Office of the Principal
Gulf High School
5355 School Rood
New Port Richey, FL 34652
Web Site: gulfhigh.orgSeptember 2002
Dear GHS Parent/Guardian,
The year is off to a good start. By the time you receive this letter class-size leveling will have been completed and the mid-quarter progress reports will almost be ready to be distributed. I would like to let you know how very impressed I am with the spirit of cooperation and excellence I am seeing each day here at Gulf High. Every group has what I refer to as its "10% Lunatic Fringe" - those who just never seem to be on the same page as everyone else. I am happy to report that the percentage is much less than 10% here at GHS ....with an enrollment of about 1486 we have between 1% and 2%! (As a math challenge you might want to have your child figure out how many are in the "Lunatic Fringe". Answer: Between 14.86 [or rounded to 15] and 29.72 [or rounded to 30]). That means we have between 98% to 99% who are right on course; following the rules, studying hard and doing what is expected of them. I am so proud to be the Principal of GHS!
Our theme for the year is Linking Resources to Improve Student Achievement. We are undertaking efforts to link the school to the homes and to the community. Our emphasis this year will be on improving student achievement by focusing on literacy through reading, writing and math...what some of us know as the 3 Rs. We have formed a Literacy Team which has developed an Action Plan we will soon be sharing with you. Basically, the importance of reading - at home and at school - cannot be stressed enough. If you want your child to do well in school be sure they are reading! Families are encouraged to take time each day to read. Reading is the most basic skill a person must have in order to be successful.
During the year you will receive 2 mailings each quarter. The first will be a Principal's letter which will be sent at the mid-quarter. The second will be a newsletter focusing on the academic program of the school which will come out at the end of the quarters. The second publication will have helpful "hints" on what families can do to help their children do better in school. The two letters will have very different "looks". Please feel free to contact me about items you find helpful or areas you want to have explored. (My Email: timerson@pasco.k12.fl.us - - Or Phone: 774-3302, my secretary).
Student Meetings
During the week of September 3, administration met with all students to discuss various concerns: attendance, standardized testing, graduation requirements, discipline issues (including weapons, harassment, drugs) and guidance services including the GHS Career Resource Center.
Free & Reduced Lunch Program
We want to be sure every household which qualifies for a free or reduced lunch is identified. Breakfast is also included in the program. Studies show that students who are nourished properly do better in school. Won't you please help your child by completing the necessary forms? Forms are available in the GHS Registrar's office and in the cafeteria.
Attendance
Please check in the Student Planner to be sure you and your child are aware of the attendance policies. Students who are absent 10 days or more during the semester lose their credit. In order to retrieve their credit they must fully explain their absences to the satisfaction of the Attendance Appeal Committee.
Dress Code
This area of concern has just about run its course. Students have been given ample time to comply with the code and we have received great cooperation. After Labor Day full enforcement will be in effect. I am happy to report that the students at GHS look very nice and, when compared with other high schools, I am proud of our students.
Open House
The annual Open House will be held on Thursday, September 19, beginning at 7:00 P.M.
Upcoming Dates
- September 12 - Progress Reports will be distributed to all students
- September 16 - School Advisory Council Meeting - 6:00 P.M. - Administrative Conference Room
- September 19 - Open House - 7:00 P.M.
- October 11 - End of the First Quarter
- October 14 - Professional Day for Teachers - NO SCHOOL for students
- October 18 - State of Florida Teacher In-Service - NO SCHOOL
- Week of October 21 - Homecoming
- October 25 - Early Dismissal (12:15 P.M.) - The Homecoming Parade begins at 2:00 P.M.
- October 26 - Homecoming Dance
Guidance
Guidance counselors deliver services based upon the last name of the student:
Mrs. Catterson: A-H Mrs. Jones: I-Q Mrs. Kelley: R-Z Please call guidance to schedule teacher conferences. The direct number is 774-3330. Our counselors have a work-load of 480 students to 1 counselor. Therefore, at busy times of the year it may take a few days before a conference can be scheduled.
School Advisory Council (SAC)
The SAC is an important group which serves to work with the administration and teachers to continually improve the school. The SAC is made up of administrators, teachers, students and parents. If you would like to serve on this group please call my secretary, Mrs. DeCubellis (774-3302), to express your interest. Depending upon the response, and the number of members needed, an election may be held at the Open House, September 19. By state regulations the SAC must be representative of the student body - therefore, all ethnic and socioeconomic groups are to be represented. Again, please call Mrs. DeCubellis at 774-3302 if you would like to serve on the SAC.
Thank you so very much for the wonderful support you have given to GHS this year. We are here to serve you and your student.
Sincerely,
Thomas E. Imerson
Principal
Math Challenge: Have the student work the problem in the first paragraph of this letter and then have them explain how they arrived at the answer.
Reading Challenge: Have the student read this letter to you and then discuss its contents.
Writing Challenge: Have the student write a letter to me (Mr. Imerson) telling what they liked most during the first few weeks of school. The letters, to be co-signed by parents, may be dropped off in the main office by September 16.
The authors of the 10 best written letters will receive a small "prize."
Linking Resources to Improve Student Achievement