We just finished first semester in December and now we are into the second semester. It does not seem possible that we are already looking at the March FCAT and the course selection process for the 2004-2005 school year! Please take the time to review the information contained in this communication.

PROGRESS REPORTS
The third quarter Progress Reports were distributed on Friday, February 6.

REPORT CARDS FOR THIRD QUARTER
The report cards will be distributed on Wednesday, March 24.

FCAT
By the time you receive this letter all 10th graders will have taken the FCAT Writes! assessment. This was taken on February 10th. A separate mailing informed parents of this important assessment.

The Reading and Math sections of the FCAT will be given on March 2, 3, 8 and 10. The current 9th and 10th graders helped earn Gulf Middle School a State grade of "B". We are hopeful that GHS will now benefit from the fine preparation these students have received. Please take time to discuss the FCAT with your child. Parent support of this effort is a valuable motivation.

GRADE AVERAGING OF YEAR-LONG COURSES
I am very concerned about the large number of first semester failures in year-long classes. It is very important that students (and parents) understand the consequences of falling behind in credits. Freshmen, especially, need to be concerned. Remember, just because a student failed the first semester, does not mean he/she cannot pass for the year. Renewed student effort can make a difference. Grades are figured as follows:

First Semester + Second Semester ÷ 2 = Year Average
Example: F (50%) + D (69%) = 119 ÷ 2 = 59.5% = D
From the example, the student would receive the full credit for the course.

PENNY FOR PASCO
We encourage all parents (and 18 year old students) to become informed about the Penny for Pasco initiative. Many projects depend upon this vote. Here at GHS we hope to improve many facilities with proceeds from the tax. In the main office there is a display giving more information about this important item.

MELODY GOODENOUGH - GHS VALEDICTORIAN, CLASS OF 2003
We have been notified by the Florida Department of Education that Melody Goodenough, the GHS Class of 2003 Valedictorian, has been identified as Pasco County's Academic Top Scholar for the 2003 graduating class. This honor comes as a result of Melody's Bright Future GPA and her best composite SAT/ACT score as reported for her Florida Academic Scholars eligibility.

HONOR ROLL
The following chart gives an indication of the number and % of students who made the honor roll for the second quarter:

CONSTRUCTION HAS BEGUN
Last school year we entered into discussions about the need for a new athletic facility to help GHS remain up-to-date with our many expanding sports programs. As a result of those discussions the construction of a new locker room facility was approved. During the last few months the plans have been developed and we are now beginning construction of the building. We have already "gutted" the old locker room under the home bleachers and made it into a weight room. The vacated old weight room has been made into a wrestling area. Ground has been broken for the new building which will be attached to the current wrestling room. We are hopeful that the new building will be ready for spring football which begins in early May!

PHONE CALLS & MESSAGE DELIVERY
We are beginning to see an increase in the number of people calling and asking for messages to be delivered through the school day. We will continue to try to deliver messages, but ask that requests be limited. The limited number of office staff cannot guarantee delivery.

EARLY DISMISSALS
If your child needs to leave early please send a note (1) the day prior or (2) the morning of the early dismissal. Before school the note should be taken to the Clinic for processing. Mrs. Schneider processed 295 early dismissals during January. So you can see that the Clinic is a very busy place. The Clinic is closed during 5th period (generally 12:15-1:00).

TEACHER OF THE YEAR/SCHOOL - RELATED PERSONNEL OF THE YEAR
Congratulations to Mr. Doug Stobbs, science teacher, for having been selected as the GHS Teacher of the Year.

Congratulations also to Mrs. Dottie Naclerio, Special Education Para, as School Related Personnel of the Year.

PROM LETTER
The Prom is always an exciting time for students. This year the Prom will be held on Saturday, May 8, at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. We will be sending information about this event when the time gets closer. For now please be aware that dress for the prom is formal. For the boys this means a nice suit or sport coat or a tuxedo. For girls this means nice dresses or other appropriate wear (i.e. slack outfits). Bare midriffs are not acceptable and length must be appropriate (as outlined in the school dress code).

ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: A GUIDE FOR STUDENTS, PARENTS AND STAFF
Enclosed is a very important publication being sent to all homes. This booklet contains a wealth of information for all students, parents and staff members! We will be discussing this with the students but they will not receive their own copy. Please share your copy with you GHS child.

SENIOR ITEMS

• It is very important that those planning to graduate in May be aware of all graduation requirements: 2.0 (not rounded) GPA, 24 credits (in specific areas) and passing of both sections (Reading & Math) of the FCAT.
• Senior parents will soon receive a mailing outlining all of the graduation information. The date of graduation this year will be Friday evening (7:00 P.M.), May 21. Each graduate will receive 5 tickets for the ceremony which will be held in the school's Activity Center. The last day of school for graduating students will be Friday, May 14. During the week of May 17 graduation practices will be held.
• GHS students have always been outstanding citizens when it comes to not participating in unacceptable end-of-year pranks. I have listened to horror stories from other school administrators and I have been proud to not have my own GHS story. I implore parents to discuss appropriate behavior with their student(s). I can assure everyone that end-of-year pranksters will be dealt with severe consequences such as the possibility of not being able to walk in graduation.

SCHOLASTIC APTITUDE TEST PREP CLASS
We are happy to report that 28 GHS students have begun a SAT Prep Class. This is being taught by Mr. Okun and Ms. Winslow on Tuesdays through the end of March. We hope to continue to offer this opportunity in the future and will do so providing enrollment warrants continuation.

I do hope this mid-quarter letter helps keep you aware of the many projects GHS is undertaking. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have a need.

Sincerely,
Thomas E. Imerson
Principal

Enclosures