| TO: PARENTS/GUARDIANS OF GHS
SENIORS FROM: ADMINISTRATION (Originator of Memo: T. E. Imerson, Principal) REF: GRADUATION ITEMS DATE: MARCH 16, 2004 The following items provide important information about
graduation for the Class
of 2004. Academic Concerns In order to participate in graduation ceremonies on May 21 students must meet all of the graduation requirements as set forth by the District School Board of Pasco County. These include: (1) a cumulative unweighted Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0, (2) 24 credits earned in specific courses and (3) passing both parts (Reading and Math) of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). Students and parents have been made very aware of these requirements. Throughout the year, students have received report cards and have met with guidance counselors to review the requirements. Unfortunately, there are some students who are still in danger of not meeting one or more of the requirements. This final quarter will be very important, especially in terms of the danger of not having 24 credits (which can happen if the student fails a course) or receives low grades resulting in a GPA less than the required 2.0. Those who have not yet passed the FCAT and took the test in March will know their results just prior to graduation. Be Aware Please discuss with your son/daughter his/her graduation status. If you have any doubt about this status, please do not hesitate to contact the guidance department (774-3330). Final Notification The counselors will be developing the final list of graduates through Monday, May 17. This is a tedious process which requires, in some cases, refiguring grades from the final quarter and/or semester. If your son/daughter does not meet all of the requirements, you will be notified by phone no later than May 17. Non Participation Students who do not meet all of the graduation requirements prior to May 21 are not allowed to participate in the ceremony, but will have the opportunity to participate in a summer graduation if they meet the full requirements. Year End Conduct GHS has always been fortunate to not have a tradition of year end pranks by seniors. We want this to continue. As a warning, any student who participates in year end pranking will face serious consequences, which may include not participating in graduation and graduation related events. You are encouraged to discuss this with your child. Prom May 8 - 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. - Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Parents should have received a copy of a separate letter on this topic. Additionally, students will receive a copy of the letter and map when they purchase their tickets. Grad Nite/Bash This Senior activity will be held on Saturday, April 24. The students and chaperones will be going to Universal Studio's Islands of Adventure. The bus will leave GHS at about 5:00 p.m. and return about 4:30 a.m. Students can purchase their tickets during the month of March. When a ticket is purchased a copy of Universal's Grad Bash 2004 Dress Code will also be given to each student. Fees An updated "No Go" list (which lists all fees owed by students) will be available after Spring Break. Seniors whose names are on this list are responsible for all fees. Fees include Media Center books and textbooks which have not been returned (even from previous years). The list will also include fees for athletic and band uniforms not returned and other items which the student may owe. On May 18, an updated "No Go" list (which will include books from the current year) will be posted. Payment of fees will take place at the graduation practices on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 18 and 19. Graduation tickets will NOT be distributed to students who owe money. Therefore, it is important to pay all fees. The sooner the better! Attendance Concerns Senior Attendance Appeals will take place during the week of April 26. Students need to track their attendance and listen for information about completing an appeal form if they have 10 or more absences (whether excused or unexcused). Graduation Apparel Females: Skirt and blouse, a dress or coordinated pant suit should be worn under the graduation gown. Skirts and dresses should not show below the bottom of the gown. Dark dress shoes are required. Males: Collared shirt and a tie. Dark full-length trousers and dark dress shoes are required. Both: No jeans, sneakers, sandals, boots, flip-flops or casual shoes. Messages, flowers, etc. on caps and gowns are not permitted. Students who are not properly attired will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony. Cap and Gown Distribution On Wednesday, May 12, the caps and gowns will be distributed during the lunch periods. Students should try on their cap and gown immediately to be sure they are the correct size. The gown should be carefully pressed. The student owns the gown and does not need to return it. If your student has not purchased a cap and gown, please contact Ms. DeCubellis, the Principal's secretary, at 774-3302 as soon as possible. Last Day of School for Seniors Friday, May 14 Monday. May 17 Seniors are asked not to come to the school on this date. Only seniors with special circumstances will need to be in school on this date. It is a regular school day for other students. Graduation Practices Tuesday, May 18 - 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. - Activity Center Note: Donuts and juice will be served at 8 a.m. Wednesday, May 19 - 8: 30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. -Activity Center Students are to be dressed within the school Dress Code regulations. All school regulations apply. Students who are significantly tardy or who do not attend practice will have their number of tickets reduced by 1 (one) for each tardy or absence. Students should make arrangements to be at the practice for the full time. Good conduct helps the practice move along smoothly and allows for early dismissal. Class Year-End Activity Last year a number of parents joined together to plan a year-end activity which was a picnic one day after graduation practice. The school did not accept the responsibility of planning this activity. If there are parents who would like to plan an activity please contact Mr. Jeff Serletic, one of the class sponsors, at 774-3300 or 774-3361. Graduation Tickets Each graduate will receive 5 tickets. These tickets will be distributed on Wednesday, May 19, at the end of the graduation practice. Those who still owe fees at that point will not receive their tickets. These students will then need to see the Principal's secretary, Ms. DeCubellis, to pay their fees and receive their tickets. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Seniors who desire additional tickets should check with their friends who may not be using all of their tickets. The school does not maintain a list of those who may need additional tickets. Everyone (including small children and babies) will require a ticket. Physically impaired individuals may contact Ms. DeCubellis (774-3302) no later than Friday, May 14, to arrange for special seating. The ticket for special seating is included in the five (5) tickets allowed to each senior. Graduation Night Students are to arrive in the cafeteria by 5:45 p.m. The doors to the Activity Center will open at 6:00 p.m. Graduation will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. Decorum Parents are asked to assist with stressing the importance of appropriate attire and decorum with their son/daughter and guests. Please be aware that air horns, bells or noise makers, etc. will not be permitted inside the Activity Center. Remember that all Pasco County School campuses are smoke free. Security personnel will be on duty. Diploma Distribution After the Ceremony At the conclusion of the ceremony, students are to report to the cafeteria of the main building. At that time they will receive their diploma and other token items the school has for them. Individual Pictures The school has made arrangements to have individual pictures made of each graduate at the moment he/she receives his/her diploma cover. These pictures will be taken by Bryn-Alan Studios. The proofs will be sent to the student's home for ordering. Picture taking close to the stage will not be allowed. Other picture taking from the audience area is fine. The school does not make a video of the ceremony. Graduation Etiquette Please be aware that we attempt to have a very formal graduation ceremony. Please...............
|