GULF HIGH SCHOOL
5355 School Road
New Port Richey, Florida 34652
(727) 774-3300

Thomas E. Imerson, Principal

Thomas Brochu, Assistant Principal

Dr. Judy Gallagher, Assistant Principal

Patricia Haynes, Assistant Principal

Alfred J. Palma, Assistant Principal

TO:	PARENTS/GUARDIANS OF GHS SENIORS
FROM:	ADMINISTRATION (Originator of Memo: T. E. Imerson, Principal)
REF:	GRADUATION ITEMS
DATE:	MARCH 24, 2003

The following items provide important information about graduation for the Class of 2003.

Academic Concerns

In order to participate in graduation ceremonies on May 23, students must meet all of the graduation requirements as set forth by the State of Florida and the District School Board of Pasco County. These include: (1) a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0, (2) 24 credits earned in specific courses and (3) passing both parts (Reading and Math) of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). Note: Some special programs or special diplomas (i.e. the Performance Based Diploma Program and others) may not have the same three requirements.
Students and parents should be very 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 not having 24 credits (which can happen if the student fails a course) or receiving low grades which will result in a GPA less than the required 2.0. Those who have not yet passed the FCAT and took the test in March will not know their results until 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 19. 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 not later than May 19.

Non-Participation

Students who do not meet all of the graduation requirements prior to May 23 are not allowed to participate in the ceremony, but will have the opportunity to participate in a summer graduation when they meet the full requirements.

Prom

April 5 - 8:00 -12:00 - Kapok Tree on McMullen Booth Road in Clearwater Parents should have received a copy of a separate letter on this topic. Additionally, students received a copy of the letter when they purchased their tickets.

Grad Nite

This Senior activity will be held on Saturday, May 3. The students and chaperones will be going to Universal Studio's Islands of Adventure. The bus will leave GHS around 6:00 P.M. and return around 4:30 A.M. Students have already purchased their tickets and all arrangements have been finalized. Parent permission forms will be sent home soon. There is a dress code for the evening, so please be sure your child is appropriately dressed.

Fees

A "Fees Owed" list will be available after the Spring Break. 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 uniforms not returned and other items which the student may owe.
Just prior to graduation practices (May 20), an "Updated Fees Owed" 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 20 and 21.
Graduation tickets will NOT be distributed to students who owe money.
Therefore, it is important to pay all fees. The sooner the better!

Attendance Concerns

Senior Attendance Appeals will take place during the week of April 28. Announcements about this process will be made after Spring Break. Students need to track their attendance and listen for information about completing an appeal form for 10 or more absences.

Graduation Apparel

Students who are not properly attired will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony.
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.

Cap and Gown Distribution

On Wednesday, May 13, 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

Last Day of School for Seniors

Friday, May 16 - This will be a full day of school for all GHS students.

Monday, May 19

Seniors are asked not to come to the school on this date. Only seniors with special circumstances will need to be in school. It is a regular school day for other students.

Graduation Practices

Tuesday, May 20 - 8:30 -11:00 - Activity Center Note: 8:00 - Donuts and Juice Wednesday, May 21 - 8:30 -11:00 - Activity Center (Sr. Picnic will be after the practice) 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.

Class Picnic

Traditionally on the last day of graduation practice (this year May 21), parents of graduating seniors organize a class picnic. Mrs. Wendy Brenner, Mother of a graduating senior, has volunteered to coordinate this event. Mrs. Brenner will need the assistance of parents who are willing to provide refreshments, work the event and generally coordinate this activity. If you can assist please call Mrs. Brenner at 842-7651. Assisting Mrs. Brenner will be Mrs. Liz Phillips (GHS Data Entry) who also has a daughter graduating. Mrs. Phillips can be reached in her office here at GHS (774-3306). Many thanks to Mrs. Brenner and Mrs. Phillips for coming forward to assist. I am sure the students are most appreciative.

Graduation Tickets

Each graduate will receive 5 tickets. These tickets will be distributed on Wednesday, May 21 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, Mrs. DeCubellis, to pay their fees and receive their tickets. Office hours are 8:00 - 3:30. Seniors who desire additional tickets should check with their friends who may not be using all of their tickets. Everyone (including small children and babies) will require a ticket.

Handicapped Seating

There will be special seating for handicapped guests. Call Mrs. DeCubellis, the Principal's secretary, at 774-3302 to make arrangements. The handicapped section will provide seating for the handicapped person plus one assistant. Tickets will be marked accordingly. Entry of handicapped will begin at 6:15 at the northwest corner of the activity center (graduates are able to explain where this location is). Only those with special handicapped tickets will be allowed to enter through this door.

Graduation Night

Students are to arrive in the cafeteria by 6:00 P.M. Graduates may leave personal items in the cafeteria during the ceremony. Although the cafeteria will be locked during the ceremony, graduates are asked to not leave any valuables in the cafeteria. The doors to the Activity Center will open at 6:30. Graduation will begin promptly at 7:30 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. Remember: 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 back to cafeteria. At that time they will receive their diploma and other token items the school has for them. Distribution of diplomas will be at tables. Only graduates will be allowed in the cafeteria.

Individual Pictures

The school has made arrangements to have individual pictures made of each graduate at the moment he/she receives his/her diploma cover. These pictures will be taken by Bryn-Allen Studios. The proofs will be sent to the students home for ordering. Picture taking close to the stage will not be allowed. Other picture taking from the audience area is permitted.

Graduation Night Video

Each year as a part of the Gulf High School graduation ceremony a video high-lighting the seniors is shown. As a part of the video, baby pictures and current pictures of the graduates are included. This is always a very enjoyable and memorable part of the evening. Students and parents are asked to supply two appropriate pictures for the video-one showing the student as a baby and one showing the student as they are today. Pictures are due to the media specialist, Mrs. St. John, by Friday, April 11th. Students must be pictured alone. Pictures should be about the same size. We will make every effort to return all pictures. However, do not send one-of-a-kind never-to-be-lost pictures. Pictures need to be as clear (sharp) as possible and submitted in an envelope with students name and first period teacher on the front. Please do not write on the back of pictures. Remember: The deadline for submitting pictures is Friday, April 11th. Pictures will be returned to the students individually, in their 1st period class or at graduation practice.
NOTE: A phone call will be made to the home of each senior about this project. Often after the graduation ceremony people are disappointed their child has not been included. We are making every effort to include every graduate who wishes to be included.

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 Flag
• Remain in your place until the ceremony is completed
• Take pictures from your seat
• Leave small children and babies at home. (Note: they will not appreciate nor remember the ceremony. Additionally, they need a ticket to enter.)
• Dress appropriately
• Be respectful of those who need handicapped seating
• Take the program with you as a souvenir
• Be proud of your child, we are.