Dear Parent/Guardian of a GHS Student,

The 2006-2007 school year is almost 1/4th of the way over! I cannot believe how quickly it is moving. This year seems particularly busy. Please read this communication as it does include many items of importance.

A FEW HOUSEKEEPING ITEMS

• The administrative staff is very busy with lunch duty between the hours of 10:20 -12:15. Please refrain from trying to call them during these times.
• If you wish to speak to someone - teacher, counselor, administrator - please call for an appointment. It seems more and more parents are just arriving and expecting to meet with someone. Many of us set our schedules and cannot always stop to see parents without notice.
• If you wish to take your child from school early please send a note in the morning (or the previous day) so we can make proper arrangements. Notes should be taken to the Clinic before school. Students must have a clinic card to be taken from school early. Clinic cards are available in the Clinic.

CLINIC ITEMS

• HEALTHY STUDENT PROGRAM: Gulf High School is part of the Healthy Student Program. Membership in the program requires that the enclosed form be completed and returned to the school. The main purpose of the program is to improve school attendance and to reduce health problems that occur during the school day. The ultimate goal is to have students return to class and remain in school. Extended nursing services are available to all student at no cost during the school day. A list of all services can be found on the enrollment application (enclosed). Susan Girardi, R.N., is available from 7:20 - 3:00 daily and Kelly McCullough, ARNP, comes to the school on Tuesday morning for physical exams and assessment of all children who do not have access to medical care. You are encouraged to complete the enclosed application and return it to the Clinic. If you have questions please contact Mrs. Girardi at (727) 774-3356.
• THE CLINIC IS A VERY BUSY PLACE......BETWEEN 8/8 AND 8/31....The clinic processed 362 early dismissals.....this was in addition to 543 non-medical visits, 310 visits for medication, 181 phone calls, 37 referrals to the school nurse....713 students were returned to class, 138 were sent home, 911 was called for 2 students.

DISCIPLINE CONCERN

We are experiencing more and more fooling around before and after school and during lunch. The students seem to feel it is funny to hit each other, push each other, play-fight, and generally act immature. From a distance playing and serious is not always easy to detect. We are taking a strong stand against students placing their hands on each other - even in jest. Students who continue to participate in these immature actions will be subject to disciplinary consequences!

REVISED SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR THIS SCHOOL YEAR

On September 12 the School Board revised the school calendar. The major change/clarification is that graduation for GHS will take place on Friday, May 25 - 7:00 P.M. in the Activity Center.

OUT OF FIELD TEACHING ASSIGNMENTS

Individuals who are teaching out-of-field are certified in at least one area and are qualified to teach but may need additional course work to add a coverage to their certificate. The following teachers have agreed to teach out-of-field while completing course work: (1)Karen Kohake - Reading; (2)William Rutherford - Reading; (3)Marcia Shapiro - Reading; (4)Eric Starkey - Reading; (5)Roseanne Tomaselli - Middle Grades Integrated Curriculum. The following teachers have agreed to work towards ESOL endorsement: Travis DeWalt, Debora Foote, Rebecca Gedraitis, Lina LaBarbara, Jeanette McCabe and Wanda McClellan.

VOLUNTEERS

During the 2005-2006 school year GHS received the Golden School Award from the State of Florida. This award is based on the number of volunteer hours the school has during the year. Please take the time to complete a Volunteer Form (which can be found in the main office). We need volunteers for many activities: Helping out in the Media Center, working with students in reading or math, being a translator for students and parents who may not speak English, etc. Mrs. Mudry is the GHS Volunteer Coordinator. If you have questions or can offer your assistance please contact her at (727) 774-3480.

HOMECOMING THANKS

Many thanks to so many of the parents who assisted with homecoming events. The week was great fun for the students! I wish also to thank Mrs. Amy Riddle, our Student Council Sponsor, for all of her hard work. She, along with the class sponsors and Student Council members, are to be congratulated!

ABC (Assist Believe Care) FUND

All schools in Pasco County have what is known as an ABC Fund. The money received into this fund is used to assist families who are in need. Each year parents are asked to consider giving to the fund. Mrs. Girardi, the school nurse, and Mrs. Kall, the School Social Worker, coordinate this program. If parents would like to contribute to the fund please make checks payable to Gulf High School with a note that the money is to be placed in the ABC Fund. With 1,800+ students 51% of which are on the free or reduced lunch program, there are many needs in the GHS community. Your generosity would be greatly appreciated.

Whew! Many items of concern at this time of the year! Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like further information about any concerns you may have. It is our desire to serve well the students and families of Gulf High School.

Sincerely,

Thomas E. Imerson
Principal

Enclosures (2)