| February 2006
Dear GHS Parents/Guardians, By the time you receive this letter the third quarter Progress Reports will have been distributed to the students (Tuesday, February 14). The year is going very quickly and we are already planning for graduation and the 2006-2007 school year. Please take time to read this important letter. FCAT Passing of both sections of the FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test) is a requirement for graduation. During the week of February 27 all 9th and 10th graders as well as any 11th and 12th graders who have not passed the test will take/retake the test The FCAT is based upon the Sunshine State Standards which forms the framework for the curriculum. It is important that students take this assessment seriously. Therefore I am asking that all parents take some time to discuss the FCAT with their child(ren) Those being tested are to have a picture ID with them on the day(s) of testing. They should also have 2 #2 pencils. We suggest students who are being tested in the gym have a jacket as the gym can be chilly. Electronic devices (cell phones, watches, etc.) must be turned off during testing. PARENT PARTICIPATION IS LACKING I would like to take this opportunity to encourage more parent participation in the life of the students. During the course of the last year Gulf High School has sponsored many meetings and events where parent attendance has been expected. The various meetings have been to address important issues. Unfortunately, very few parents attend. For example last Tuesday, January 31, we had a meeting for all 10th grade parents to talk about FCAT Writes+ and FCAT. The school took these initiatives to publicize the meeting: (1) a post card was sent to all homes; (2) the administration met with all English classes to discuss the FCAT and then sent a letter to all of the homes; (3) a post card was given to every student; (4) 2 phone calls were made; and (5) the meeting was on the marquee on Madison Road. As a result of all of this effort, the families of 12 10th graders attended the meeting. That certainly is not adequate for a school with 413 10th graders! On March 20 the school will be sponsoring another opportunity for parents to learn about a very important topic which is affecting many of the young people of our country. I hope GHS will have good attendance. Specifics are addressed below. SCHOOL CHOICE School Choice Open Enrollment has begun for the 2006-2007 school year. The application is now on line http://studentservices.pasco.k12.fl.us/. Paper forms are available in the GHS Registrar's office. Forms must be completed by March 1. Please contact Mrs. Skaggs, Registrar, at 774-3307 if you have any questions. MARCH 20 - This will be the beginning of Character Counts Week at GHS Please reserve the evening of Monday, March 20, to attend an important presentation here at GHS. The presentation will be given by Christian Moore, who is the founder of WHY TRY! This is a nationally recognized program to help young people cope with the stresses of life....and we all know that teens are confronted with many stresses. Mr. Moore will be giving student presentations during the school day and will be meeting with parents in the evening. WHY TRY? is a national program which teaches social and emotional principles to youth in a way they can understand and remember. Parents play an important role in helping their children meet the challenges of the teenage years. Mr. Moore's simple message has reduced truancy, improved academics and changed the climate of schools throughout the United States. Please set aside the evening of March 20! 5:30 Refreshments In the Cafeteria & 6:30 Presentation in the Band Room LANGUAGE I would ask that parents join with the school community in trying to eliminate the use of vulgar and inappropriate language. I think we all realize our young people have been exposed to too many examples of the use of inappropriate language. It is almost as though they think such offensive language is acceptable. Parents, please discuss this topic with your child(ren). COURSE SELECTION FOR THE 2006-2007 SCHOOL YEAR The current students in grades 9,10 and 11 will begin the course selection process in mid- March with the materials being collected by the end of March. The importance of this process cannot be emphasized too much. As a part of the course selection process, students have met with Mrs. Trapp, Career Specialist, to determine direction about post- high school options. Parents need to sign the course selection cards. Remember: When courses are once selected students may not change their requests. PROM The prom will be held on April 29. A letter outlining prom details will be sent to the parents of all 11th and 12 graders. As was indicated in earlier mailings, students who do not conform to the attendance policy may not attend the prom. Also: When selecting dresses girls should be aware that the dress code for the evening, although semiformal, must meet the school's regulations. Dresses must be modest. Midriffs may not show. GRADUATION Parents of students who are scheduled to graduate in May will be sent a letter outlining graduation details. This letter will be sent by the end of February. For your planning, each student will receive 5 tickets for the ceremony which will be held in the Activity Center on Friday, May 19 at 7:00 P.M. In closing, I want to thank you for your continued support of Gulf High. The faculty and staff are here to serve your children and you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you feel the need. Sincerely, Enclosure(s) |