to class from the health office, students must present a note from the nurse to the attendance secretary and receive an “admit to class” slip.

Unexcused Absences

A student who is not present for any class, advisory meeting, required assembly, or class meeting, without permission, will receive an unexcused absence. This will result in detention or in-school restriction. Any pattern of unexcused absenteeism will result in a parent conference and more severe consequences, which may include loss of course

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credit. Normally, a student will not receive credit for any missed tests, quizzes, or inclass assignments or assessments with an unexcused absence

Truancy

Truancy is defined as a student’s absence from school grounds that is unauthorized by a parent. Students may not make up work missed because of truancy.

Permission to Leave Campus During the School Day

Students are expected to remain on the school campus for the duration of the school day. Students who must leave campus early may be excused by a phone call or written excuse from parents. The reasons should be presented to the attendance secretary before students report to their first class, and an exit pass must be obtained from the office before a student leaves school.

Participation in After-School Activities on a Day Absent from School

Students may not participate in athletics or any other after-school activities on a day they have been absent from school, unless they have permission from an associate principal or the principal.

Participation in Off-Campus Activities on a Day Absent from School

Students may not participate in school-sponsored off-campus activities on a day absent from school unless they have permission from an associate principal or the principal.

Senior Gate Pass

Seniors may obtain a gate pass with parent permission. The following guidelines and regulations must be followed:

• Only seniors are eligible. Off-campus privileges for seniors are for either third or fourth period lunch. Students not adhering to established guidelines will lose their off-campus privileges.

• Students presenting a false ID to leave campus or providing their ID for another person’s use will lose this privilege for a minimum of nine weeks.

• A parent must sign a waiver form available electronically in PowerSchool which releases Taipei American School from liability should their child be involved in an accident while off campus.

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2022-2023 Upper School Student and Parent Handbook

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• Tardiness or any other serious violation will result in revocation of the privilege as well as disciplinary action.

Check-in Time

Students begin their school day at the start of Period 1, whether or not they have a first period class. This means the school day begins at 7:45 AM for upper school students. Students who are free first period must sign in with the attendance secretary in the upper school office by 8:00 AM. Juniors and seniors with signed parental permission are not required to check in but can go directly to their second period class which begins promptly at 9:15 AM.

Flex Period

Flex period is a 50-minute period from 10:35 AM - 11:25 AM. Flex is part of the school day and is a time for students to meet with teachers for extra help, to do make-up work, attend club meetings, use the library, meet with counselors, and attend advisor group meetings, class meetings, and school assemblies. Counselors, teachers and administrators may request students to meet with them during this time if there is no mandatory school activity planned.

Class Meeting

Class meetings are essential to our goal of building a strong school community. Class meetings generally take place every other week during a flex period. Attendance is mandatory and attendance is taken.

Advisory Program

The advisory program is focused on strengthening the school community through group discussions and lessons focused on social-emotional learning. Advisory lessons include discussions about mental health and wellness, experiences of being a third culture kid, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as other topics that are relevant to our school community.

Students are assigned, in groups of 10, to an advisor, and generally meet once a week during flex. The advisor plays an important role in providing support and

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2022-2023 Upper School Student and Parent Handbook

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encouragement as students journey through their upper school years. Furthermore, the Honor Committee complements the advisory program with its accompanying events, initiatives, and special speakers. Through small group discussions and engaging activities, the advisory program aims to also foster a sense of community for students.

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7 Campus Life and Expectations

Courtesy Guidelines

One of our school values is respect, and students are expected to always treat others accordingly. When getting help, for example, from people serving food in the cafeteria or the snack bar, students are expected to say “please” and “thank you.”

Campus Access

School IDs are required for students to enter and exit TAS campus. More information is available on the TAS website

Before- and After-School Expectations

In order to provide adequate supervision and security, our campus opens at 7:00 AM Monday–Friday. Upper school students who are not participating in a directly supervised, school-sanctioned activity must vacate the campus by 7:00 PM each evening.

Closed Campus

Students are required to remain on campus during school hours unless they have obtained an authorized gate pass from the upper school office. Upper school students are to remain in the upper school area of the campus unless they have assigned classes in another area of the School. All lower school and middle school areas are off limits to upper school students unless invited. The campus will be open for all students during semester exam days; however, students are required to be on campus only during their exam times.

Using English, Our Common Language

Taipei American School recognizes the importance of speaking many languages and celebrates the richness of our cultural and linguistic diversity. The language of instruction, however, is English, and the School strives to encourage all students to use English effectively through immersion in our common language. During formal student gatherings (classes, club meetings, sport practices, rehearsals, etc.), students may speak only English, except at times and in conditions approved by teachers. Of course, an exception applies to courses in the world languages department.

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Outside of formal student gatherings, out of respect for others, all students are encouraged to use English as often as possible in order to create an English-speaking environment at Taipei American School. Language should never be used (intentionally or not) to exclude individuals from a group.

Animals and Pets

Animals and pets may not be brought on campus.

Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices

Cell phones and other portable electronic devices are allowed at school, but they should be silent. Personal electronic devices that ring, chime, etc. will be confiscated.

Cell phones and other portable electronic devices may not be used at any time in classrooms, in meetings, or in assemblies, without explicit adult permission. Students may not take photos or videos in the Tiger Health and Wellness Center, locker rooms, or restrooms for any reason.

Students may use their personal electronic devices in non-academic spaces as long as it does not disturb those around them. Phone calls should be brief and quiet. When listening to music, headphones must be used, and the volume must be kept to a level where it cannot be heard by others.

Photos and videos may not be taken anywhere on campus without consent. Please be aware of who is in the photo and video frame. Intentionally or unintentionally including others in digital content, without their consent, is not permitted, and may lead to disciplinary consequences.

If a parent needs to contact a student during school hours, including for emergencies, they must contact the upper school office (Ext. 211) rather than calling the students directly. Students who need to call their parents for emergencies are requested to do so from the upper school office anytime during the school day.

Food and Drink

Students may consume water and other beverages in academic areas as long as the beverage is contained in either a TAS upper school drink container or in a similar reusable covered beverage container. For environmental reasons, drinks in lightweight

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2022-2023

Upper School Student and Parent Handbook

Last Updated January 30, 2023

plastic bottles – like those from any convenience store – or in paper cups should not be brought into any part of the Upper School. Acceptable beverage containers can be purchased from the Tiger Shop.

With the exception of food or beverages for special club sales, food and beverages may not be ordered for delivery to the TAS campus during the school day.

Taipei American School is a nut-free environment. Students may not bring items that may contain nuts of any kind to school.

Dress Code*

The Upper School is committed to creating a respectful, welcoming learning environment for all students. Students should be able to dress and style for school in a manner that expresses their individuality without fear of body shaming. Here at Taipei American School, we believe that the student and their parent/guardian have the primary responsibility in determining the student's personal attire. The School is then responsible for assuring that the student attire does not interfere with the health and safety of any other student, and does not contribute to a hostile or intimidating environment for any student.

Students must wear:

• Top (shirt, sweater, sweatshirt, etc.)

• Bottom (pants, shorts, skirt, etc.)

• Footwear

In relation to student dress, the core values are the following:

• Students have the right to be treated equitably. Dress code enforcement will not create disparities, reinforce or increase marginalization of any group, nor will it be more strictly enforced against students because of racial identity, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, gender nonconformity, sexual orientation, cultural or religious identity, household income, body size or type, or body maturity;

• Students and staff are responsible for managing their personal distractions; and

• Students should not face unnecessary barriers to school attendance.

• Students may not wear clothing, jewelry, or personal items that:

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o Are pornographic, contain threats, or that promote illegal or violent conduct such as the unlawful use of weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or drug paraphernalia;

o Demonstrate hate group association, affiliation, and/or use hate speech targeting groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or other protected groups;

o Show private parts (nipples, genitals, buttocks). Clothing must cover private parts in opaque (not able to be seen-through) material;

o Cover the student’s face to the extent that the student is not identifiable (except clothing or headgear worn for a religious or medical purpose) except when explicitly requested to do so by the School, such as for the purpose of epidemic risk management.

*Thank you to the Welcoming Schools project and the Seattle Public Schools for providing the model that our dress code is based on.

Personal Lockers

Lockers are assigned by the upper school office at the beginning of the year. Lockers are the property of Taipei American School and are provided as a convenience to students. Students suspected of having violated Taipei American School rules are subject to having their locker searched by administration. Lockers should be secured with locks purchased at the Tiger Shop. Other than items needed for school, students should not bring valuables and large sums of money to school, and they should not share their combination with anyone.

Physical Education (PE) Locker Room Expectations

• Students will be assigned a small locker.

• Locker rooms are to be used for changing clothes only. The locker rooms are out of bounds at other times of the day.

• Athletes can request a big locker from Health/PE teachers.

• Combinations must be kept confidential.

• Only school-issued locks are to be used.

• No food or drink is allowed in the locker room.

• Any clothing or materials left in the locker rooms will be placed in the lost and found boxes in the locker rooms.

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• Any thefts and the loss of locks or clothing must be reported to the teacher immediately.

• Abuse of lockers, including damage to lockers and use of big lockers outside of applicable time, may result in detention.

• Repeated failure to properly secure lockers may result in detention.

• Cleats or dirty shoes are not to be worn in locker room.

• Students are encouraged to shower after PE.

• Shoes are not to be worn in the shower.

• Towels are only to be used by students who shower and may not be taken from the building.

Expectations on School Buses

When on school transportation, quiet conversation is permitted. Other than that, ordinary classroom conduct and behavior upholding TAS values are expected. Students who behave inappropriately on the school bus will be referred to an associate principal or the principal and will be subject to disciplinary action. If a student repeatedly violates the expectations for bus conduct, they may be temporarily or permanently suspended from using the school transportation service. Additional information is available in the transportation services section on the TAS website.

Skateboards, Scooters, and In-line Skates

The use of skateboards, scooters, and in-line skates is not allowed at school. Students are further encouraged not to skate or ride skateboards or scooters to school because of the traffic conditions.

Legal Student Drivers

Vehicles may be used for transportation to and from school, but students may not park cars in the school parking lot. In order to ride a motorcycle or scooter to school, students must observe the following regulations.

• Parking must be outside the TAS campus.

• Students who ride motorized cycles must have a valid Taiwan motorcycle driver license (issued in Taiwan to people who have reached their 18th birthday).

• Students must wear a protective helmet (required in Taiwan).

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Faculty-Only Areas

In order to ensure a safe, comfortable, and confidential learning and working environment, no one other than faculty members may enter faculty-only areas, including the faculty room, classrooms, and all administrative and departmental offices unless a person has been pre-approved or invited to do so.

Free Periods

Students are encouraged to take advantage of free periods to socialize and relax, work on assignments, or see counselors or teachers. There are several quiet study areas around campus, and students are expected to follow the rules set forth in these areas.

Textbooks

Students are responsible for all textbooks issued to them. If books are lost or damaged, students will be billed. Books turned in must be the books originally assigned.

Elevators

Students are not permitted to use any of the campus elevators. The only exception is a student with a medical condition and a doctor’s note. In this case, the student should present the note to the heath office to obtain access.

Upper School Information Commons (USIC) & Chinese Library

Upper school students are encouraged to use both the USIC and the Chinese library in their free time to study, complete homework, and relax. We expect students to treat these spaces as academic areas and behave in accordance to the expectations outlined in these areas.

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Child Protection Policy

Student safety is our number one priority. Our safeguarding practice is guided by the Taipei American School child protection policy, which is derived from the child protection laws of Taiwan and best practices from the United States, along with guidance from safeguarding experts. TAS follows a safeguarding reporting protocol and employees who suspect child abuse must report it immediately to their supervisor, counselor, or divisional principal. Any member of the community may report suspected abuse to any TAS employee or the Taiwan authorities directly. Additionally, the School has a suicide prevention policy with procedures in place to identify, address, and prevent mental health issues, assess suicide risk, intervene in cases of potential suicide, and to respond after a suicide has occurred.

Harassment Policy

Each student at TAS has the right to participate fully in the life of the School without experiencing harassment, hazing, sexual harassment, bullying, or cyber-bullying. The School recognizes and respects individual differences and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination or permit unwarranted interference in the education of its students. Students must not engage in hazing, harassment, sexual harassment, bullying, or retaliation directed at another student at any time, whether at school or outside of school. More information is available in our policy on harassment (Board Policy #405).

Hazing and Bullying

Hazing means any conduct or method of initiation into any student group that endangers the physical or mental wellbeing of a student or other person. Bullying may include such conduct as physical intimidation or assault, oral or written threats, teasing, put-downs, name-calling, stalking, unkind rumors, false accusations, social isolation, or threatening looks, gestures, or actions.

Harassment

Harassment includes, but is not restricted to, insulting comments or gestures that pertain to sex, race, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ethnic origin or ancestry, creed, nationality, physical or mental disability, or other legally protected status. Harassment violates TAS policy whether or not it rises to the level of bullying.

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Sexual Harassment

Conduct which may be considered sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, the following:

(1) Verbal –

Offensive sexual language; suggestive sexual comments, insults or threats; sexual jokes; or sexually degrading or insulting words.

(2) Nonverbal –Sexually suggestive objects or pictures in or on books, lockers or clothing; suggestive obscene or insulting sounds, whistles, gestures, leers; graffiti or other writing that is sexually insulting.

(3) Physical –

Unwanted physical contact including touching, pinching, or brushing against someone, pressuring someone to have sexual relations, or assaulting someone

(4) Sexual –

Inappropriate and/or unwelcome sexual advances, or pressure for sexual favors from anyone.

Reporting Hazing, Harassment, Sexual Harassment, Bullying, or Retaliation

Any student who believes that he or she is a victim of hazing, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, or retaliation for reporting or providing information about any such behavior, should report the concern to their counselor, the principal, the head of school, or any other upper school faculty member with whom the student feels comfortable.

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Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students Policy

Taipei American School is committed to fostering an educational environment that is safe, welcoming, and free from stigma and discrimination for all students, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To that end, the School seeks to meet or exceed the requirements of both Taiwanese and American laws concerning bullying, harassment, privacy, and discrimination, including as they relate to transgender and gender nonconforming students. The School seeks to ensure that all students have the opportunity to express themselves and live authentically, and will therefore respect students’ gender identity and expression to the greatest extent possible, consistent with both the law and the policies of external governing organizations, such as the Interscholastic Association of Southeast Asian Schools (IASAS). More information is available in our policy regarding transgender and gender nonconforming students

For students who have questions, are transitioning, or are simply unsure about their gender identity, it can be a complex experience. Our teachers and counselors are here to support students, and students are encouraged to reach out to their counselor for advice and support regarding gender identity and their options on campus.

Suicide Prevention Policy

Protecting the health and well-being of all students is of utmost importance to Taipei American School. The school board has adopted a suicide prevention policy which will help to protect all students through the following steps:

• Students will learn to recognize and respond to warning signs of suicide by identifying and sharing emotions, developing a range of coping and problemsolving skills, and by learning and practicing ways of seeking support for themselves and others. This curricular content will be presented during classroom guidance lessons (Lower School), homeroom and health classes (Middle School), and during advisory and health classes (Upper School), not just in response to a death or suicide.

• The encouragement of help-seeking behavior will be promoted at all levels of the school leadership and by all TAS stakeholders.

• When a student is identified as being at-risk, a risk assessment will be completed by a school psychologist or counselor who will work with the student to connect them with appropriate local mental health resources.

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• Students will have access to local private and community resources that they can contact for additional support, such as:

o The Community Services Center

Email: counseling@communitycenter.org.tw Phone: 02-2836-8134 or 02-2835-6907

o Mental Health Emergency 24 Hour Line (English) 0932-594-578

o Taiwan Mental Health/Suicide Hotline (Mandarin) 1995 or 1925

All school personnel and students are expected to help create a school culture of respect and support in which students feel comfortable seeking help for themselves or friends. Students are encouraged to tell any faculty member if they or a friend are having suicidal thoughts or are in need of help.

While confidentiality and privacy are important, students should know that when there is risk of suicide, safety comes first.

For a more detailed review of policy and procedures, please consult TAS’ full suicide prevention policy.

Upper School Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

Digital citizenship is an important part of learning for the 21st century learner. At Taipei American School, students are expected to make smart choices use technology to aid their learning in a safe, responsible, ethical, and respectful manner. The TAS values honesty, respect, responsibility, kindness, and courage should guide our students in all that they do, including when using technology and navigating the digital world.

Students provided with a school network account may store and retrieve files and print documents using network file servers. Users of the school system should know that network administrators may review files and communications to ensure that users are using the system responsibly, and should not expect that files stored on the school network will be private. Administrators, faculty, and staff also have the right to access student files, communications, or folders at any time and monitor computer activity in all areas of the School. Acceptable use requires acceptance of, and compliance with, school monitoring and governance of its network and systems. TAS systems should generally be used for academic purposes only. Disciplinary action may result from

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inappropriate, destructive, or irresponsible use of technology. Furthermore, students and parents should remember that certain sharing of information or comments in any electronic communications, social media posts, or files, may be a violation of not only school policies, but also have legal consequences, whether or not it is done using TAS systems.

We ask that all TAS upper school students carefully review and strictly adhere to the following guidelines:

HONESTY — I will:

• only log on as myself and will never pretend to be another person.

• recognize and cite the intellectual property rights of others including text, photos, videos, etc.

• use legal and properly licensed software.

RESPECT I will:

• respect the rights of others by refraining from harassment, intimidation, or accessing inappropriate materials;

• respect the privacy of others by asking permission before recording anyone,

• posting their photos or forwarding their emails; and

• respect the property of others by refraining from accessing, altering or damaging their computer or files.

RESPONSIBILITY— I will:

• bring my school laptop each day in working order with the battery fully charged;

• prioritize my laptop as a tool for academic use;

• check my school email daily and delete any messages from unknown senders;

• backup my files regularly to responsibly safekeep data;

• keep safe by routinely checking privacy settings; and

• ensure that student-published material is approved and that it reflects the values of TAS.

KINDNESS — I will:

• never use technology to hurt, frighten, harass or bully others;

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• use appropriate language and images at all times when using technology; and

• ensure that all communication is kind, thoughtful and positive

COURAGE — I will:

• stand up for myself and others online when TAS values are not being followed;

• report online situations to a trusted adult that are dangerous, illegal, threatening, or harassing; and

• accept responsibility for what I say and do when using technology.

TAS strongly recommends that students exercise great care and judgment in posting any personal information about themselves or others to social media services in order to protect TAS students' safety and confidentiality. Further, students and parents should remember that certain sharing of information or comments about other students may violate TAS’s harassment, sexual harassment, and/or bullying policies, whether or not it is done using TAS systems.

Privacy Policy

Personal information that TAS community members submit and the School has on record is protected, regulated, and managed in accordance with provisions under Taiwan’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and the information privacy policies and practices of TAS. Further information is available on the TAS website here.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Taipei American School admits all students, including those of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin, to all the same rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected under U.S. or Taiwan law, including on the basis of race, color, and national or ethnic origin, in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered program, with the exception that the School is only able to support, and therefore will only admit, students with no more than mild learning differences.

Photography, Video, and Social Media Guidelines

Taipei American School recognize the importance of capturing moments of celebration, learning and achievements through photography and video. To safeguard our students

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and their data from risks associated with the taking, storing and sharing of photographs and videos of children, the School has a set of guidelines which set forth the overarching framework for safe use of student images. These guidelines apply to the School and individual members of our community – parents, faculty and staff, and guests who have an opportunity to attend school-sponsored activities and events and take photographs and record videos of our students. More information is available in our guidelines for photography, video, and social media

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9 Activities and Athletics

Clubs and Organizations

Activities and Athletics at TAS include school clubs, student government, varsity or junior varsity sports, forensics/debate/Model United Nations, robotics, newspaper and yearbook publications, visual and performing art events, assemblies, field trips, and social events. All students are invited to participate in our excellent co-curricular program. A list of clubs and activities can be found on the TAS website.

Athletics and IASAS Activities

TAS competes interscholastically as a member of IASAS (Interscholastic Association of Southeast Asian Schools) along with the International School of Bangkok (ISB), International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL), Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS), International School of Manila (ISM), and Singapore American School (SAS). TAS teams also compete against both local schools and other on-island and off-island international schools. Seasons, games, try-outs and practices will be announced through the athletics office. The academic year has three seasons.

TAS participates in the following interscholastic sports for both boys and girls: badminton, basketball, cross country, rugby/touch, soccer, softball/baseball, swimming, tennis, track and field, golf, and volleyball. Eligibility for team membership is determined by the following criteria.

1. All upper school students may compete in varsity sports; however, students who have reached the age of 20 before July 1 of that school year will be ineligible for competition.

2. Seniors are ineligible for junior varsity sports without special permission from the athletic director.

3. Students are limited to eight semesters of eligibility during Grades 9-12.

4. Each student must ensure parents complete the online parent acknowledgement form (athletics). Activities requires the parent permission form, and insurance on file in the activities office. Athletics and activities both require a physical examination (annual requirement) on file in the health office before competing.

5. Individual coaches will apprise students of the criteria for making teams and lettering.

6. If there is a conflict with a sport tryout and a practice for another school activity, the student should notify the coach who should bring the issue to the attention of the

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administration.

7. The families of all TAS student athletes (freshmen, junior varsity and varsity) and other students participating in IASAS activities are required to commit to housing visiting IASAS participants at least once for each season of participation. Failure to sign up for a housing duty will effectively prohibit the student from participating in the athletics program or IASAS activity.

If students must miss a practice, they must notify the activity sponsor before the practice session. Information for athletes is available in the student-athlete/parent handbook.

School-Sponsored Formal Social Events

Any school-sponsored formal event will have appropriate faculty supervision. All school rules apply to these events.

Rules

• During a school-sponsored formal event, all students must stay within the confines of the immediate event area.

• All students must enter the event within one hour of the starting time.

• If non-TAS student guests are permitted, the TAS student must register the guest with the activities office at least two school days before the event. If approved by the administration, a guest pass will be issued.

• ID cards are required at school-sponsored formal events; guest passes are required for guests.

• Students who leave prior to the end of the event must sign out and leave the venue. They will not be readmitted.

Documents and Insurance for School-Sponsored Off-Island Trips

All participants and their parents or legal guardians must sign and return a permission form to the activities office. It is the responsibility of each family to ensure that all necessary travel documents are valid and current. In all cases, students must use a foreign passport that has at least six months validity; individual families are expected to obtain any visas that are required for a particular trip Travel insurance, as well as

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accident and injury insurance, are required for students traveling on school-sponsored athletics and cocurricular activities trips.

Adult Supervision and Approval for School-Sponsored Activities and NonSchool Activities

A faculty member, or other pre-approved adult, must be present with students during any school-sponsored activity, including club meetings and “bonding.” School-sponsored activities commencing after 6:30 PM on weekdays or at any time during the weekends require administrative approval. This should be sought in advance. Students are not permitted to participate in non-school sponsored activities as representatives of the school, using the school’s name, unless the school does not offer the activity in question, in which case, students must have prior, written approval to participate from their principal.

Fundraising Guidelines for Student Activities

All fundraising must be for altruistic purposes and for school-related activities. Any club that raises funds must have an agency account in which to place those funds. Guidelines/procedures/policies for clubs and organizations are published in the student club handbook.

Student Behavior While Participating in School Activities

Students involved in TAS classes, clubs, organizations, or athletic activities, whether at school or on a trip, are expected to behave in accordance with the rules of conduct as outlined in the Student Handbook. Students may also, at the discretion of the chaperoning adult or coach, be subject to additional rules of conduct including “off limits” areas and curfews. When a student commits an infraction relating to alcohol, tobacco, drug abuse, cheating, deceit, disrespect, flagrant curfew or “off limits” areas violations, or other serious infractions, or participates or aids in any of the above, the following may apply.

1. The student may no longer participate in the activity.

2. Whenever possible, the student will be sent home immediately and at the parents’ expense.

3. The student will be subject to TAS disciplinary consequences and IASAS sanctions or disciplinary actions for IASAS violations.

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Academic Responsibilities and Activities

The administration and athletics department believe that academic standing must take priority over extracurricular involvement. Students who are experiencing academic problems may not be able to participate in extracurricular activities, including IASAS. A student’s quarter grade will be the determining factor for IASAS participation. The following also applies.

1. An F in any class is sufficient grounds for the student to be removed from IASAS participation.

2. Prior to the IASAS event, a list of all participants will be given to the upper school teachers.

3. Teachers must notify the athletic/activities director of students having problems.

Teachers, coaches, administrators, and the student should work together to try to improve the student’s academic standing.

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10 Offenses and Disciplinary Consequences

It is expected that all members of our community share Taipei American School’s core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, kindness, and courage. Additionally, there are rules and policies on student behavior that help provide a framework for a community of learners.

Continual or deliberate patterns of inappropriate behavior or actions that endanger an individual or the greater student population are handled appropriately, at the discretion of the principal or an associate principal, taking into account the student’s age and with an approach meant to educate and provide all students with a safe, uninterrupted learning environment.

Each case is fact-specific, and the review of each case is systematic. There are always nuances to every situation, as we want to focus on education and communication, not zero tolerance. Consequently, educators who work directly with the students are involved in the process alongside administration to ensure equitable and consistent application of these principles.

The following outlines the expectations for student behavior. However, the expectations set out below and elsewhere in this handbook are intended as guidelines for appropriate school behaviors and are not intended to capture every possible offense or to bind the School in any way. TAS reserves complete discretion to define offenses subject to discipline.

Students and parents should be aware that during the application process, colleges and universities routinely inquire about student disciplinary matters. TAS will disclose such information as requested. (See Section 14–College Counseling of this handbook for more information.) The School may also be required to provide any information required by a subpoena, a court order, Taiwan law, or the law of the United States.

Behavior Off-Campus and Reach of the School

Our support, guidance, and concern for students do not stop at the school gates. Students engaged in unlawful or inappropriate activities anywhere and at any time, including via social media and especially when other TAS students are involved or when the interests of the TAS community are at stake, may be held responsible under school

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disciplinary guidelines.

Boundaries of Responsibility and Courage

Students are responsible for meeting their obligations, acting and speaking appropriately, and taking care of their property. In addition, they have “boundaries of responsibility”; that is, students are responsible to differing degrees according to the circumstances for what happens around them. For example, if three students sit together to chat on campus and two of them are smoking, if caught, all three will receive punishment although not necessarily the same punishment. Two of the three broke a rule, but all three were irresponsible.

Sometimes, it takes courage to resist ill-advised temptations or peer pressure. However, while acting appropriately and honorably is important, that is only the starting point for expectations at Taipei American School. In our community, we expect all members to demonstrate courage by helping others to adhere to our high standards; we expect students to challenge deeds or words that lack honesty, respect, responsibility, or kindness. Courage is the most difficult value to practice and the most necessary.

Exclusionary Language

Exclusionary language is used to single someone out for parts of their identity: their race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, or body shape to name a few examples. Use of any language designed to belittle someone including derogatory remarks, insults, slurs, and intimidation, violates several TAS values and will result in appropriate disciplinary action.

Abusive Language

Profanity is not acceptable at any time. Appropriate disciplinary action will result for use of profanity.

Academic Integrity

Honesty is one of Taipei American School’s five school values, and students are expected to uphold and maintain academic integrity always. The School recognizes that learning may take place in a collaborative or individual setting. Unless instructed otherwise, students are to complete their work independently. Incidents involving cheating, plagiarism, representing others’ work as their own or lying will result in

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significant disciplinary consequences.

As an example, it would be a violation of academic integrity if a student:

• Turns in someone else’s work as their own;

• Copies someone’s work;

• Allows someone to copy their work;

• Gets information from notes or another student during a test or quiz;

• Gives information to another student during a test or quiz;

• Copies published material without giving credit to the source;

• Shares information between classes about a test taken with students who have not yet taken the test; or

• Does not follow specific guidelines concerning academic integrity given to them by their teacher.

Dangerous Items

Students who at school or school-sponsored activities have any kind of weapon or dangerous item in their possession on their person, in their locker, or otherwise will be sent home and parents will be notified. If the student is allowed to continue to attend TAS, stringent conditions may be put in place in order to guarantee the safety and welfare of the community.

Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking, and Vaping

Smoking and Vaping

TAS is a smoke-free zone, and using or being in possession of tobacco or e-cigarettes (vaping) on school property is prohibited. This includes smoking and vaping on school buses or on the sidewalks surrounding the campus, across the street in front of the Japanese School or the alley adjacent to the school car parking lot.

Alcohol

Students may not be under the influence of, or possess, alcohol on school property. Students who come to school or school-sponsored activities after ingesting alcohol or in possession of alcohol will be asked to leave school or the activity immediately. Parents will be notified. In the event it is an off-campus activity or trip, the offense could result in the termination of the entire trip. If the student is allowed to continue attending TAS, they will be placed on social probation, at a minimum, will be subject to being suspended, and

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may be barred from participation in any school-related activity.

Drugs and Drug Testing

TAS is a drug-free zone. Any student possessing, taking or using, buying or selling, giving or trafficking in any narcotics, stimulants, depressants, barbiturates, hallucinogenic drugs, or marijuana (whether on- or off- campus) is subject to expulsion from the School. All upper school students will be subject to random drug testing unless their parents opt out of the random testing program by writing to the Head of School with this decision. The cost of all testing will be borne by the School.

Random testing will occur throughout the year. When the administration deems that concerns exist, it may, without prior notice, require selective testing on individual students, whether or not their parents have opted out of the random testing program. The “opt out” option only applies to the random screening. Normally, students who voluntarily contact the principal (directly, or via a counselor) and seek aid or information concerning alcohol or drug abuse are not subject to disciplinary action; this is true only if the student is not coming forth merely to avoid detection or to explain a drug infraction. For example, coming for help just after receiving notification that a drug test will be performed will be construed as an attempt to avoid detection, not as a plea for help. Parents and students should be aware that the policy and rules relating to drug use infractions are deliberately stringent. They were developed both to preserve the welfare of the majority of students and to respect the laws of Taiwan.

Theft

The concept of respect also extends to respect for personal property and communal resources. Theft is a violation of the rights of others and damages our community’s sense of well-being. Theft is a serious offense and students who engage in theft will be required to return or replace the stolen item, if possible, in addition to facing disciplinary consequences.

Damage to School Property

Any student who marks, defaces, breaks, or destroys the property of another student or TAS property will be responsible for cleaning, repairing, or replacing the damaged property, in addition to facing any disciplinary consequences.

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Public Display of Affection and Intimate Behavior

Students are expected to use good judgment in their relationships with others. Public displays of affection at school, on school transportation, and at school events, can create an unwelcome environment for others in the community. Sexual intimacy at school is inappropriate and, if detected, will lead to significant disciplinary consequences.

Disciplinary Consequences

The consequences described below are provided as guidelines and are neither comprehensive nor inflexibly binding on the School. TAS reserves complete discretion to determine appropriate consequences for disciplinary offenses.

• Mandatory Counseling

In the context of certain infractions or situations, when the upper school administration believes it will be in the best interests of the student or the community, TAS may require counseling from an outside medical or mental health professional.

• Detention

Detention means a student is required to spend additional study time in the upper school office. Failure to appear for an assigned detention will result in additional consequences.

• In-School Restriction

The student loses all free time (lunch, flex, and unassigned class time). They will remain in the upper school office during these times.

• Suspension

The student loses the right to attend school. The length of a suspension is determined by the severity of the incident and the circumstances. In some cases, suspended students will lose their right to visit campus on weekends or attend offcampus TAS events.

• Social Probation

Social probation serves as a reminder to students and parents that the School is concerned about poor behavioral choices made by some students. The social

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probationary contract is drawn up and sent to the student and parents.

• Expulsion

A case may arise where a threat to safety, or other breach in conduct is so significant or so enduring in the face of the School’s extensive, documented best efforts that a student will be asked to leave school and not be invited to return. Expulsions occur by decision of the head of school.

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Academic and Personal Counseling

TAS counselors promote all students’ social, emotional, academic, and multicultural competencies in a safe, respectful, and motivating school environment. This is achieved through a collaborative partnership of school personnel, parents, and community with the purpose of preparing all students for wellness, academic success, lifelong learning, and global citizenship.

We believe:

• Student well-being is at the heart of our educational approach;

• All students are deserving of a sense of belonging and connection;

• All students are capable of change and growth;

• Student success is individually defined and enhanced by one's own unique strengths;

• It is essential to celebrate diversity in all its forms and to support our students’ development towards an awareness of their personal identities; and

• Communication between home and school should be collaborative and ongoing.

In the Upper School, our academic and personal counselors work with students to support their overall well-being. The counseling services are focused on proactive and individualized planning to assist students in making informed choices throughout their upper school years. Through individual appointments, group meetings, and parent workshops, our counselors are here to provide support to meet the full spectrum of needs faced by students and their families.

Counselors operate in 3 domains:

1. Personal and emotional support is provided through a wide variety of services and programs. Our counseling team welcomes new students and hosts year-long activities through our “Reach Out” program. Counselors also provide individualized assistance to students and families with an emphasis on overall wellness and a well-balanced life. Counselors also work closely with the school psychologist, who offers additional support and makes referrals to outside agencies when appropriate.

2. Academic and educational support is provided by counselors as they provide guidance in course selection, suggest educational tools to improve study habits, and

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assist students in implementing time management tools. Counselors also regularly consult with teachers to support their work with students.

3. Post-high school planning consists of assisting students in achieving their goals and dreams by developing 4-year plans and providing general guidance for life after high school. During the student's junior and senior years, the counselors work closely with the college counselors to ensure that students receive optimal support throughout the application process.

In compliance with Taiwan law and the child protection policy, the School is required to report cases of suspected child abuse or neglect. Any member of the school community who is concerned about someone, including one’s self, should reach out to a counselor.

College Counseling

While there are some carefully timed events and programs for all students and parents throughout the upper school experience, the college counseling process formally begins during the second semester of the student’s junior year and extends through graduation.

During the second semester of the junior year we focus on college research; students and families will discuss criteria, research schools that meet those criteria and develop a preliminary college list; all of this occurs in close collaboration and frequent communication and regular meetings with their counselor. Entering the final year at TAS is an important step, and the summer prior is a critical time to continue thoughtful and deliberate self-reflection and discussions as a family about criteria, refining lists, and to start working on drafts of personal essays and school supplements.

In addition to periodic class and parent meetings throughout the upper school timeline, students begin working one-on-one with their college counselor in January of the junior year, a relationship that persists through to graduation. During the first semester of the senior year, students finalize their college list and work on actual college applications, including final edits on personal essays and supplements. During the second semester of the senior year, which leads up to graduation, College Counselors assist students with such issues as the final college selection, waitlist offers, appeals, transitioning to life after TAS, and other enrollment-related topics.

It is our philosophy and practice to keep the student at the center of the college process. While the parent voice should be present, each step of the way we encourage

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practices and policies that require the student to assert ownership and accountability over the process. This is a hallmark of our offerings. We communicate deadlines and provide helpful tips on how parents can support their child during this process of growth, self-discovery, articulation of personality and strengths, and finding the right school to fit a student’s unique and individual needs to achieve success and happiness in college and beyond.

College counseling classes are also offered on a weekly basis on Tuesdays, where students will have class either the first part of third period (11:25 AM-12:15PM) or the second part of fourth period (1:20 PM-2:10 PM), depending on their lunch. During these times, we offer a college counseling curriculum that engages all students in various aspects of the college search, research, and selection process based on our experience both in college admissions as well as counseling. Each class is intentional in providing relevant and timely information as well as to guide and provide time and space for students to work towards timely application submission. Because of the deliberate curriculum and timeline, adherence to deadlines, particularly those that are internal to the TAS college counseling program and office workflow, is of critical importance. We also support applications to university systems worldwide, and will work with students to ensure timely and proper submission to those programs outside of the United States.

The college counseling office shares the School’s policy on academic integrity, and as such assumes that the work of all students, including college essays, short responses, and any other information submitted to the colleges or universities, is entirely their own.

By enrolling in Taipei American School, parents and students give unrestricted authorization for the TAS college counseling office to represent any student to all colleges and universities. Information that will be shared with colleges and universities about the student includes, but is not limited to, letters of recommendation, transcripts, report cards, progress reports, SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, AP and IB scores (or other testing results), disciplinary matters about which colleges and universities ordinarily make inquiry, and anything else that the upper school academic and personal counseling office believes to be important for colleges and universities to have when considering a student for admission or enrollment. Please note that TAS does not rank our students and thus will not provide this information to colleges. All letters of recommendation are confidential, and students and parents are not entitled to read

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such letters. Students seeking such letters of recommendation must read and complete the student/teacher recommendation agreement, which is typically due at the end of their junior year.

College counseling is our primary focus of expertise, with the majority of the college counselors having worked in college admissions offices at highly selective universities (often having covered Asia as a region and reading applications from TAS) at some point in their careers prior to coming to TAS. We are proud to offer a student-to-counselor ratio of roughly 35:1, which is similar to top independent schools in the United States and around the world. Put simply, our students receive excellent attention and care by college counselors who understand them, celebrate and advocate for them and their achievements, articulate their fit with certain programs, and have strong and direct ties to the best colleges and universities around the world.

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Last Updated January 30, 2023

Food Services

TAS provides meals and snacks in the cafeteria, the snack bar, and the fourth-floor café (available only to upper school students) near the upper school information commons. For additional information, please visit the TAS Food Services section on the TAS website; click here to see our weekly menu and nutritional information.

Health Services

The TAS upper school health office is across from the Chinese library in 1B70. The health office is staffed from 7:15 AM to 5:45 PM by registered nurses. Nurses are involved in health teaching, screenings, medication administration, and treating illnesses and injuries that occur during the school day. If a student is injured or becomes ill during the school day, they should report directly to the health office or ask a teacher for assistance. Please visit the TAS Health Services section on the TAS website for more details.

Medical Examination Forms

A medical examination form, available in PowerSchool, is required for each new student upon initial registration and students entering Grade 3 and Grades 6 through 12. Students will not be allowed to attend class if they fail to provide the medical examination form to the health office by the specified deadline.

Treatment in School

With minor injuries, the nurses administer first aid as necessary. In the case of illness, the nurse will assess the student and may send the student home if necessary. If a student is well enough to attend school, they are expected to participate in all class activities including PE and swimming.

In the event of a life-threatening emergency, parents are notified, and the student is taken to the emergency room of a nearby hospital. A school employee will accompany the student and stay with them until their parents arrive. In the event of an injury that requires medical treatment but is not life-threatening, the school nurse will contact the parents and work with them to discuss transportation and medical care.

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Medication at School

Medication should not be brought to school unless it is essential to the health of the student. Student medications should only be taken in the health office as dispensed by the school nurse, not in the classroom or cafeteria. Over-the-counter medication may be dispensed by the nurse per the doctor’s standing order with written permission from the parents. Prescription medication should be delivered to the health office before school starts with a prescription from the doctor and the parent’s or guardian’s signature.

Return to School after Illness

Please do not send a student with a fever to school. Students with a fever need to be fever-free and not taking any fever-reducing medication for 24 hours before returning to school. These guidelines are to ensure that the spread of illness is kept to a minimum.

Please keep your child at home and contact the health office if your child has been diagnosed with a communicable illness such as chickenpox, shingles, hand-foot-andmouth disease, an enteroviruses, influenza, pink Eye or conjunctivitis. The nurse will provide instructions regarding their return to school.

Concussion Management Plan

When a student suffers a head injury on or off campus, the concussion case manager (CCM) is notified, and works closely with the divisional concussion management team (CMT) to support the student and to provide a safe plan for returning to school activities. Parents who would like further information regarding the Return to Learn protocols and procedures may contact their child’s school counselor.

Libraries

The Joanna Nichols Memorial Libraries at Taipei American School consist of three divisional libraries (upper school information commons [USIC], middle school library, and lower school library), and a KA-12 Chinese library. The libraries are designed to foster a love of learning and reading in our students and are staffed with professional librarians who teach information literacy skills to help students meet learning goals.

In addition to a rich collection of print materials, the libraries provide access to a wide range of digital resources, including ebooks, audiobooks, and online databases.

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Last Updated January 30, 2023

For further information specific to each of the Libraries, such as hours, checkout privileges, contact information, catalog, and more, please refer to the following links:

• The Joanna Nichols Memorial Libraries

• Upper school information commons (USIC) homepage

• Middle school library homepage

• Lower school library homepage

• Chinese library homepage

Personal Property and Lost and Found

Most upper school lost and found items are turned in directly to the upper school office. However, it is possible that the item may be turned in to one of the other divisional offices as well – especially if it is not clear which division the item originated from. Students must manage and care for their personal property at all times. TAS strongly recommends that any items of value not be brought or worn to school, as the students must assume all risk for damage or loss of their personal property, and the School will not make any reimbursement for missing items. If it is suspected that the missing item has been stolen, please fill out a theft form in the upper school office and report the theft to an associate principal. Recovered articles of great value must be clearly identified by the owner in order for the item to be released. The School recommends that students put their first and last names on all personal items.

Transportation Services

The School maintains school bus routes to most areas of residency in Taipei and its suburbs. All arrangements are made through the transportation office, located in Room 1B68. Morning buses are scheduled to deliver students to TAS at least five minutes before the first class. Afternoon buses depart TAS approximately 10 minutes after class dismissal. A late bus is provided at 5:30 PM for middle and upper school students participating in a scheduled after-school activity, although these buses may not drop students at the same stops as their regular routes. Monitors are there to help students identify the correct bus to take. Additional information regarding bus passes, registration, and safety guidelines is provided in the student bus service handbook available at the transportation office.

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2022-2023 Upper School Student and Parent Handbook

Last Updated January 30, 2023

Student Accident Insurance

Parents are provided an opportunity to purchase insurance at the time of registration. According to TAS board policy: “Taipei American School will offer accident and injury insurance for all students and will make this insurance mandatory for all those students who participate in organized athletic competition sponsored by Taipei American School, unless they are otherwise insured.”

Tiger Shop

Assorted supplies such as athletics clothes, notebooks, paper, folders, graphing calculators, gym uniforms, locks, and TAS logo gifts are available for purchase in the Tiger Shop. The Tiger Shop is located in 1B63 in the middle school building.

TAS ID Cards

The TAS ID is issued to every student and is used for campus access, checking out books, copier/printers, and as a meal card in the cafeteria. Lost or stolen or damaged IDs may be replaced at the main security guardhouse for a fee of NT$100. To enable the meal card function, credit added to the card through payments made directly at the cashier’s office (in increments of NT $100) or using an automated kiosk located outside the MultiPurpose Room (MPR), or by bank transfer. Information about how to add value to the meal card account through ATM or bank transfers is available at the cashier’s office.

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Parent-Specific Information

Campus Access for Parents

Please refer to the most current campus access information on the TAS website here.

Parent Absence from Taipei

While school is in session, it is against TAS policy for parents to be absent from the home without notification to the School. When both parents are going to be absent from home, one parent must notify the office in advance and state who is responsible for the student(s) and whom the School should contact in case of an emergency. Please use the “parent out of town notice” electronic form available in PowerSchool

School-Parent Communication

Taipei American School strives to keep open communication between families and the School. We welcome inquiries.

Students with concerns relating to a particular course or instructor should make arrangements to speak directly with the appropriate teacher regarding the matter themselves. Students may also contact their counselor, advisor, or enlist parent assistance in resolving their concern.

Parents are asked to refer to the parent-school communication page on the school website when they need to communicate matters regarding their children. In matters relating to their children’s performance in a class, parents should first discuss the matter with their child’s teacher. Open, direct, and cordial communication is a crucial element of our school. We always value student and parent feedback.

Parents should also inform the health office of any significant change in the health status of a student.

The upper school principal’s monthly letter is distributed to parents to provide up-todate information on school topics and activities on a regular basis. Additionally, TAS offers many parent events and publications, and the latest school information may also be found on the TAS website, calendar, and social media feeds.

All community members using social media to communicate about school-related events should adhere to TAS values. Since the school utilizes a variety of electronic

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2022-2023 Upper School Student and Parent Handbook

Last Updated January 30, 2023

communication, parents should ensure that their PowerSchool information is up-to-date at all times.

Translation

Translation in Chinese, Korean, and Japanese can be provided to parents upon request for in-person meetings.

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2022-2023 Upper School Student and Parent Handbook

Last Updated January 30, 2023

14 Emergencies

Accidents and Illnesses

If a student is injured or becomes ill during the school day, they should report directly to the health office or ask a teacher for assistance. Anyone who observes an accident, injury, or sees someone who appears ill should ask a teacher for assistance and call the health office at Ext. 220 immediately. Students should refrain from carrying any injured person and should instead call for help and wait for instructions from the nurse.

Information for athletics safety protocols including the head injury and suspected concussion protocol is available on the TAS website here and in the studentathletes/parents handbook.

Emergency Procedures

Students will receive annual training and direct instructions from teachers through periodic drills.

Weather and Air Quality Index (AQI)

In the event of dangerous weather conditions (for example, lightning) or poor air quality all outdoor classes, sports and activities will cease immediately. Signs will be posted on the fields and teachers will inform students. Further information on air quality monitoring is available on the TAS website here.

Typhoons and Tropical Storms

School closure will be aligned with Taipei City and New Taipei City announcements. Please check the school website for closure announcements and updates.

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