School Policies

As a reminder, our hours are:

• School Hours: 7:40 a.m. - 2:10 p.m.
• Office Hours: 7:40 a.m. - 2:10 p.m.

Absence Proceedures

To report an absent child, call the school office or email us using this Absence Reporting Form.

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.

Students are not permitted to use cell phones during the school hours. Phones should be turned off and locked inside their locker. If a student fails to follow the cell phone policy, the phone will be taken by a staff member. The phone will need to be picked up by the child’s guardian. 

• Parents — please understand that students have access to the office phone to contact parents.
• In case of emergency parents/guardians may reach their student by calling the main office at (513) 363-3600.

Review CPS' Code of Conduct for disciplinary procedures.

All students are expected to come to school in clean clothes that do not distract from the  educational process. 

The following apparel DOES NOT meet these expectations: 

• Midriff shirts, spaghetti straps, backless shirts, halter tops, low cut, shirt showing  cleavage 
• Pajama pants, pajama shirts and slippers 
• Jersey shirts/tank tops that have huge armholes 
• Underwear is not considered outerwear and should not be visible 
• Hats/scarves/bandanas/do rags are not to be worn in the building 
• Distractive Headgear may not be work (ie cat ears) 
• Unreasonably short shorts/skirts/skorts- Must be at the bottom of finger tips ∙ Clothes with unproductive messages (drugs, gangs, obscenities, etc.) 
• Torso skin should not be visible due to low rider pants or short tops 
• Pants worn below waist level  
• Pants and shirts must follow “waist at waist” 
• Clothing/items causing a distraction/disturbance (principal’s discretion)
• Pullover hoodies may be worn, and must stop at the waist and do not have  zippers 
• Earbuds and headphones may not be worn 
• All clothing must be worn at the waist, tops and bottoms 
• Coats will not be allowed to be worn in the building. Students must dress  appropriately for the weather, we suggest dressing in layers. 
• Oversized clothing will be required to be tucked in.

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.

The Ethel Taylor Student Handbook details our policies and procedures.

ethel taylor student handbook

We welcome our guests, mentors, tutors and community supporters and look forward to your visit.  During the school day, only the front door is available for entry.  Please buzz the doorbell for admittance.  All visitors should report first to the office.  There you will sign in using the “Lobby Guard” machine and will then be given a visitor’s pass.  You must bring your driver’s license with you.

We encourage all parents that participate in school activities, (parties, field trips, performances, etc.) to get a CPS volunteer badge. If you have a CPS issued badge you will be able to enter the building after signing in. You will not have to wait in long lines! Details for obtaining a badge are sent home in our planner system or you can call 363-3600.

There are times staff may not be able to see you or you may need to set an appointment, if this happens do so with our secretaries we appreciate your cooperation.