Gulf High School
5355 School Rood
New Port Richey, FL 34652
Ph (727) 774-3300Office of the Principal
November 2002
Dear Parent/Guardian of a GHS Student,
The year continues to move forward very quickly. We are already almost 1/3 of the way through the year. On Monday, November 18, students received their second quarter Progress Report and the first semester will end on December 20 (which is the last day of classes before Winter Break). Hopefully, students are working hard and doing their very best each and every day!
Enclosed you will find a pamphlet which details various opportunities we are offering for all students. We are hopeful that parents will support their children by encouraging them to participate in one or more of the offerings. Just as it was when we went to school, it is virtually impossible for students to assimilate all of the material they are being presented without taking time outside of school to study and restudy their subjects. Parents can be a great help to their children by discussing class lessons, looking over homework, reviewing Student Planners and encouraging students to read.
Semester exams (the modern term is assessments) are a part of the Gulf High student's life. For those in honors and advanced placement classes the semester exam grade counts for 15% of the semester grade and appears on the student's report card as a separate grade. In other classes the exam grade is averaged into the second quarter grade. For three days prior to the Winter Break (December 17, 18 and 19) the school schedule will be adjusted to allow extended time for the exams. It is very important that students be in attendance for the exams....so please plan accordingly.
As the semester comes to a close, the issue of attendance becomes very important. Pasco County has a policy whereby students who miss 10 or more days of a class FOR ANY REASON are assigned an "F" grade even though they may have earned a higher grade. The only way to avoid receiving an "F" grade is to complete the attendance appeal paperwork. Note: The attendance appeal paperwork requires a parent signature. Every student who completes the appropriate paperwork has his case reviewed. Those who have medical reasons or other extenuating reasons for their absences may be awarded their credit without appearing at the Attendance Appeal Committee. Those whose reasons for absence are questionable are scheduled to meet with the Attendance Appeal Committee. At that time parents and students have the opportunity to discuss their individual situation and perhaps avoid an "F" grade. Students (and parents) are encouraged to seek an attendance print-out and keep track of their own absences. Print-outs are available in the attendance office or the main office. I want to reemphasize: The only way to avoid receiving an "F" grade if you have 10 absences FOR ANY REASON is to complete Attendance Appeal paperwork. Appeal forms will be made available for students starting on December 9. They will be due back on December 20. A list of appeal results will be posted on January 7 and those who need to meet with the Attendance Appeal Committee will be scheduled between January 8 and January 16.
Gulf High School has a very experienced administrative team. As principal, my responsibility is to set the vision for the school and work with my staff to insure a smooth flow of events and orderly handling of concerns. I have, therefore, divided the various areas of the school among various individuals. If you ever have a concern please feel free to contact one of the individuals listed. If they are not at their phone please call 774-3300 and leave a message. I suggest you ask for the name of the person taking the message so we can follow-up if a message is lost.
Administrator Phone # Areas of Responsibility Mr. Thomas Brochu 774-3318 Parking, facilities, schedules, clubs Dr. Judy Gallagher 774-3316 Student schedules, curriculum & faculty issues Mrs. Patricia Haynes 774-3317 Discipline, attendance Mr. Alfred Palma 774-3319 Adult & Community School Paras for Discipline Mrs. Lois Coburn 774-3314 Mr. Bill Schweiger 774-3312 Attendance Office Mr. Morris Greco 774-3308 Issuing Tardy Passes to students Athletic Director Mr. Paul Girardi 774-3339 One issue of concern is that of eating and drinking outside the cafeteria. The campus often becomes quite littered and messy, especially from the soda sales which are taking place. The school receives a commission from these sales, which is used to offset some of the cost for various student programs: athletics, awards for student achievement, special recognitions for various students and groups of students. I am so concerned about the mess the sale of soda is making that I am considering removing the vending machines. If this is done, some student recognition programs may have to be somewhat curtailed. Parent and student input would be greatly appreciated. If you care to have input, please write to me and send it to school. My secretary, Mrs. Lucy DeCubellis, will be receiving your comments.
I wish to thank everyone - parents, students and faculty - who helped to make the GHS Homecoming events so successful. Without parent support and involvement many school events could not take place. I would like to especially thank Mrs. Amy Riddle, GHS Choral Teacher, for coordinating the week's activities.
As I have said in the past, if my staff or I can be of assistance to you please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Thomas E. Imerson
Principal
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