Dear GHS Parent/Guardian,

The first semester will end on Friday, December 21. Winter Holiday break will begin after school on that date with school resuming on Tuesday, January 8, 2008. (Monday, January 7 will be a planning day for faculty and staff.) It does not seem possible that the end of 2007 is so close. We here at GHS wish each of you a very restful holiday season and a happy and prosperous New Year. Your support throughout the year has been wonderful. The school has been blessed with many great happenings where students have learned and grown.

SEMESTER EXAMINATIONS

As we come to the end of the semester we will be administering semester exams. All students are given semester exams in all classes. Because exams carry extra weight it is important that students take time to prepare for them. Exams will be administered on a modified schedule. Each day only two classes will meet for exams: Tuesday, December 18 periods 1 & 4; Wednesday, December 19 periods 2 & 5; Thursday, December 20 periods 3 & 6. Friday, December 21 will be exam make-up day.

UPCOMING STATE ASSESSMENTS

During the second semester many students (including freshmen and sophomores) will be taking state assessments. More important than determining the school's grade, the results of the assessments give a picture of how well individual students are meeting state standards. State strands are linked to skills people need to have in order to perform well on a job. All students need to pass the Reading & Math FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test) in order to graduate. Juniors must also perform well on the FCAT Science. All of these assessments become part of the student's permanent transcript. On February 12 all sophomores will take Florida Writes + (which is part of the FCAT). Florida Writes + is a new graduation requirement (beginning with the Class of 2010). In March the other sections of the test will be administered.

IDEAS FOR DISCUSSION WITH YOUR CHILD

Students need to be reminded that the school has the responsibility of helping them reach their highest potential and preparing them for the world of work. (Remember: ALL students will be in the workforce at some time.) With this in mind, the school becomes a place where not only are academics addressed but also job skills and work ethics become focuses. All people who work have certain expectations to meet.... some take the form of work place regulations. With this rationale in mind please review the next section.

REVIEW OF SCHOOL RULES & REGULATIONS

As the first semester comes to a close and the second semester begins it is a good time to review some school regulations, which are not new, but have become areas of concern.

• Hats & Head Coverings: Not allowed on the campus (exceptions: medical & religious)
• Cell Phones: To be powered down between 7:45 A. M. & 2:00 P. M.
• Other Mechanical Devices (iPods, MP3 Players, etc.): Not to be used during class time
• Public Display of Affection (inappropriate embracing, kissing, etc.): Not allowed at any time!
• Dress Code: In effect at all times.

Each of these areas are addressed in the Student Planner. Beginning immediately, administration and faculty will be especially vigilant regarding these areas. “Second Chances” will not be given. Students are aware of these issues. To allow continued disregard for school rules teaches a very poor lesson. In order to improve the situation school personnel will need to have the support of the parents/guardians. Please discuss these issues with your child (yes, even upperclassmen need to be reminded). If we can address these seemingly small issues together—school personnel, parents, students—we will see a lessening of larger issues.

We wish each of you a Happy Holiday Season and a very prosperous New Year!

Most sincerely,

Thomas E. Imerson
Principal