Taft High School

2018-2019 STUDENT POLICIES & EXPECTATIONS

EXPECTATIONS

You are expected to know and follow the rules of Taft High School and understand all of your rights and responsibilities outlined in Chicago Public Schools’ Student Code of Conduct: http://www.cps.edu/Pages/StudentCodeofConduct.aspx. Specifically, we ask that you conduct yourself and represent Taft, and the entire Taft community, while on and off campus, in a manner that reflects our culture of Respect, Responsibility and Rigor:

• Report to class on time and ready to learn.

• Follow the dress code and show your Taft ID upon request.

• Carry an approved Taft hallway pass when in the halls during class time.

• Keep electronic devices off in class unless specifically allowed by a teacher.

• Keep language clean and inform an adult when you need help resolving a conflict peacefully.

• Practice kindness.

ACADEMIC HONESTY

Each student must accept responsibility for his or her personal conduct in both social and academic endeavors. Academic honesty means that students produce work that is their own.  Academic dishonesty, in contrast, is a student’s attempt to claim someone else’s work as theirs, or to claim academic knowledge that they do not possess. Academic dishonesty can take many different forms and all are subject to disciplinary action. See the Taft Academic Honesty policy for more information.

IDENTIFICATION

You are required to keep your Taft ID on your person AT ALL TIMES. You are required to show it every time you enter the school.

Staff will NOT confiscate your ID (although there are times when they may hold it temporarily while you are present, i.e. in the Library, Deans' Office, etc). However, you must show it to any staff member upon request.

If you do not have your ID card when you enter the building, you must purchase a temporary ID that is good for one day; a fee will be charged to your account. Defaced, altered, lost, stolen or misplaced ID cards are replaced at your own expense. Color replacement ID cards are $10. Prices are subject to change. You are not charged when you have a program change that requires your ID card to be replaced. New ID cards can be ordered at the Security Desk (Door 1).

ATTENDANCE

Research tells us that good school attendance is the foundation for a student’s success. You are required to attend school and all your programmed classes and to be prompt.

Please be aware that, according to CPS policy, there are six acceptable causes of student absence:

• Illness

• Death in the immediate family

• Family emergency (must explain)

• Observance of religious holidays

• Circumstances which cause reasonable concern for the safety or health of the student (on a case by case basis)

• Other situations beyond the control of the student (on a case by case basis)

Students who are absent for any other reason are considered truant.

When a student is to be or has been absent from school, there is no need for the parent to phone the school in advance to report that absence.

To Report an Excused Absence:

Parents must submit a note (NOT an email) explaining the absence IMMEDIATELY UPON THE STUDENT'S RETURN.  Any notes submitted after two weeks from the date of the absence will not be accepted and the absence will remain unexcused. The note should include the student's name and homeroom (division), the date(s) of absence, the reason for the absence, and the parent's name and contact information. This is the only one way to report an absence.  Absence notes from parents may be submitted to the Attendance Office (room 171) by the student upon his/her return to school. The absence notes will be verified by Attendance Office staff as needed. Also, please feel free to contact us by phone at (773) 534-1005 with any attendance related questions.

To Arrange an Early Dismissal

• When a child needs to leave school early, the parent must visit the Attendance Office and sign the child out. Attendance Office staff will then arrange to get the child out of class.

• Early dismissal of students does not need to be arranged in advance.

• Taft can only release a student to the custody of his/her legal guardians (w/photo ID) unless an alternative person (w/photo ID) has been previously arranged on the "Emergency Information form" by the guardian.

• If the student is returning to school on that day, there is no need for the parent to accompany the child into the building. However, the student should report to the Attendance Office immediately upon their return - BEFORE returning to class.

Additional Notes on Attendance

• Students must request class teacher approval before participating in any activity during division or class time. Deviations from this policy require prior approval of the principal.

• Students are expected to be on time for classes, division, and lunch. Tardiness will result in disciplinary action.

• Students who become ill during the school day must obtain an Early Dismissal from the Attendance Office. Students will be released to a parent/guardian with a photo ID only. Students cannot leave the school building during the day without an official release.

• Students who are in any place other than their assigned classes or their assigned lunch period are considered truant and may be subject to disciplinary action.

• Repeated absences, truancy, and/or tardiness to school or classes will lead to consequences that could include loss of privileges such as field trips, dances, internships, graduation tickets, etc.  

• Parents of truant students may be fined up to $500 (IL School Code).

• Missing two classes counts as ½ day of attendance. Missing three+ classes is counted as a FULL day.

ARRIVAL

You may enter the Bryn Mawr entrance (Door 1) or the Hurlbut entrance (Door 4). After 9:00 AM, you must enter via the Bryn Mawr entrance. Visitors, generally, must use the Bryn Mawr entrance. For your safety and security, no other doors are to be used for building entry. To that end, do NOT prop open any exterior doors or open any door for anyone trying to enter the building.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

You are permitted to use your electronic devices in the building and on campus before and after school, during your lunch period and between classes. You are NOT permitted to use electronic devices during assemblies or any classes/periods of instruction unless an instructor permits you to use it.

If you use your electronic device in a classroom without permission it may be confiscated until the end of that class.

Note: Students are responsible for their personal belongings. Taft is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.         

DRESS CODE

We encourage individuality and self-expression among students. We are also in an educational setting with parameters that require students to come to school dressed appropriately and ready to learn. The Deans or Administration will determine the appropriateness of clothing worn by students.

• Dress slacks or khakis, jeans, sweatpants, leggings, yoga pants, skirts, skorts or shorts may be worn.

• Items may not be transparent or reveal any undergarments. 

• Any head covering, unless worn for religious reasons, is generally not permitted (hats, bandanas, visors, etc.). Hats must be kept in lockers.

• Suggestive, abusive, inappropriate language or designs, or language that includes put-downs (i.e. I’m with Stupid, etc.) may not be worn.

• Clothing or jewelry that projects violence, drugs or sexual innuendo or represents gang affiliation are also inappropriate. This includes any items with references to alcohol, tobacco or weapons.

Students not adhering to the dress code will be sent to the Deans’ Office and will be required to change into a Taft shirt or pants until the end of the day. At that time, they can return the Taft item(s) in exchange for their own clothing. Students returning damaged Taft clothing will be charged a fee.

On Halloween students are encouraged to wear costumes to school. The dress code should still be followed. Additionally…

• Complete costume preparations at home. Dressing up or applying makeup or colored hairspray should take place before school starts.

• Costumes should not interfere with learning. They should not restrict your movement or vision or prevent you from participating in class.

• Costumes may not be demeaning or offensive to any group.

• No weapons, toy weapons, or props replicating weapons are to be brought to school.

• No costumes are allowed that would completely hide the identity of the student, i.e. gorilla suit, "Scream" character.

• No masks are permitted.

CLOSED CAMPUS

You may not leave campus at any time during the school day. If you have an illness or family emergency, you must obtain an Early Dismissal in the Attendance Office. You will be released into the custody of a parent/guardian or emergency contact person ONLY.

CAFETERIA

To create a safe, clean, and pleasant lunchroom, students are required to abide by the following guidelines:

• Show your ID to Security when you enter.

• Enjoy your lunch and friends! Feel free to use your electronic devices quietly.

• When you are done eating, put all of your trash in one of the garbage cans. 

• Avoid physical activities or playing games that include hacky sacks or any other objects.

• If you wish to leave the cafeteria early to go to the library, computer lab or Deans' Office, see the Security Officer at Lunchroom Door 1.

• If you plan to meet with a teacher during your lunch period, you must obtain a pass before you come to lunch.

• If you assemble at Lunchroom Door 1 at the end of the period you may leave two minutes before the bell rings. 

LIBRARY

You may use the library before school, during your lunch period and/or after school.

BANNED ITEMS

Students may not have in their possession any item or device prohibited by CPS and Taft while in the building or in attendance at any event under Taft auspices. All banned items will be confiscated; those which are legal will be returned to parents of minors or student owners who are at least 18. Banned items include but are not limited to: Any product associated with the application of graffiti such as magic markers, shoe polish daubers, spray paint, gambling paraphernalia, mace/pepper spray, pocket knives, etc. Possession or use of alcohol or tobacco/nicotine products, any device used to inhale substances, and/or any other drugs in school, on the campus, or at any event under Taft auspices is not permitted.

LOST AND FOUND

Located just west of the Main Entrance under the stairs. Electronics/expensive items are kept in the Main Office or ast the Security Desk.

PARKING

Parking lots are reserved for Taft staff. Street parking is available for all others. Unauthorized vehicles in parking lots will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.

SUSPENSION

Students who are suspended from school are prohibited from entering the school building and may not attend or participate in any activities during that time.

LOCKERS

Lockers are the property of Taft High School and are subject to search without notice.  

• You are required to use your assigned locker and are responsible for any damage incurred during the year.

• Lockers are to be secured by a Taft lock that can be purchased in the Box Office. Unauthorized locks will be removed.  

• Cash, jewelry or other valuables should not be stored in lockers.

• Skateboards, roller blades and/or any sports equipment must be kept in a student’s locker. If an item does not fit in a locker, make arrangements to leave it elsewhere, i.e the Main Office, Deans' Office, etc. Any of these items seen out during the school day may be confiscated.
  
  

HALL PASSES

Any students in the hallway during class time are required to have an official Taft hallway pass.

DISMISSAL

Except for those participating in school sanctioned events, students are to leave the grounds at the end of their scheduled day. Those participating in post school activities must take all belongings with them and will be dismissed from the activity by their coach/sponsor via the nearest exit. Students may not remain in the building, including the gyms, without adult supervision.

VISITORS

All visitors are required to enter through the Bryn Mawr entrance (Door 1), present a photo ID and sign in at the security desk. The visitor must wear a Visitor’s Badge in the building and will be directed or escorted to their destination. Parent conferences with teachers are by appointment only. CPS wanting to speak with a teacher must have principal approval.  

REPORT CARD PICKUP

CPS policy stipulates release of 1st and 3rd quarter grades to a parent or guardian only. Those unable to pick up grades on the designated days may do so during regular school hours.

Students whose parents picked up 1st and 3rd quarter grades and who are passing all subjects will receive their semester grades from their division teachers.  All others will be released to the parent or guardian only.

ASSISTANCE/SUPPORTS

If, at any time during your career at Taft, you are feeling overwhelmed academically or socially/emotionally, please let a trusted adult in the school know. We have numerous resources at our disposal and can help link you to them, e.g. after school tutoring, support groups (grief, coping, anger, trauma, substance abuse) and individual counseling.