1. TAIPEI AMERICAN SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT Taipei American School is an innovative 21st century learning community. Our mission is to inspire each student to be a confident, creative, caring and moral individual prepared to adapt and succeed anywhere in a rapidly changing world. We provide an American- based education with a global perspective that results in a love of learning, academic excellence, a balanced life, and service to others.

2. Counselor: Donna Crewe Counselor Donna Crewe crewed@tas.edu.tw

3. Counselor’s Role Counselors work directly with students helping them make both personal and academic choices. Concerns include:  Registration  Adjustment to school  Relationship issues  Peer pressure  Concerns with class performance  Identifying support within school, family, and community  Stress management  High school transitioning

4. Counselor’s Role Counselors consult and collaborate with staff members, parents, and community members regarding concerns relating to students. Parents are encouraged to contact school counselors with any questions or concerns. US Counseling Office

5. Counselor’s Role At TAS counselors work closely with Peer Support to Help new students feel welcome Help all students feel supported Help new students feel welcome Help all students feel supported Provide a positive leadership and Provide a positive leadership and community service opportunities community service opportunities Provide mentoring opportunity Provide mentoring opportunity through Big Brothers/Big Sisters through Big Brothers/Big Sisters US Counseling Office

6. Grade 9 A Period of Change and Transition “Everything Counts!” More choices with classes, school-related activities, more freedom/privileges on campus More choices with classes, school-related activities, more freedom/privileges on campus Less holding hands, less structure, harder to socialize during school Less holding hands, less structure, harder to socialize during school Newcomers: more changes and transitions US Counseling Office

7. Portrait of a 9 th grader  Physical and Cognitive Growth  Physical and Cognitive Growth Girls are slightly ahead of guys Lots of hormones and sexual energy flowing Shift between concrete and formal thinking Need to develop new study habits  Friendship and social development Want acceptance Work to find a social niche Aware of the party scene US Counseling Office

8.  Family changes  Family changes Move toward independence Feel the need for more freedom and independence, but still dependent  Focus on self-identity  Focus on self-identity Want to fit in and feel lonely at the same time Identity not complete; does not fully accept a label Self-conscious US Counseling Office

9. Physics 1st

10. Honor Code

11. Advisor System

12. Athletic Director Ms. Kathy Cutler cutlerk@tas.edu.tw Athletic Director Mr. Aaron Gray graya@tas.edu.tw

13. Nuts and Bolts

14. Student Handbook Has all the rules and regulations….. Expectation for students and parents

15. TAS may contact parents about Attendance Dress Code Discipline Irresponsibility with laptops Emotional, social concerns

16. P a r e n t A b s e n t F o r m

17. P l a n n e d A b s e n t F o r m

18. Parent Gate Pass/Library Card If you have not already done so, please visit 2B82 to have your picture taken while on campus OR submit a digital photo (minimum file size of 60KB) by email to liul@tas.edu.tw.

19. You should have received an E-Notice from the Advancement Office with your user name and password to access the parent portal of the school website. The Parent and Student Directory is available in this private section as well as many other resources for parents. If you need assistance signing-in or have questions, please contact our webmaster for assistance at webmaster@tas.edu.tw. Website: Parent User Name and Password

20. Q and A