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

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

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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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

Last Updated January 30, 2023 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: http://www.tas.edu.tw/divisional-handbooks/home/upper-school-handbook

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

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

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.

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.

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

Last Updated January 30, 2023 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: http://www.tas.edu.tw/divisional-handbooks/home/upper-school-handbook

• 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.

2022-2023 Upper School Student and Parent Handbook

Last Updated January 30, 2023

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

2022-2023 Upper School Student and Parent Handbook

Last Updated January 30, 2023 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. http://www.tas.edu.tw/divisional-handbooks/home/upper-school-handbook

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

2022-2023