Taipei American School Upper School Handbook | SY25-26

Upper School Upper School

Student and Parent Handbook

School Year 2025-2026

Taipei American School

2025–2026 Upper School Student and Parent Handbook

Last Updated: August 8, 2025

1 Welcome and Introduction

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 goal is to cultivate an enduring commitment to learning, personal well-being, and service, developing students of character who will make the world a better place through their actions. 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/guardians to experience the fullest of what Taipei American School has to offer. We require both parents/guardians and students to read and acknowledge their understanding of the guidelines in the handbook as part of the re-enrollment process.

Like any good school, Taipei American School is always evolving, so even longtime students and parents/guardians 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 allschool calendar

2025–2026 Upper School Student and Parent Handbook

Last Updated: August 8, 2025

2 Mission, Schoolwide Learning Outcomes, School Values, and the TAS Community Commitment

Mission Statement

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

The TAS Schoolwide Learning Outcomes

In addition to the strong academic program and a focus on personal well-being, we strive to support learners in being:

1. Critical and Creative Thinkers Who:

• Demonstrate curiosity about the world, ask questions, and seek out new information and perspectives.

• Identify and understand problems, breaking them down into smaller components to develop possible solutions.

• Analyze and synthesize information from multiple reliable sources, evaluate evidence, and make informed decisions.

• Generate ideas, products, and experiences that demonstrate innovation.

2. Self-Directed Learners Who:

• Take initiative and proactively seek opportunities for selfgrowth and development.

• Design a plan to accomplish goals based on priorities.

• Utilize time, manage workload, and complete tasks efficiently with greater independence.

• Demonstrate persistence and resilience using a variety of strategies.

3. Collaborative Communicators Who:

• Listen actively, considering different perspectives, ideas, and values.

• Articulate ideas clearly and effectively to diverse audiences through oral, written, digital, and creative expression.

2025–2026 Upper School Student and Parent Handbook

Last Updated: August 8, 2025

• Recognize, understand, regulate, and skillfully express individual emotions, as well as respond with empathy to the emotions of others.

• Take responsibility for achieving common goals through teamwork and shared contributions.

4. Well-Balanced Individuals Who:

• Prioritize self-care, implement strategies to manage stress, and develop resilience to achieve overall well-being.

• Adapt to changing circumstances, embrace new ideas and opportunities, and learn from experience.

• Maintain a healthy balance between academic demands, physical activity, personal relationships, digital experiences, and interests.

• Cultivate a sense of belonging for oneself and others.

5. Globally Minded Contributors Who:

• Recognize, understand, and reflect on how one’s own identities shape perspectives, biases, and interactions with others.

• Understand and respect diverse cultures, customs, and beliefs.

• Critically research information on local and global issues and take action to positively impact individuals, communities, and the environment.

• Advocate for inclusive practices that advance diversity, equity, and justice.

School Values

The values of the Taipei American School were developed by representatives from all of the School’s stakeholder groups: students, parents/guardians, 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/guardians agree that their child’s opportunity to attend Taipei American School is contingent at all times upon all members of the

2025–2026 Upper School Student and Parent Handbook

Last Updated: August 8, 2025

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.

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.

2025–2026 Upper School Student and Parent Handbook

Last Updated: August 8, 2025

The TAS Community Commitment

As a community of students, parents, guardians, families, faculty, administration, staff, board members, and alumni, As a community of students, parents and guardians, 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. Our school’s commitment to this work is available on our TAS website.

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.

2025–2026 Upper School Student and Parent Handbook

Last Updated: August 8, 2025

As parents and guardians, we will...

• Commit to celebrating the unique identities of our children.

• Recognize that our children are part of a world of diverse perspectives and experiences.

• Model an attitude of openness, respect, and inclusion toward all members of the school community.

• Support TAS employees and fellow families to help prepare and develop our children's capacity to participate in an increasingly diverse world.

3

Useful Contact Information and Links

Phone

• TAS Main Number 02-7750-9900

• Upper School Office Ext. 211

• Upper School Personal and Academic 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). (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/parentzone/parent-school-communication/staff-directory

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

• TAS Wellness & Safeguarding Page: https://www.tas.edu.tw/aboutus/safeguarding

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

2025–2026 Upper School Student and Parent Handbook

Last Updated: August 8, 2025

Parent/Guardian School Communication

Parents/guardians are asked to refer to the parent/guardian-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/guardians identify the right person to contact when questions arise.

4 School Hours and Daily Schedule

The Upper School is on a two-day cycle and alternates between an A-day and a B-day. There are five 80-minute periods in a school day and a daily flex period during which advisory, class gatherings, and club meetings are held. Please see the details of the daily schedule below. Athletics practices, among many other extracurricular activities, occur after school.

Upper School Daily Schedule

A1 7:45-9:05

A2 9:15-10:35

Flex 10:40-11:20

A3 11:25-12:45

A4 12:50-2:10

A5 2:15-3:35

Athletics – Early Practice 3:45-5:15

Athletics – Late Practice 5:15-6:45

Flex Period

B1 7:45-9:05

B2 9:15-10:35

Flex 10:40-11:20

B3 11:25-12:45

B4 12:50-2:10

B5 2:15-3:35

Athletics – Early Practice 3:45-5:15

Athletics – Late Practice 5:15-6:45

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.

2025–2026 Upper School Student and Parent Handbook

Last Updated: August 8, 2025

5 Academics

As a member school of the 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 the full diploma. The Taipei American School program is accredited by WASC and leads to an American high school diploma.

Graduation Requirements

At Taipei American School, we prioritize supporting students in crafting a course of study tailored to their academic aspirations and future objectives. Please consult our US course catalog for comprehensive information on the coursework necessary for earning a TAS diploma.

International Baccalaureate and IB Diploma

All students who take IB courses must sit the IB exam 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.

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:

2025–2026 Upper School Student and Parent Handbook

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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 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

2025–2026 Upper School Student and Parent Handbook

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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

In early spring, TAS students in grades 8 through 11 engage in thoughtful planning, in partnership with teachers, families, and counselors, to select courses that align with the student’s four-year plan. Thoughtful planning allows students to pursue balanced pathways of study and maximize opportunities for their post-secondary goals. Students need support and care to choose their path forward – there is no “right way” to do school. We encourage students to forge their own path that feels authentic to their learning journey and reflects their passions and interests.

Grade 8 to 11 students select and register for their classes for the upcoming academic year through the PowerSchool student portal. Students may take

2025–2026 Upper School Student and Parent Handbook

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between six (minimum) to eight (maximum) courses at a time. Grade 11 and Grade 12 students may take five courses if they have three or more AP or IB courses, or if they have four TAS core subjects (English, History/Social Sciences, World Languages, Math, Science) in their schedule.

Each grade level attends course selection assemblies facilitated by their grade-level Personal & Academic Counselor. Here students receive guidance, updates, important due dates, and reminders to assist them in planning for the following school year.

Additionally, the US division hosts a Course Selection Fair event after school for students that parents and guardians are invited to attend. Our goal is to provide a dedicated time for students and families to ask any additional questions they may have and interact with faculty and department chairs in person. Our grade-level counselors, the Dean of Student Life, Athletics, the AP/IB Coordinator, and other faculty members will also be available to answer questions and support the course selection process.

The Upper School division builds the school schedule based on the course sign-ups. We intentionally allocate our resources to align with the interests and needs of our students.

Students are given approximately two weeks to finalize their course selections.

Schedule Balancing Period

After students complete the course selection process in early Spring, students will receive a draft of their course schedule in May. At this time, students may contact their Personal & Academic Counselor to discuss the balancing of schedules and the adding and dropping of courses. The adding and dropping of courses is based on the availability of course sections and a student’s schedule.

Course Adjustment Period

The course adjustment period is a time at the start of the school year for dropping a course or if a teacher initiates a change in course level. Students

2025–2026 Upper School Student and Parent Handbook

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should speak with their teacher and counselor about the compelling circumstances that may require a course adjustment. This Course Adjustment Period allows teachers to begin instruction more effectively, have less disruption with students coming and going from class, and allow students to settle into the new year more smoothly and timely.

Course Withdrawal

If a student drops a class after Quarter 1 of a year-long or semester 1 course, or after Q3 of a semester 2 course, it will be designated on their transcript with a “W” indicating a withdrawal. This firm deadline helps facilitate better conversations earlier in the semester between students, counselors, teachers, and families.

Selection of Valedictorian and Salutatorian

The following criteria will be used in the selection process:

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.

Summer Academy

Summer Academy offers a great opportunity for students who wish to continue their educational journeys, explore new topics, dive deeper into a favorite subject, and learn while having fun. There are learning experiences for Lower, Middle, and Upper School students.

US students may enroll in a two-week or four-week credit course to advance through the curriculum, fulfill graduation requirements, pursue passions, and explore interests in new areas of study. At the conclusion of a TAS Summer

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Academy credit course, students are awarded grades based on their performance in the summer class.

To learn more about our Summer Academy program, check out our website, www.tas.edu.tw/summer-academy

Independent Study

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 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.

Supervised Study Hall

TAS students traditionally have several unscheduled times during the school day in which they can make choices about their use of time. Supervised Study Hall is designed to offer additional support for students who are academically at risk by providing supervision and structure during the school day.

When a teacher has concerns about a student, they can reach out to the student’s grade level counselor for consultation. If appropriate, the counselor and teacher may place the student in a supervised study hall for a period of time. The teacher and/or the counselor will communicate with the student and family about the assignment of a Supervised Study Hall.

Reasons for placement in study hall may include low grades, missing or inconsistent coursework, and/or additional support dedicated to organizational and time-management skills. Students struggling in their classes may be placed in Supervised Study until specific tasks are completed or specific skills are mastered. A student placed in study hall will remain until they meet objectives and the adult that assigned the study hall gives authorization for the study hall to end.

2025–2026 Upper School Student and Parent Handbook

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Maximum Tests Per Day

Students are not required to take more than two tests in a single day. Students may elect to take up to three tests in one day, but this will never be mandatory. Tests are posted on the Canvas learning management system at least one week ahead of time.

Should three tests be scheduled in a single day, it is the last test scheduled that the student has the option of rescheduling for an alternative time. To reschedule this third test, the student should email their teacher, cc the teachers of their other two tests, and request to reschedule this third test for an alternative time.

It is the student's responsibility to communicate with teachers, and arrangements must be made well before the testing date.

This policy is intended for summative tests such as end-of-unit tests. It is not valid for long-term projects or presentations.

Semester Exam

Semester exams can cover material from the semester’s work or can be based on a specific unit of study. Students who arrive late for an exam may enter the exam but will not be given additional time to complete the exam. A doctor’s note is required in order to excuse a student absence during an 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.

6 Attendance

A student must have a satisfactory record of attendance to receive credit for each course. The guideline for satisfactory attendance is a maximum of 8 absences per class per semester. Students who fail to meet this attendance requirement may, in extreme cases, lose credit for the semester regardless of their grade in their courses. If a student is absent for 3 consecutive school days, they will be required to provide a doctor’s note for their absences. An

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internal review process will be conducted with the counseling and educational team to examine each case and determine next steps.

A student absent for any part of the school day may not attend after-school activities without permission from an Associate Principal.

Attendance and Notifying the School of Absences

Students who are absent from school must have one of the following: A written explanation from a parent or guardian submitted via email (USAttendanceSecretary@tas.edu.tw),

An electronic absence form completed in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. Parent or guardian communication with the Upper School office via phone call (extension 211) between 7:15 AM and 7:45 AM.

Parents and guardians must include the date and reason for the absence. If a student is absent for any part of the school day, they must report to the attendance secretary in the Upper School office when arriving at school to check in and receive a pass to class.

Planned Absences

Planned absences for reasons other than illness or emergency must be reported to the Upper School administration using the planned absence form available in the Upper School office, on the student and parent portals, and in the Upper School counseling office. The student is responsible for completing the form (by obtaining all necessary signatures) and submitting it to the Upper School office at least three days before the absence. 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.

Unexcused Absences

A student who is not present for any class, advisory meeting, required assembly, or class gathering without permission will receive an unexcused

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absence. This may result in detention, in-school restriction, or other disciplinary action. Any pattern of unexcused absenteeism will result in a parent/guardian conference and more severe consequences, which may include loss of course credit. Typically, a student will not receive credit for any missed tests, quizzes, in-class assignments, or assessments with an unexcused absence.

Make-Up Work for 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.

Students Missing Class Due to School Activities

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. This information is communicated through the Week Ahead email sent to students every Friday afternoon. Students are strongly encouraged to complete as many assignments, tests, or quizzes as possible prior to their departure or participation date. It is the responsibility of students to plan a make-up strategy with teachers. Grade-level counselors and teachers are available to assist students with these conversations, and students are encouraged to reach out if they need assistance in planning.

Wellness Days

Upper School students may utilize one Wellness Day per semester to step away from school, recharge, and take care of their well-being. On a wellness day, students must remain off campus for the entire school day but may return for after-school activities. Wellness days will count as an absence and will be included in the total of 8 maximum absences allowed per class per semester. To request a wellness day, parents and guardians can enter

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“Wellness Day” as the reason for your child’s absence through the PowerSchool Parent Portal.

IB/AP Study Leave for External Exams

In late April/early May, some students will begin to take their external IB/AP exams. These students are given study leave the calendar day prior to an exam and they are also provided study leave the day of an exam. Students on study leave are not required to attend class on these days, however, if they would like to attend class(es), they can come to school and sign in at the Upper School office. Parents and guardians do not need to contact the school to arrange this study leave absence. Students' attendance information is automatically input into our system by our attendance secretary based on the child's course enrollment.

Grade 12 full IB Diploma students are automatically placed on Study Leave for the entire external testing period, allowing for dedicated preparation time. Students and families will receive more detailed information from their AP/IB Coordinator as they approach this time.

Tardies

Arriving late to class impacts overall student learning and is disruptive to the classroom environment. When students are frequently late, they miss important information/routines at the beginning of their class(es), and they interrupt work in progress.

Students who arrive between 1 and 20 mins late to class are considered tardy. Students who arrive 21 mins or later to a class will be marked absent.

When a student is late to school due to an urgent family matter or illness their attendance record will be marked as “Sick/TE” or “Fam/TE.”

Tardies are tallied throughout a semester. If a student has 3 or fewer tardies, there are no detentions assigned*. Please see below for the interventions put in place should tardies accumulate in a semester.

4-6 Tardies, 1 Detention, automated email sent to Student, Counselor,

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Parent/Guardian

7-9 Tardies, 2 Detentions, Automated email sent to Student, Counselor, and Parent/Guardian

10 -12 Tardies, 2 Detentions, Automated email sent to Student, Counselor, and Parent/Guardian. Gr. 12 students lose off-campus

Lunch Privileges for remainder of semester.

13+ Tardies, Students are assigned 1 detention for every tardy accumulated 13 and over

*Students in detention spend time in our Upper School office study room during a free period on a school day. In the study room, students must work on academic coursework.

Illness at School

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. If a student is recommended to go home from the nurses’ office, a parent/guardian is called to provide information and to gather information about how the child will get home. If the parent chooses to send a child home independently (without a parent/guarding picking them up from school), the nurses’ office will notify the Upper School office. If a child needs emergency care and must go to the hospital, a parent/guardian must pick up the child to take them to the proper health facility. In the case of an emergency, if a parent/guardian is not available and the child needs to be taken by ambulance to the hospital, a nursing staff member or administrator will accompany the child to the hospital and stay with them until a parent/guardian arrives.

Truancy

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

Permission to Leave Campus During the School Day

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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/guardians. 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 if they have missed any part of the school day, 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 have the special privilege of exiting campus during their designated lunch period. At the beginning of Grade 12, Associate Principals will provide information to Grade 12 students and their families about this special arrangement. If a family provides permission (via PowerSchool), the Grade 12 student can partake in off campus lunch periods.

Because this is a privilege provided to Seniors, it needs to be managed with responsibility and care. Students who are consistently tardy in returning to campus, who exit campus at a time that is not their lunch period as assigned on their school schedule, or who have other violations of Upper School policies may lose this off-campus lunch privilege for a designated period of time.

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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/guardian permission are not required to check in but can go directly to their second period class which begins promptly at 9:15 AM.

7

Counseling

Personal and Academic 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/guardians, 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 personal and academic 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

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appointments, group meetings, and parent/guardian 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 yearlong 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 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

In addition to periodic class and parent/guardian 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. To begin, we focus on college research and the general college

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application components; 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, 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 finalize drafts of personal essays and start on school supplements.

During the first semester of 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 senior year, leading 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/guardian voice should be present, each step of the way we encourage 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/guardians can support their child during this process. Our goal is finding the right school to fit a student’s unique and individual needs to achieve success and happiness in college and beyond. Thus, we require that students have at least two “Likely” schools (schools that college counselors assess to have a likelihood of admissibility of 75% or greater for individual students based on their unique profiles) on their final college list.

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 AM12:15PM) or the second part of fourth period (1:20 PM-2:10 PM), depending on their lunch. importance. Our college counseling curriculum, materials, and recommendations are carefully curated with and informed by many years of experience working with TAS students and colleges around the world. We are intentional in providing relevant, timely, and appropriate information; we guide and provide time and space for students to work towards application submission. Adherence to deadlines, particularly those that are internal to the TAS College Counseling Office workflow (i.e. essay drafts, college lists), is of critical importance. We ask that students meet and communicate frequently

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with their college counselor in order to develop an authentic relationship (we recommend a “touch point” at least every two weeks, especially during the senior fall semester). This allows us to advocate more effectively for their admission based on qualitative characteristics which are critical to holistic admissions practice as testing continues to be less important in the process, and with increased attention to character and engagement.

We are committed to and continue to support students who select to apply to university systems outside of the United States and recognize that this option may be one that is more popular than before for the TAS community. We strongly recommend that students submit no more than the average of 10 applications (1 application counts for the University of California system, and 1 application counts for the UK system). This remains in line with the practice of our peer institutions (IASAS and independent schools worldwide). Most importantly, it helps maintain stress levels for our very busy students. It also translates to much more thoughtful and quality applications, resulting in high admissions rates and more options for our students.

The college counseling office shares the School’s policy on academic integrity, and 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.

Finally, we understand that families may select to seek outside support about the college admissions process for a variety of services. We believe that our work with students and families is strongest due to our unique understanding of both TAS, our community, and our direct experience and strong relationships with college admissions offices (who will not communicate with independent consultants) and discourage this engagement with external sources. At best, these companies may employ alumni and/or current students from “name brand” institutions with little to no direct admissions experience; at worst they exploit and perpetuate the uncertainty and fear of this very important and nuanced process during uncertain and constantly changing times. However, in the spirit of open communication and to provide the best support to our students, we ask that we be informed if this is the case as students often receive conflicting or ill-informed advice from these

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“consultants,” which adds to students’ stress. We would never judge a family (nor disclose to colleges) but ask that we be informed if you are working with someone; simply knowing allows us to help manage our information and help our students appropriately navigate and process conflicting information or recommendations. We also must maintain our own internal TAS College Counseling process and deadlines for submitting transcripts, as well as writing and submitting our letters of recommendation, requiring students to keep in frequent communication with us, even if working with an outside agency.

By enrolling in Taipei American School, parents/guardians and students give unrestricted authorization for the TAS college counseling office to represent any student to all colleges and universities. If disciplinary action is taken after a student has submitted applications to colleges and universities, the student may be required to contact those schools to inform them of the change in their disciplinary status. College Counselors will work closely with students to support them in this communication. 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, 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 personal and academic 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/guardians are not allowed to read them. Students seeking such letters of recommendation must read and complete the student/teacher recommendation agreement, which is typically due before 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 at some point in their careers prior to TAS. Some actually covered Asia as an admissions territory and read applications and admitted students from TAS. We are proud to offer a student-to-counselor ratio of roughly 40:1, which is similar to top independent schools in the United States

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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. We remain committed to providing the most comprehensive, current, and caring support to your child during the college application and admissions process and look forward to working with you as well!

TAS College Counseling Policies & Procedures (Class of 2026)

Overview

• Students begin the college counseling process in Grade 11, formally working one-on-one with their college counselor at the beginning of semester 2, a relationship that persists through to graduation.

• In Grade 11, we will begin with university research, fit/criteria, preliminary list building, and essay writing. In the first semester of Grade 12, counselors support students on finalizing their college lists, reviewing personal essay drafts, and completing university applications. In the second semester of Grade 12, as students receive application decisions, counselors will assist with college selection, waitlist offers, transitioning to life after TAS, and other enrollment-related topics.

• Counselors work in close collaboration with students and families to support the application process. It is our philosophy and practice to keep the student at the center of the college process. While the parent/guardian voice should be present, we encourage practices and policies that require the student to assert ownership and accountability.

• We ask that students meet and communicate frequently with their college counselor in order to develop an authentic relationship and to stay on top of the process. For applicants applying to the United States, during the fall semester of 12th

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grade, we recommend a “touch point” at least every two weeks.

• We are also committed to and have expertise in supporting students who apply to university systems outside of the United States.

• College counseling classes are also offered on a weekly basis on Thursdays during part of the student’s assigned lunch period. These classes are mandatory, and attendance will be taken.

University Lists

• Our goal is finding the right school to fit a student’s unique and individual needs to achieve success and happiness in college and beyond.

• In addition to recommending schools based on student’s criteria, we will also provide Likelihood of Admission designations (Likely, Target, Reach, Unlikely) for each university on their list. These are determined by historical data, our professional expertise, and each student’s unique profiles.

• We require that students have at least two “Likely” schools (schools that college counselors assess to have a 75% chance or greater of acceptance) on their final college list.

• We strongly recommend that students submit no more than 10 applications (University of California system and UK system each count as one). This is to encourage higher quality and more successful applications as well as to maintain stress levels and promote well-being for our very busy students. This remains in line with the practice of our peer institutions (IASAS and independent schools worldwide).

• Students will share with counselors which universities they intend to apply to by turning in Final College List forms. These will be signed by both students and parents to confirm that the list accurately reflects every school the student will apply to and that no additional schools can be added after the list is turned in by

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our internal deadline.

Application Procedures & Policies

• Deadlines

o In addition to external university deadlines, students must meet TAS internal deadlines in order to receive full support from the college counseling office.

o These include deadlines for essay review, final college lists, assignments, etc. These deadlines are intentional to help students manage their applications and to ensure that counselors have adequate time to provide thoughtful guidance and support. Adherence to these deadlines is of critical importance to have a successful college counseling experience.

• Student Information

o By enrolling in Taipei American School, parents/guardians and students give unrestricted authorization for the TAS college counseling office to represent any student to all colleges and universities.

o 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, ACT, AP and IB scores (or other testing results), and anything else that the upper school personal and academic counseling office believes to be important for colleges and universities to have when considering a student for admission or enrollment.

o All letters of recommendation are confidential, and students and parents/guardians are not allowed to read them. Students seeking such letters of recommendation must read and complete the student-teacher recommendation agreement, which is typically due before the end of their junior year.

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o Please note that TAS does not rank our students and thus will not provide this information to colleges.

• Document Submission

o While students are responsible for submitting their own application and standardized test results, counselors will submit a student’s transcript, counselor and teacher letter of recommendations, ED agreements, and other supporting documents.

o Counselors will only send documents to universities on a student’s completed and signed Final College List forms.

o If a university uses Common Application, college counselors will only submit documents through Common Application.

• Disciplinary Action

o If disciplinary action is taken after a student has submitted applications to colleges and universities, the student may be required to contact those schools to inform them of the change in their disciplinary status. College Counselors will work closely with students to support them in this communication. Students are expected to provide accurate and timely information in accordance with university’s policies and procedures.

o College Counselors may also be obligated to report such disclosures or changes in enrollment status in response to inquiries from universities.

• Academic Integrity

o The college counseling office shares Taipei American School’s policy on academic integrity, and 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.

External Support

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• External Standardized Testing

o We do not recommend that TAS students take AP or IB exams at test centers outside of TAS. Exams taken externally may not be accepted for admission review. Universities expect that students complete the actual AP or IB course in addition to the external exam. Counselors will only certify AP or IB courses taken at TAS on university applications.

o Please note that for AP exam scores are not a required component of the US application process and are often not used for admission review.

• External Independent Counseling Support

o We believe that our work with students and families is strongest due to our unique understanding of both the TAS community and our direct experience and strong relationships with college admissions offices who do not communicate with independent consultants and discourage student engagement with external sources.

o At best, these companies may employ alumni from “name brand” institutions with little to no direct admissions experience, often providing misguided and outdated advice. At worst, they exploit and perpetuate the uncertainty and fear of this very important and nuanced process during uncertain and constantly changing times.

o However, we understand that families may still select to seek outside support about the college admissions process for a variety of services. In the spirit of open communication and to provide the best support to our students, we ask that we be informed if this is the case.

o We would never judge a family (nor disclose to universities) but ask that students still engage with their TAS college counselor. As students often receive conflicting or ill-informed advice from these “consultants,” counselors can help students appropriately navigate and process conflicting

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recommendations.

o We also must maintain our own internal TAS College Counseling process and deadlines for submitting transcripts, as well as writing and submitting our letters of recommendation, requiring students to keep in frequent communication with us, even if working with an outside agency.

o With the exception of Australia, counselors will not send any TAS documents (transcripts, letters of rec., etc.) to third parties (agents, external consultants, etc.).

8

Student Services

Food Services

TAS provides meals and snacks in the cafeteria, the snack bar, and the fourthfloor 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

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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 a life-threatening emergency, parents/guardians 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/guardians arrive. In the event of an injury that requires medical treatment but is not life-threatening, the school nurse will contact the parents/guardians and work with them to discuss transportation and medical care.

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-thecounter medication may be dispensed by the nurse per the doctor’s standing order with written permission from the parents/guardians. 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-and-mouth disease, an enteroviruses, influenza, pink Eye or conjunctivitis. The nurse will provide instructions regarding their return to school.

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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/guardians who would like further information regarding the Return to Learn protocols and procedures may contact their child’s school counselor.

Immunizations

The following immunizations are required for TAS students:

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) 2 doses (age 12 months, 1 booster 4-6 years).

• DPT/DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) 5 doses by 4-6 years.

• Polio (OPV/IPV) 4 doses by age 4-6 years.

• Hepatitis B 3 doses at age 0 month, 1 month, 6 months.

• Varicella (Chickenpox) 1 dose at age 12 months

All TAS students are required to submit a copy of Immunization Records in order to verify compliance with the above Immunizations.

All NEW students are required to submit a copy of Immunization Records with their required Medical Examination Form on Admission to TAS. For RETURNING students the Health Office will contact you directly via email for any updates that are needed to your child’s Immunization Record. If you do not receive an email to submit updates, it means your child’s immunizations are up to date. Students who are non-compliant with immunization records will be contacted directly from the Health Office regarding requirements to meet compliance. Failure to complete the requirements within the semester of notice from administration will result in a student’s two-week suspension from school. Failure to complete the requirements within the two-week suspension period will result in termination of student enrollment without refund.

Medical exemptions may be granted based on a signed approval by a physician. Any exempted students will not be allowed to attend class

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should there be an outbreak of any of the above communicable diseases for which the student is not immunized.

Libraries

The Joanna Nichols Memorial Libraries at Taipei American School consist of three divisional libraries Upper School library, 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.

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 library 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 report the theft to an associate principal. Recovered articles of great value must be clearly identified by the owner in order for the

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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 afterschool 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.

On late start days, when classes are scheduled to begin for students at 9:30am, the transportation office will communicate with families about a modified morning pick-up time for children who normally ride the bus to school. Please direct questions about this to the transportation office.

Student Accident Insurance

Parents/guardians 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.

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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 Multi-Purpose 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.

9 Campus Life and Expectations

Our Upper School campus life is energetic and dynamic! There are over 860 enrolled students, and our campus spans across more than four buildings. Our students are busy, hardworking, and passionately in pursuit of their interests. While this is a vibrant learning community, we ask our students to also remember to...

• Take care of our shared spaces. If students are socializing with friends and eating lunch in the Legacy Commons, they are expected to pick up after themselves and not leave trash behind, Students socializing with friends and eating lunch in the Legacy Commons to remind others to clean up thoroughly, and push in chairs. Leave spaces as clean and tidy as it was found.

• Treat everyone with kindness and respect. There are many staff and community members that support our campus facilities.

Class Gathering

Class gatherings are an important part of building a strong and connected school community. Led by elected Class Officers, these gatherings often feature activities that celebrate the class of students and help build a sense of unity and belonging.

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Class Gatherings generally take place once a month during a flex period. Attendance is mandatory.

Advisory Program

The aim of the Upper School advisory program is to create a safe and inclusive space where students feel known and connected. Through small-group discussions and engaging activities, students can step away from their academic school life to bond as a group and explore topics such as mental health and wellness, identity and belonging, and other themes. These conversations also create space for students to form meaningful relationships with peers they may not otherwise encounter through classes or extracurricular activities.

Each student is assigned to an advisory group that includes approximately 10 peers and a faculty advisor. These groups typically meet once a week during Flex and remain consistent throughout a student’s four years in the upper school. The advisor serves as a trusted adult who provides guidance, encouragement, and support as students navigate academic and personal challenges.

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 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.

Campus Access

The campus opens to students at 7:00 AM each school day. Students are required to use their school ID cards to enter and exit the TAS campus.

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During the school day, students must remain on campus during school hours unless they have obtained an authorized gate pass from the upper school office. Upper School students are expected to stay within the upper school areas of the campus unless they have scheduled classes in another area of the school. Lower School and Middle School areas are off limits to Upper School students unless invited for a special activity and supervised by an adult.

After classes end at 3:35 PM, upper school students who are not participating in a directly supervised, school-sanctioned activity may socialize quietly in the Legacy Commons (cafeteria) and the Upper School courtyard (outside the Dean of Student Life office). The upper school Library is open until 5:30 PM and students may use that space after school until it closes. All other seating areas on campus are closed to students after 3:45 PM.

The entire TAS campus closes to all students at 7:00 PM each weekday evening.

On weekends, our campus is open to only students participating in a supervised, school-sponsored activity.

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.

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.

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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 in the Upper School. Students may use them in between classes and during break and lunch times. During classes, each student must place their phone in a designated area of the classroom (as instructed by their teacher) and may not access their device during class time. This includes receiving messages through smart watches and/or any other smart device.

During advisory, class gatherings and other school functions, students may not use cell phones unless explicitly instructed to do so for an activity.

• If a student needs to make a phone call, they may do so during their break/lunch time.

• When listening to music, students need to use headphones.

• If a parent/guardian needs to contact a student during school hours, they may call the Upper School office at x211.

• Students who need to call a parent during a class time for an urgent matter are asked to do so from the Upper School office.

Taking Photos and/or Recordings of Any Kind on Campus

Students must be thoughtful, kind, and responsible when it comes to using their personal devices for photos, videos, and or recordings.

Photos, videos, and/or recordings of any kind may not be taken on campus without the explicit consent of the individual(s) involved/featured in the above. Intentionally or unintentionally including others in digital content, without their consent, is not permitted, and may lead to disciplinary consequences.

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Food and Drink

Students may drink water and other beverages in academic areas and around campus if it is in a reusable container. Reusable drink containers can be purchased from the Tiger Shop.

A wide variety of food is available for purchase in several locations on the Upper School campus. Upper School students may use the hot line/salad bar, the snack bar, and the Fitness Cafe located next to the Upper School library. Students are required to eat food in designated areas only. These include the Legacy Commons (cafeteria), outdoor tented cafeteria. Students may not eat in academic areas (classrooms, study areas, library, etc) or in hallways.

TAS is a nut-free campus, and students and community members may not bring any items that contain nuts onto campus.

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

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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;

• Students should not face unnecessary barriers to school attendance.

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

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.

Personal Lockers on Campus

At the beginning of each school year, students have the option of signing up for a TAS locker located in the Hennessy Building. Information is provided to students at the beginning of each year, and a locker assignment is managed by the Upper School office. Lockers must be secured with a lock purchased from the TAS Tiger Shop (no private locks allowed on school lockers).

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Each student enrolled in a Health/PE Class will also be assigned a locker in the locker room. Students must use a lock purchased at the TAS Tiger Shop to secure their personal items in the locker rooms as well.

Students who opt out of having a school locker must carry their bags and personal items with them throughout the day, and items cannot be left unattended around campus.

Lockers are the property of Taipei American School and are provided to students for convenience. Students suspected of having violated TAS rules are subject to having their locker searched by a designated school official.

Physical Education (PE) Locker Room Expectations

Students will use their assigned PE Locker for items related to their Health/PE class or for their athletics related items. All items need to be in the student’s assigned locker and remain locked when unattended. Approved TAS locks can be found at the Tiger Shop. If a student needs a larger locker, they can request one from their Health/PE teacher or Coach.

Locker rooms are shared spaces and need to be treated with care so that all students can feel safe in that space. Below are some expectations for the Upper School locker rooms:

• Locker rooms are to be used for changing clothes only and are out of bounds for any other time of day.

• Food and drinks are not allowed in locker rooms.

• Cleats or dirty shoes should not be worn in the locker room, but instead, should be cleaned outdoors in designated areas.

• Showers are available for student use, and students may use schoolprovided towels.

• Students must secure their personal items in a locker. Any theft should be reported to their teacher or coach immediately.

• If any student or community member is concerned about a behavior in a locker room, they should report to a trusted adult.

Expectations on School Buses

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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.

Bikes, Scooters, and Skateboards

The use of bikes, skateboards, and roller skates is not permitted on campus. E-scooters cannot be stored on the TAS campus or on the surrounding sidewalks.

Bikes must be parked in the designated outdoor lot behind the Hennessy building. Parking on sidewalks alongside campus is not allowed, as these locations are not designated parking zones and may cause congestion and safety risks.

All individuals using personal wheeled transportation such as bikes, push scooters, and skateboards are encouraged to take proper safety precautions, including wearing protective gear and yielding to pedestrians.

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).

Faculty-Only Areas

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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.

10 Safeguarding Policies and Related Information

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

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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.

PreK–12 Bullying Policy

Taipei American School (TAS) provides a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all students. This policy outlines the school's commitment to preventing and addressing bullying as part of our broader safeguarding efforts and dedication to student protection, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to learn in a respectful and secure atmosphere. The policy reflects TAS's core values of respect, responsibility, kindness, honesty, and courage, guiding the behavior of students and employees alike. Please see the full PreK–12 bullying policy on our TAS website

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.

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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 problem-solving 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.

• 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.

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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 inappropriate, destructive, or irresponsible use of technology. Furthermore, students and parents/guardians 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

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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;

• 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;

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• 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/guardians 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

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

11 Activities and Athletics

Clubs and Organizations

Many activities at TAS are run out of our Dean of Student Life Office. All students are invited to participate in our excellent co-curricular programs that range from clubs to community and social events to service-related initiatives. 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, tryouts 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,

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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/guardians complete the online parent/guardian acknowledgement form (athletics). Activities require the parent/guardian 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 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.

Student Participation in Non-TAS Sponsored Events and Competitions

At Taipei American School (TAS) we recognize the importance of encouraging and supporting our students’ diverse interests and talents, both within and outside of school. We wholeheartedly celebrate our students’ successes in competitions and events beyond the boundaries of TAS, including those sponsored by external organizations such as the Taipei City Government Department of Education (TCGDOE), the Ministry of Education (MOE), other governmental authorities, and non-governmental associations.

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An updated policy on non-TAS sponsored events and competitions will be shared in Fall 2025.

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 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

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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.

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’/guardians’ expense.

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

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

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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.

12 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

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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/guardians 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 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. 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.

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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

Taipei American School fosters a vibrant community where students, faculty, staff, and administrators are deeply committed to upholding scholarly integrity and intellectual honesty. Central to the student experience at Taipei American School is the expectation that every student will embody the school’s core values in their decision-making processes. In their academic pursuits, students are expected to exemplify respect, honesty, responsibility, kindness, and courage. These values are not just aspirational; they are essential principles that guide students in engaging authentically and ethically in academic discourse. Learning with integrity is not merely encouraged; it is considered a fundamental aspect of the educational journey at Taipei American School.

How is Academic Integrity Taught at TAS?

At Taipei American School, academic integrity is emphasized across all subject-specific courses. Students are consistently provided with information, guidelines, and standards to ensure that all submitted work is authentically their own. Throughout their coursework, students are introduced to various citation styles and receive regular lessons and reminders on how to properly attribute others' work and ideas within their assignments.

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In instances where group work and collaboration are part of an assignment, students receive instructions detailing the permissible level of collaboration for that task. Additionally, classroom and exam environments are designed to offer students a safe and comfortable space to complete assessments, adhering strictly to the guidelines set forth by their instructors. This structured approach ensures that students understand and practice academic integrity in all aspects of their educational experience.

Our Approach to Managing Academic Misconduct

Our approach to academic integrity at Taipei American School is both educational and restorative. Violations of academic integrity are taken very seriously, and there are consequences for these violations. However, we aim to utilize these learning opportunities to help our students better align with our school values of kindness, respect, responsibility, honesty, and courage.

By fostering an environment that emphasizes learning from mistakes and understanding the importance of academic honesty, we strive to support students in building the necessary skills to maintain integrity in all their academic and professional endeavors. This balanced approach ensures that students are held accountable while also being given the opportunity to grow and improve.

For all assigned work, students are responsible for:

• Completing all assignments and assessments within the directions laid out by the instructor

• Adhering to the rules of the test environment

• Assuming that work needs to be completed individually unless the teacher states otherwise.

• Properly citing any resources that they consult in the process of completing an assignment.

• Ensuring that any use of AI is within the directions and guidelines set out by their instructor

• Contacting the teacher when uncertain about how to maintain academic integrity with an assignment.

• Not borrowing, lending, or sharing (including electronically) the content of any assignment or assessment with any other student.

• Not re-submitting the same work for a different assignment in the same or another course.

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Teachers are responsible for:

• Providing clear instructions about how to complete work for the course with integrity, including lessons on proper citation methods, clear expectations for the classroom assessment environment, and resources for students to successfully complete assignments in alignment with academic integrity standards.

• Providing a clear and conducive testing environment for all students.

• Clearly explaining to students when collaboration is or is not allowed.

What are examples of Academic Misconduct?

Academic misconduct may include, but is not limited to:

• Cheating:

o Accessing test materials before they are administered, sharing test content with others, or attempting to obtain unauthorized assistance during assessments.

o Talking about an assignment or assessment with others who have not yet completed that assignment or assessment.

o Having any unauthorized materials or devices during an assessment.

o Engaging in any act that seeks or gives an unfair advantage on any assignment or assessment.

o Allowing someone else to copy an original work and then submit it as their own work.

o Providing access to an assignment or assessment when sharing and collaborating are not allowed

• Plagiarism:

o Using sentences, phrases, ideas, etc from other sources without proper citations.

o Paraphrasing or summarizing someone else’s ideas or work and turning them in as if they are your own ideas and work.

o Not using quotation marks around sentences or phrases from other sources.

o Submitting the same assignment for two or more classes without the instructors' permission.

• Unauthorized Collaboration:

o Working collaboratively on a given assignment, project, or assessment without permission and/or instructions to do so.

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o Presenting your work as your own when you have collaborated on the work and have not acknowledged this in your submission.

Academic Integrity and Artificial Intelligence

With the rapid advancements in AI, it is crucial for students to understand the origins of information, accurately cite sources, and communicate with instructors if they have any questions about using AI.

Guidelines for AI Usage:

• Instructor Guidance: Instructors will provide specific guidelines on how and when AI tools may or may not be used for assignments.

• Violation of Integrity: Using AI tools to generate work and submitting it as one's own when not allowed violates academic integrity standards.

Nuances in Different Subjects:

• Each academic subject may have different nuances regarding academic misconduct.

• When in doubt, students must proactively ask their instructor for clarification.

By adhering to these guidelines, students can ensure they maintain high standards of academic integrity in their use of AI tools.

Academic Integrity Policies for Externally Assessed Courses

Teachers of Externally Assessed Courses must also follow the guidelines set forth by IB Program and/or The College Board (AP courses). When a teacher or proctor identifies a concern, that individual must go through the steps listed below (per TAS policy) and include the AP/IB Coordinator in the initial steps of notification and consultation.

Students in externally assessed courses must read these guidelines carefully and reach out to their course instructor, AP/IB coordinator, or an associate principal with any questions.

• AP Exam Policies and Guidelines

• AP Capstone Diploma Policies

• IB Academic Integrity Policy

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Academic Integrity Policies for College Admissions

TAS’s commitment to academic integrity extends to the college admissions process. We expect students to submit original, authentic, and honest applications, embodying our school’s core values in their applications and upholding the standards of integrity expected by colleges and universities.

Students applying to college sign affirmations verifying the authenticity of their submissions. From the Common Application, these affirmation statements “are intended to make sure the applicant certifies the authenticity of the application, agrees to provide updated information to the college, and will commit only to one college once accepted.”

These affirmations are legally binding and emphasize the importance of personal responsibility in upholding these commitments throughout the application process.

Guidelines on External Tools and Assistance

College Admissions Offices advise against the use of generative AI tools and other technologies in creating application materials, consistently noting that the most compelling personal statements reflect the student’s authentic voice. At TAS, we support this standard through College Counseling, which provides structured opportunities for self-reflection and exercises to craft genuine, compelling personal statements.

TAS’s Support for Authentic Applications

The TAS College Counseling Office provides frequent opportunities for students to refine their personal statements through guided exercises, oneon-one conversations, and constructive feedback. There are multiple and frequent conversations, reviews, and suggested edits to strengthen these statements with students. Our goal is to support students in crafting applications that authentically represent their experiences and aspirations. Colleges and Universities worldwide expect applicants to adhere to the same standards of academic honesty and integrity as their current students, and TAS supports all aspects of this through our own Academic Integrity policies.

The Process for an Identified Concern

If a teacher identifies an academic integrity concern...

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• The teacher talks with the student to discuss the concern. The teacher will then share this concern with their department chair and grade-level Associate Principal for follow up.

• The Associate Principal meets with the student to review the teacher's concern and hear from the student what occurred in the reported case.

• If evidence indicates that academic dishonesty has occurred, the Associate Principal works with the teacher to discuss next steps, and then meets again with the student to discuss.

• The Associate Principal works with the student to provide additional conversation and education around academic integrity. The aim of this is to help students to learn through their actions or inactions and to continue to grow as scholars and as people.

• A consequence is determined by the US Principals. While taking into account the relevant information to the case, consequences can include:

o Partial or full loss of credit on an assignment or assessment

o A requirement that the student resubmit a partial or entire assignment or assessment

o Contact with parent/guardian either by phone, email, or in person meeting

In cases of an egregious violation and/or if the student has had a previous academic integrity violation, in addition to the steps above, a meeting is held that includes the Upper School principal, the student, and the student’s parents/guardians. Consequences are typically more significant and may include:

• Placement on academic probation

• Loss of credit on the assignment or assessment

• Removal from a course

• Suspension, expulsion, and/or other significant disciplinary consequences

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/guardians 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.

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Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking, and Vaping

Smoking and Vaping

TAS is a smoke-free zone, and using or being in possession of tobacco or ecigarettes (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/guardians will be notified. In the event it is an offcampus 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 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/guardians 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 concerns exist, it may, without prior notice, require selective testing on individual students, whether or not their parents/guardians 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

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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/guardians 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.

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

2025–2026 Upper School Student and Parent Handbook

Last Updated: August 8, 2025

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 off-campus TAS events.

• Social Probation

A behavioral contract is used to formally acknowledge the schools' concern regarding a student's behavioral choices. It serves as a clear reminder to the student and their parent(s)/guardian(s) of expected conduct moving forward. The contract is read and signed by both the student and their parent(s)/guardian(s) to confirm their understanding and commitment to improvement.

• 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.

Upper School Student and Parent Handbook Last Updated: August 8, 2025

Campus Access for Parents/Guardians

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

Parent/Guardian Absence from Taipei

While school is in session, it is against TAS policy for parents/guardians to be absent from the home without notification to the School. When both parents/guardians are going to be absent from home, one parent/guardian 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/guardian out of town notice” electronic form available in PowerSchool.

School-Parent/Guardian Communication

Taipei American School strives to keep families informed by sending out a weekly Parent Post newsletter, which not only includes announcements specific to the Upper School division, but it also contains Board, schoolwide, Lower School and Middle School announcements. This newsletter is emailed to families every Friday at 3:00pm. The latest school information may also be found on the Parent Zone, TAS website, calendar, and social media feeds.

We strive to keep an open communication with families. Please help us to make sure that your PowerSchool information is up-to-date at all times. For example, if your phone number or address has changed, please contact the Admissions Office so that the changes are reflected accurately on PowerSchool. Teachers, counselors, and administrators may reach out to you to celebrate your child’s growth, express an academic concern, or to request a meeting.

Students with concerns relating to a particular course or instructor should

2025–2026 Upper School Student and Parent Handbook

Last Updated: August 8, 2025

make arrangements to speak directly with the appropriate teacher regarding the matter themselves. Students may also contact their counselor, advisor, or enlist parent/guardian assistance in resolving their concern.

Parents/guardians 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/guardians 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/guardian feedback.

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

All community members using social media to communicate about schoolrelated events should adhere to TAS values. Since the school utilizes a variety of electronic communication, parents/guardians 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/guardians upon request for in-person meetings.

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.

2025–2026 Upper School Student and Parent Handbook

Last Updated: August 8, 2025

Information for athletics safety protocols including the head injury and suspected concussion protocol is available on the TAS website here and in the student-athletes/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.