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

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

REPORT AN ABSENCE

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

Check PowerSchool to update your official contact information.