Hsinchu County American School (HCAS) was established in 2016 to fulfill the vision of Dr. Johnson Korrnell Huang to challenge the current education system in Taiwan. In summary, he saw the need to produce students who will have a lasting impact on society - changing the world and saving lives. Dr. Huang also envisioned students who will stop, think (critically), and act (fearlessly).
Dr. Huang believes that just as the purpose of a hospital is to save lives and to alleviate pain, the mission of a good school is to influence future generations and to create aspirations. By combining the Western educational principles with Chinese educational philosophies, students at HCAS will benefit by learning the best of both cultures while being oriented and setting their standards toward North America. Regardless of whether our students decide their futures in Taiwan or abroad, they will be equipped for success in our complex globalized society.
There are many stakeholders at Hsinchu County American School (HCAS). These stakeholders include the Board of Trustees, parents, teachers, students, and members of the administration as well as the staff. Two of the important functions of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) are to streamline the communication between parents and our school and to give support to our school.
PTA at HCAS was not created from an appointment from the school nor by the election from the parent body. Parents from all grades simply began to gather on a volunteer basis to share their concerns in an ad hoc manner until the body formed its organization and momentum. HCAS then naturally decided to formally recognize this gathering as the official PTA meeting. As described by Horace Mann, individuals organized in voluntary associations, just as our education should be taught by the spirit, methods, and discipline of a free society. Currently, parent representatives from all grades meet once a month at our school.
At Hsinchu County American School (HCAS), student council members are elected every academic year to represent the student body and to serve as a channel for communication for administration and other stakeholders of the community. Student Council provides a unique opportunity to put forward the issues and policies that matter to students. As originally espoused by John Dewey, student council activities often engage students in learning about democracy and leadership.
HCAS expects our student council members to voice their opinions and concerns politely and confidently to our parents, teachers, admins, and fellow student body. Therefore, we anticipate HCAS student council members to demonstrate a higher level of maturity in character and merit in academics. The goals and purposes of special councils and associations in the school are to build up our community in the spirit of collaboration and democracy. We anticipate constructive voices which will help move the school forward in a positive manner. Student council members should not trivialize democracy, but rather cherish it.
