Dear GHS Parent & Student,

The 2005-2006 school year has ended! We here at the school cannot believe it is over - it seems like the year is just beginning. Many events have taken place in our school community this year: The International Baccalaureate program has gotten off to an excellent start - our official application has been submitted and a visiting team will come during the 2006-2007 school year for a final review; the sports programs flourished; and graduation saw 263 students receive their high school diploma! This summer three major construction projects will be taking place: The guidance department is being remodeled and expanded to include the Career Resource Center; the cafeteria is being totally renovated; the front of the main office is being updated with new windows and new doors. We are very proud of our school and the success of many programs. Please review the information in this mailing as it contains much information.

ENCLOSURES

Enclosed you will find the following items:

• FCAT Results
• An FCAT folder
• Letter: Information Regarding Student Academic Progress
• Courses your child has requested for the 2006-2007 school year
• Gulf High Gazette
• 2006-2007 School Calendar

STUDENT SCHEDULES FOR 2006-2007

Enclosed is a form which indicates the courses your child has selected for the 2006-2007 school year. The selections your child made may have been adjusted as a result of the FCAT results....electives may have been deleted and reading or math courses may have been added. If you feel there is an error in these courses please complete a review form which is available in the main office. The form indicates the reasons for changing classes.

In July we will mail to your home a copy of the courses your child has been scheduled into for the 2006-2007 school year.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT NOTIFICATION

The recent and now too frequent reports of child abductions are a harsh reminder for each of us to be as diligent as possible in protecting our children. As your child's principal, I would like to remind you of a valuable resource that is available free of charge. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains a listing of all individuals required by law to register as sexual offenders and predators in our state. This listing is available to all Florida citizens through the FDLE web site. http://www.fdle.state.fl.us. and through a toll free number (888) 357-7332. On the web site you will also find safety tips under the "missing children" link, as well as other prevention information for you to discuss with your child. Knowledge of the residents in your neighborhood who may be interacting with your child is a key component to continued safety.

IMPORTANT DATES

Schedule & Fee Day: Wednesday, August 2, 8:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. All students should come to the school to pick up schedules, pay course fees, secure lockers and learn where the classrooms are located.

Opening of School: The first day of school will be Tuesday, August 8. School hours are 7:40 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. The school assumes supervisory responsibilities for 30 minutes prior to school and 30 minutes after school. Normally, unless the student is with a specific teacher for a specific activity they are not to be on the campus before 7:15 A.M. nor after 2:30 P.M. Families should plan accordingly.

SUMMER READING & INFORMATION

Please access the school's web site during the summer: gulfhigh.org This site will give up-to-date information about summer happenings. The site contains specific reading lists for students who are taking honors and Advanced Placement courses next school year. In addition, other web sites which contain information about books which would be good summer reading are:

• Book List Center This web site features a wide selection of book lists sorted by genre and topic. The range of lists includes fiction and nonfiction as well as all major book awards.
• BookSpot BookSpot is a comprehensive web site of book-related resources, including links to lists of books by age-group, genre, author, cultural background, and many other categories.
• The Literature Web Guide (for 9th grade) This comprehensive resource for readers, teachers and parents includes links to both children's and young adult book lists.
• Outstanding Books for the College Bound This web site for college-bound students presents a selection of books from five academic disciplines: history, humanities, literature and language arts, science and technology, and social sciences. The list, chosen by the Young Adult Library Services Association , includes fiction, nonfiction, poetry, biography and drama.
• Teenreads.com This is the teen section of bookreporter.com, a web site that shares book reviews and new releases.

Local bookstores and the Pasco County Library also have suggested reading lists. We look forward to the 2006-2007 school year. As it has been for the past four years, our theme for the year will be: Linking Resources to Improve Student Achievement. The family is the most important "Link" in a child's life. Your support during the upcoming school year will be very important in order for your child to do well in school. We welcome your comments and suggestions. If we can be of any service to you please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Thomas E. Imerson
Principal

Enclosures