July 2005

Dear ALL GHS Parents/Guardians and Students:

The summer is about over. We here at the school are working hard hiring new faculty, enrolling new students, reorganizing facilities and making last minute preparations for the faculty and students to return. There are many important items contained in this communication.

Theme for 2005-2006: Linking Resources to Improve Student Achievement

We will continue to use the same theme as we have for the past three years. This theme certainly includes all of the ideas we wish to follow. Our students need to link to various resources - parents, teachers, counselors, other students and to the community. The adults in the student's life - parents, faculty, counselors, administrators - need to link to each other. All of us need to focus on improving student achievement. If we can each do our part I am sure we will see continued improved student achievement.

Beginning of the School Year

Tuesday, August 2 - Countywide Schedule & Fee Day (Secondary) 8:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. On this day you are asked to report to the school to pick up the student's schedule, pay fees, and secure locker assignments and bus passes. Report to the Activity Center off Madison Street.

Also Tuesday, August 2 - Orientation 6:30 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. for new students (both upperclassmen and first time freshmen). This will be the time to tour the campus, meet various personnel and learn about the clubs and activities GHS offers.

Monday, August 8 - First Day of Classes - Report to first period class by 7:40 A.M. (Tardy Bell: 7:45 - Late Bell: 7:50) It would be good to arrive a bit early on this day.

Fees

Fees are optional but they are Board approved and do help offset the expenses connected with some classes and the general running of the school - specifically student recognition programs. Student fees for various classes will be indicated on the schedule which will be picked up on Countywide Schedule & Fee Day (August 2). Fees can be paid in cash or by check (made payable to: Gulf High School).

• The general fee is $7.00 (all are asked to pay this fee).
• Other fees are based upon the specific classes the student takes. If a fee is charged, semester classes have a $6.00 fee and year-long classes have an $8.00 fee.
• Hallway lockers and Locks: $9.00 (Returning students may return last year's lock and receive credit - this applies for Schedule & Fee Day only.)
• The Driver Education fee is $20.
• Band ($25), Chorus ($15), ROTC ($16) and PE Locker ($9) fees are paid to the individual teachers and are not collected on schedule and fee day.
• Parking tags ($15) are sold at school after the year begins. For the first few days of school students are allowed to park in the student parking lot without a tag.
• Athletic Participation fees are not collected at registration. The fees are as follows: First Sport Tryout Fee of $25 + Participation Fee of $35 = $60 (Note: Each Additional Sport: $50 - Not to exceed $200 per family) Note: All fees and forms are required on the first day of participation.

NOTE: If fees cannot be paid on Schedule & Fee Day, they may be sent to school on the first few days of school where they will be collected during the first period classes.

Schedule Concerns

If Your Schedule is Enclosed (yellow sheet):

Enclosed is a copy of the first semester courses which have been scheduled for the upcoming school year. These courses are based upon the most current schedule (as of July 13). In some cases the courses which appear are not exactly those the student selected in March and April. Reasons for changes in courses may be any one (or a combination) of the following:

• Those who did not do well on the last administration of the FCAT have been scheduled into either a Consumer Math (which will focus on FCAT-type skills) and/or an Intensive Reading course. If this occurred, an elective course was eliminated to make room for the class(es). In some cases, due to district requirements, students with an extremely low FCAT Reading score have been scheduled into two periods of reading.
• Some courses are not being offered due to low enrollment.
• Schedule conflicts necessitated a change in courses.

If Your Schedule is NOT Enclosed:

This means your schedule has not been completed as of this mailing. We are continuing to work on schedules through the next two weeks. If you would like to have a copy of the schedule (classes only - no rooms and no teachers indicated) you may come to the school on the schedule indicated below. At that time you will be given a copy of the schedule or, if the schedule could not be finalized, you will be asked to speak to a counselor.

Schedule Pick Up/Schedule Problems:

Wednesday, July 27 12th Grade Only from 9:00 - 11:30 A.M.

Wednesday, July 27 9th. 10th and 11th Grades Only 12:30 - 3:00 P.M.

Thursday, July 28 12th Grade Only from 9:00 - 11:30 A.M.

Thursday, July 28 Any student 4:00 - 7:00 P.M.

Report to the Media Center on the second floor.

At these times students may pick up their schedule and counselors will be available to work with students to correct any errors. Conferences with the counselors will be on a first come, first serve basis.

Schedule Changes

Schedule changes are closely monitored to insure classes do not become too large and to be sure students are meeting requirements. It was clearly stated during the registration process that course changes would not be made after the selection process. There are three reasons a schedule change can be approved: (1) The student has already taken the course and passed it; (2) The student does not have the prerequisite course(s) to take the course; (3) Another course is needed for graduation (this applies to Seniors). If, at this point, a student has a full schedule and meets one of the three criteria for a schedule change they may complete a Schedule Change Form which will be available on Schedule & Fee Day and during the first few days of school. The form will be reviewed by guidance and administration. If appropriate, the schedule will be changed as soon as possible. We cannot guarantee that the changes will be completed by the first day of school.

Report Cards

In addition to grades, teacher comments and attendance as found on a traditional report card, the following items are a part of the quarterly report to parents:

• Tardies - Since GHS has a very stringent policy about tardies, it will be important that students understand that each time they are tardy (to school or to an individual class) they will be sent to Tardy Hall. Exceptions to this are when a parent note is presented with an approved reason for absence or the student uses a free Tardy Pass found in the Student Planner. Each time this occurs it will be recorded on the student's attendance record and will then appear on the report card.
• Referrals - Each time a student is "written up" by a teacher it will be recorded on the student's report card. Referrals will be reported cumulatively through the year. Level 2 and Level 3 infractions are recorded in the student's cumulative folder at the end of the school year.
• As in the past, the report card will include additional important information: Grade/Graduation Status, GPA information, and Progress in relation to meeting Minimum District Standards in Reading, Writing, Math and Science.

It will be important for families to review each report card and to keep copies of the report cards from quarter to quarter so comparisons can be made.

Report cards will be distributed on the following dates: October 26, 2005; January 19, 2006; March 29, 2006; and the final report card will be mailed on June 7, 2006.

All students receive Progress Reports on the following dates: September 12, 2005; November 18, 2005; February 14, 2006; and April 28, 2006.

Dress Code for 2005-2006

Since we are trying to instill in the students the need to be clean and modestly dressed, we are asking for family support in our efforts. Remember: Dress regulations are in effect 24/7 (at all times). A complete copy of the dress code is enclosed. We will be enforcing a strong adherence to the dress code.

Highlights: When selecting tops for school be sure the student's midriff (including the back) does not ever show - this includes while sitting at the cafeteria tables. All tops must have material beyond the shoulder seam (cap sleeve). The neckline cannot dip below an imaginary line drawn from armpit to armpit (no cleavage). Shorts cannot be shorter than 4 inches above the knee. Pants are to be secured at the waist and underclothing may not show. Naturally, shoes must be worn. Hats and head coverings may not be worn on the campus at any time.

Adherence to dress regulations begins with the first day of school. To avoid problems (and referrals which will appear on the report card) students are encouraged to adhere to the dress code. Referrals will be written from the first day. If in doubt, do not wear the item(s) until you have checked it out!

[The dress code information is on our web site here.]

NoGo List

Each year many students do not return books or other items such as team uniforms or money collected from fundraisers. These non returned items add up to quite a financial burden for the school. In an effort to collect these monies, GHS has a NoGo List containing the names of all students who owe from previous years. As events come up through the year, students whose names are on the list will not be allowed to purchase tickets or participate in events until they have paid their outstanding debt(s). Events will include: Homecoming Dance, Fashion Shows (homecoming and prom), Grad Night, Prom and any event during the school day for which tickets are required (i.e. talent shows, sports events, etc.). It will be very important that all debts are cleared. Note: If you owe from previous years you will be notified by mail so you may pay the fee on county Schedule & Fee Day (August 2).

For those who are new to Gulf High School: A most hearty WELCOME! To our "oldies": WELCOME BACK! I do hope the information found in this letter will be helpful to you. If there are other questions or concerns you may have please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to LINKING with you so every student at GHS will have a most productive year.

Sincerely,
Thomas E. Imerson,
Principal

Enclosures: Yellow student schedule, Public Notice: Student Records, Student Surveys & Privacy: Parent Notification, School Calendar (2005-2006), New Freshmen: How to Get the Most our of High School, Dress code regulations

Dear Parent/Guardian & Student of the Class of 2009,

Enclosed you will find many items which will be of help to you as you enter high school. Entrance into high school is the first giant step you take on the way to graduation. I am sure graduation seems like a long way off, but you will find that the years will go by quickly.

As you enter Gulf High I encourage you to do your very best from the first day of the school year. This is a great opportunity to begin anew. With your high school years you are making a record which will be very important to you for many years after high school. Those who are serious will find that their education is something which can never be taken away. Your high school diploma will open many doors. Your permanent record will include your grades, your attendance and your discipline record. Each time you decide to make a good decision about studying, coming to school and behaving when at school you will improve your record. In middle school you may have been familiar with teams where a group of teachers work with the same group of students. At Gulf High we do have Learning Communities but you will find much more independence than at the middle school.

I encourage you to be serious about your education. Most of the time you will find that if you attend your classes and try to learn by listening in class, taking notes and doing your homework your grades will be fine. Take the time to develop a relationship with your teachers and guidance counselors. Many people are here to help you do your very best. The first step to doing well is developing and showing a good attitude.

For each new freshman I am enclosing a booklet titled How to Get the Most out of High School. This booklet contains much helpful information for the student who wants to be successful in high school. Please review this booklet and bring it with you for the first few days of this school year. It will be the basis of discussion for some of your classes.

Tuesday, August 2, will be your first opportunity to make a good impression. Come to Schedule & Fee Day and the evening Orientation knowing that: "First impressions are lasting impressions." Wear appropriate clothing (see the enclosed dress code). Have a smile and a ready "hello" to those you meet. Give the impression that you care.

As the Principal of Gulf High School I want to encourage a caring atmosphere where people treat each other with dignity and respect. There are many ways to handle people and situations. I hope you will always choose to see situations from the eyes of those with whom you come in contact. To ALL parents and students I give a most hearty WELCOME.

Sincerely,
Thomas E. Imerson
Principal