Gulf High prides itself on the formal graduation ceremony it provides for the graduates and their guests. All those who attend are asked to please respect the efforts that so many make to provide a dignified well-organized event.

The following items provide important information about graduation for the Class of 2006. As a family, please review this information.

Academic Concerns

In order to participate in graduation ceremonies on May 19 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 2.000, (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 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 2.000. 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 15. 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 15.

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.

Non Participation

Students who do not meet all of the graduation requirements prior to May 19 are not allowed to participate in the ceremony, but will have the opportunity to participate in a summer graduation if they have met the full requirements at that time.

Prom

April 29 - 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. - Higgins Hall at St. Laurence Catholic Church in Tampa located at the Southeast corner of Hillsborough and Himes. Parents will receive a separate letter on this topic. Additionally, students will receive a copy of the letter and map when they purchase their tickets.

Fees

An updated "No Go" list (which lists all fees owed by students) will be available after May 1. 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 16, 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 16 and 17. Graduation tickets will NOT be distributed to students who owe money. Therefore, it is important to pay all fees. The sooner the better!

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 10, 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, immediately contact Ms. DeCubellis, the Principal's secretary, at 774-3302.

Last Day of School for Seniors

Friday, May 12

Monday, May 15

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.

Class Year-End Activity

In past years a number of parents joined together to plan a year-end activity which was a picnic held in the afternoon after graduation practice. This event was organized by parents. The school does not accept the responsibility of planning this activity. If there are parents who would like to plan an activity please contact Mr. Brown, the class sponsor, at 774-3300.

Graduation Practices

Tuesday, May 16 - 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. - Activity Center

Wednesday, May 17 - 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.

Graduation Tickets

Each graduate will receive 5 tickets. These tickets will be distributed on Wednesday, May 17, 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 12, to arrange for special seating. The ticket for special seating is included in the five (5) tickets allowed to each senior. We need to know well in advance if there will be any guests who are in need of hearing impaired services.

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. Those using such items will be removed from the Activity Center. Please do not bring balloons as they impair the line of vision for others. 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 in 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 an individual picture made of each graduate at the moment he/she receives his/her diploma cover. These pictures will be taken by Woodside Photography. 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...............

• Arrive prior to the start of the ceremony
• Applaud when appropriate
• Stand for processional, recessional, National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance.
• Remain in your place until the ceremony is completed and the graduates have exited.
• Take pictures from your seat
• Leave small children and babies at home. They will not appreciate nor remember the ceremony plus they need a ticket to enter.
• Dress appropriately
• Be respectful of the physically impaired who need special seating.