School Policies

Included on this page are highlights from our policies and procedures. The Taft Elementary Student Handbook includes more details on each of these items.

View and download the handbook here: Taft Elementary Student & Family Handbook

Attendance Policies

As a reminder, our hours are:

School Hours: 8:50 a.m. - 3:20 p.m.
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  

Absence Procedures

Parents must call the school at 513-363-5600 by 9:15 a.m. if a child is going to be absent.  Please indicate the date, child’s name, your name and relationship to child, reason child is going to be absent and a phone number where you can be reached if necessary.

In the event that your child is absent, you will receive a robocall from the school stating that your child is absent.  If you receive this call and you have not already notified the office of the reason for your child’s absence, please contact our main office at 513-363-5600.

Families can also use this Absence Reporting Form.

Dress Code

School uniforms are not mandatory at Taft Elementary. If you choose for your student not to wear a school uniform, the dress code outlined below, must be followed. Our school dress code is in accordance with the Cincinnati Public School policy #3313.665 which states: In order to promote a safe and healthy school setting and enhance the educational environment, a code of conduct or discipline policy adopted by a board education may include a reasonable dress code, or establish a school uniform to be worn by the students attending one or more district schools.

The dress code at William H. Taft Elementary outlines: 

• Shirts and blouses will not come above the waistband of the pants or skirts when both arms are fully raised above the head.
• Hats, bandannas, kerchiefs or other headgear, including hoods of sweatshirts, are not to be worn in the building.
• Shirts and blouses with spaghetti straps or tank tops may not be worn to school.
• Pants shall be worn so that the waistband is worn at the waist and not below the waist. No underclothing may be exposed.
• Skirts, skorts, shorts and dresses shall be no shorter than mid-thigh in length.
• Shoes must cover the child's entire foot. Shoes exposing the toes or large portions of the foot will not be permitted.

Cell Phone Policy

To improve student focus and academic performance,  our school will have a "no-phone" policy during the school day, for the upcoming school year in alignment with a new Ohio state law. This policy is designed to reduce distractions and promote active student engagement and participation in the classroom, which will improve student concentration and increase academic performance.

Policy Details

• Turn-in: All students with a cell phone must turn it in to their homeroom teacher upon arrival.
• Storage: The teacher will store phones securely for the duration of the school day, and return them to students at the end of the day.
• No Use: Phones may not be used at any time during the school day, including at lunch and recess.
• Emergencies: If you need to contact your child, please call the school's main office, and we will deliver the message. In a critical situation, students will have access to a school phone.

• First Offense: A warning is given, and a phone call home is made.
• Second Offense: Student will be required to turn in the phone to the main office, where it will be held for the duration of the school day and returned to the student at the end of the school day. 
• Subsequent Offenses: Further disciplinary action will be taken, which may include a parent conference, loss of privilege, or ALC.

Please note that the school is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged cell phones. We appreciate your partnership in making this policy a success.

Bus Safety

Student behavior that distracts bus drivers is a hazard to the vehicle's safe operation, and jeopardizes the safety and welfare of all passengers. Misbehavior while on a yellow school bus or a Metro bus can result in disciplinary action for the student or the suspension of transportation service for the student. Read more about our requirements for student behavior on buses.

Snow Days and School Delays

Snow days and school delays are announced on our website, local TV and radio stations, CPS' mobile app, and through automated phone calls. Assume school is open unless you hear otherwise. Learn more about CPS' severe weather and emergency closing procedures.

Visiting During School Hours

We welcome visits from parents and guardians. However, to protect student safety, all visitors must sign in at the main office and wear a visitor's badge. Parents/guardians who would like a conference with their child's teacher must schedule an appointment with the teacher.