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 2008. As a family, please review this information.

Location & Time of Graduation
The GHS graduation will be held at the EPICenter located at the Calvary Chapel Worship Center - 6825 Trouble Creek Road, New Port Richey. Admission to the Center will be by ticket only and will begin at 6:00 P.M. After 6:50 seating will be in the balcony only. The ceremony will begin promptly at 7:00 P.M.

Academic Concerns
In order to participate in graduation ceremonies on June 6 students must meet all of the graduation requirements as set forth by the District School Board of Pasco County. Generally, these include: (1) a cumulative unweighted Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0000; (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 is 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 2.0000. 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 the morning of Friday, May 30 (which is the last day of classes for Seniors). This is a tedious process which requires, in some cases, recalculating 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 30.

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 30 are not allowed to participate in the ceremony, but will have the opportunity to participate in a summer graduation if they have met all requirements at that time.

Prom
The prom - The Time of Our Lives - will be held at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral Center in Tarpon Springs on Friday, May 2, from 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. Tickets are currently on sale. Parents have received a separate letter on this topic. The school will be making every effort to have a well organized and enjoyable evening for the students. All school rules and regulations apply for this event.

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 June 2, an updated "No Go" list (which will include books from the current year) will be posted at the graduation practice. Payment of fees will take place at the graduation practices on Monday and Tuesday, June 2 & 3. 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: This year the girls' gowns will be white. Therefore, it is requested that clothing under the gown be white - this so the clothing will not show through the gown. 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. Dress shoes or dress sandals are required.

Males: Collared shirt and a tie. Dark full-length trousers and dark dress shoes are required.

Both: No jeans, sneakers, 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 28, 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 30.
Because the rest of the school will be on an exam schedule, graduates are not to be on campus after the May 30 (except for graduation practice on June 2).

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 the last 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 Mrs. Hlad or Mr. Serletic, the class sponsors, at 774-3300.

Graduation Practices
Monday, June 2 - 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. - GHS Activity Center
Tuesday, June 3 - 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. - EPICenter
Students are to be dressed within the school Dress Code regulations. Please remember GHS is the guest of the EPICenter so it is very important that students dress appropriately. 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 7 tickets. These tickets will be distributed on Tuesday, June 3, 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. We need to know by May 9 if there will be any guests who are in need of hearing impaired services.

Graduation Night
Students are to arrive in the gathering hall of the EPICenter by 5:45 p.m. The doors to the Center will open at 6:00 p.m. Graduation will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. After 6:50 p.m. seating will be in the balcony only.

Decorum
Parents are asked to assist with stressing the importance of appropriate attire and decorum with their son/daughter and guests. GHS needs to be respectful of the EPICenter - we are guests, and as such need to do our very best to not take advantage or cause much disruption to the facility. Please be aware that air horns, bells or noise makers, etc. will not be permitted inside the EPICenter. Those using such items will be removed. Please do not bring balloons as they impede the line of vision for others. Security personnel will be on duty.

Diploma Distribution After the Ceremony
At the conclusion of the ceremony, students are to report to the gathering hall. 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. Another, more formal picture, is taken as the graduate leaves the stage. 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 by guests will not be allowed. Other picture taking from the audience area is fine. The school does not make a video of the ceremony.

Senior Video Shown During Graduation
Each year as a part of the Gulf High School graduation ceremony a video highlighting 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 Mrs. Teeple in Media by Friday, May 16th. 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 student's 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, May 16th. Pictures will be returned to the students individually, in their 1st period class or at graduation practice.

Graduation Etiquette
Please be aware that we attempt to have a very formal graduation ceremony.
Please...............
*Arrive prior to the start of the ceremony & Be dressed appropriately
*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.