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

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

Last Updated January 30, 2023 probationary contract is drawn up and sent to the student and parents.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Last Updated January 30, 2023

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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