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Dear Gaither Families, On Friday, November 13, we hosted an Ice Cream Social to honor those students who qualified for the Principal's Honor Roll. Thank you to Stephanie Woychowski and our PTSA parents who served our students with delicious ice cream and many selective toppings! It was evident that our students enjoyed the ice-cream social and they are to be

commended for earning straight A's! We continue to prepare our students to meet the FSA standards. There are parent resources available on our website's main page and we encourage you to become familiar with these standards to support your child as the exam will be administered this Spring.

New Florida Assessments Resource Link for Students and Parents We have an exciting, free resource for students preparing for college and their parents. It is called Khan Academy and provides students with practice in a variety of core subjects and practice exams to prepare for the SAT. Students may access the site at www.khanacademy.org. With practice, students will be able to solidify their skills and be confident before taking the SAT! The holiday season is upon us and I wish you all the best for a joyous time with family and friends and for all great things to come in the new year! I would like to take this time to remind students and parents that while I understand that a two week holiday vacation is quickly approaching, we should not forget that semester exams are around the corner. Teachers will soon be preparing students for exams with review materials. I strongly encourage students to study during the holidays. When students return to school on Monday, January 4, 2016, they will be reviewing the curriculum through the end of the week. The following week, semester exams will begin. These exams are extremely important, as they count for twenty-five (25%) of the student’s grade and may be the difference in a letter grade, or whether a student passes a class. A complete breakdown of calculations for nine (9) week grade calculations, plus the exam grade and final grade earned, is listed on page 65 of the student handbook (www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/assets/pdf/studenthandbook.pdf). I have high academic expectations for all of our students and hold them accountable for attaining them, despite any obstacles which may attempt to interfere with their learning. All students are capable of great achievement through perseverance! Happy Holidays!

Thomas Morrill Thomas D. Morrill, Principal Gaither High School (Class of 1987) "Commitment to Excellence" Phone (813) 975-7340, extension 204 Follow us on Twitter, @GaitherCowboys Preparing Students For Life!

Happy Holidays!

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Contents On the Cover From the Principal’s Desk Gaither Roundup Information ..................................... 2 A Word or Two from the PTSA ................................. 3 Birthday Marquee ....................................................... 3 Guidance News ........................................................ 4-5 Updates from the Senate ............................................. 6 Senior Class 2016 Timeline ........................................ 6 Cowboy Express ......................................................... 7 Business Department News ........................................ 7 Chorus News ............................................................... 8 Vocal Music Boosters App ......................................... 9 GHS Orchestra ...........................................................10 Guitar News ...............................................................10 Theatre News .............................................................11 FSA Writing and EOC Practice Tests ........................11 Band News .................................................................12 Humans of Gaither .....................................................13 Cowboy Closet...........................................................13 Band Boosters App .............................................. 14-15 Web Addresses Galore......................................... 16-17 2015-2016 School Calendar .......................................18 2015-2016 Calendario del Estudiante .......................19 Winter Sports Schedule ....................................... 20-21 ABC Application .......................................................22 Athletic Eligibility ............................................... 23-24 Athletic Mission Statement ........................................25 Student Athlete Transfer Policy ........................... 26-30 Athletes Insurance ............................................... 31-32 Sports Insurance Application .....................................33 NCAA Eligibility .......................................................33 Gaither PTSA Senior Award Application ..................34 PTSA Membership Form ...........................................35 PTSA Volunteer Form ...............................................36 Yearbook Info & Order Forms ............................ 37-39 Dates to Remember ....................................................40

Gaither Roundup The Gaither Roundup is a publication of

Gaither High School and Gaither PTSA.

It is published in 8 issues: August/September,

October, November, December/January,

February, March, April, and May/June.

The deadline for submission is the 5th

of the month prior to publication date.

Submissions should be e-mailed to

[email protected]

Principal: Thomas Morrill

PTSA President: Stephanie Woychowski

Editor: Susan Raabe

Staff Consultant: Greg Lewandowski

Gaither High School Gaither PTSA

16200 N. Dale Mabry Tampa, FL 33618

813.975.7340 PTSA Office 813.975.7340 ext. 330

http://gaither.mysdhc.org www.GaitherPTSA.org

Please Note The Gaither Roundup newsletter is available only online. You may find issues on the Gaither PTSA website at www.GaitherPTSA.org as well as on the Gaither High School website at www.gaither.mysdhc.org/newsletters Only the first issue of each school year, August/September, is printed and mailed to the families of students. If you would like a paper copy of other issues of the newsletter you may pick one up in the main office.

Semester Exam Week January 12-15, 2016

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Birthday Marquee

Dear Gaither Parents, Students, and Staff, I hope this letter finds you all healthy, happy and having a great school year. On Friday, December 18th PTSA student members can enjoy a free treat during lunches as our thank you for supporting the Gaither High School PTSA. As always, if you are not a PTSA member yet, I encourage you to pick up a form in the main office and turn it in. Your $10 membership goes a long way to help us do the things we want to do for our students and teachers! While looking forward to the holidays with our families, we are also preparing for the New Year and many exciting events that Gaither PTSA

will be sponsoring. In February we will be hosting our annual Star Revue Talent Show and look forward to another outstanding evening featuring the incredibly talented students at Gaither. Students will also be excited to know that we will be holding our Dodge Ball Tournament in April and it is sure to be a great time for everyone. These two events are just a tiny bit of what the New Year holds in store for Gaither PTSA and our school community. If you would like to help out with these fun events, please email us at [email protected]. I hope to see you all at the next PTSA meeting on Tuesday, January 5th at 6:00 p.m. This is a great time to find out about things that are going on at school and also to meet other parents. We will be having a guest speaker immediately following the meeting and more information on the topic will be announced in January. Should you have any questions about PTSA, volunteer opportunities, ideas for new activities, etc. please feel free to contact me at: [email protected]. Please know your questions and suggestions are always welcome. Happy Holidays!

Stephanie Woychowski Gaither H.S. PTSA President Email: [email protected] Website: www.GaitherPTSA.org

Celebrate your student’s birthday by having their name

and age on the Gaither High School marquee, located at

the main entrance of the school on Dale Mabry Hwy.

Names are displayed on both sides of the sign for one

week, from Friday to Friday.

Contact: Sara Mason at [email protected] What: Include first/last name of student and age

When: ASAP

Cost: $25.00 (checks payable to GHS PTSA)

Mail payment to: GHS PTSA - Attn. Birthday Marquee 16200 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. Tampa, FL 33618

Please DO NOT leave reservations/payments at

Gaither High School unless you have already

received a conformation email saying we have

reserved a spot for your student! Reservations must

be confirmed on line or by phone BEFORE sending

your check. Payment must be received before name

is posted on the marquee. If payment is not received

prior to the student’s birthday week, reservations will

be forfeited. List the name/age of the student(s) to be

recognized on your check, following confirmation of

reservation.

Thank you for supporting Gaither High School

and Happy Birthday!

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Guidance News Grades

Students brought home their first term report cards on

November 13.

Edsby

Our Administration requests that teachers place

grades on Edsby weekly. However, although Edsby

is provided as a service to assist parents with seeing a

student’s current grades, it is not intended to dictate

how quickly a teacher reviews a student’s papers to

grade them. For example, if an English teacher

receives 5 page papers from their 150 students, it is

not likely they will be graded overnight, and the

teacher still determines when the grading for that

assignment will be completed. Teachers input grades

weekly for any assignments for which grades appear

in their gradebooks.

Sophomore World History Class Visits

Counseling staff members met with all members of

the sophomore class on Nov 10 and 12. Topics

included GPA, class rank, credits, graduation

requirements, Bright Futures Scholarships, the online

course requirement, and the My Career Shines Kuder

Interest Inventory for college and career planning.

Junior English Class Visits

Junior English Classes will be attending Guidance

Office Information Sessions between December 1-10.

Topics will include GPA, student summaries, class

rank, community service, college & career planning,

ACT / SAT exams, and college visits. Each student

will be bringing home a packet of materials to show

their parents. All Juniors will be taking a free SAT

exam during school on March 2, 2016!

Programming to Begin in December!

The process of scheduling students for the 2016-17

school year will begin in December. Counselors will

hold an information session for all 9th, 10th, and 11th

graders during their homeroom period on Monday

December 7. We will discuss requirements for

graduation, courses of study, and course selections

for the next year. Parents are encouraged to

actively participate in program planning by

reviewing and signing the completed Course

Selection Worksheet between December 7-10.

Again this year, each student will receive Automated

Course Requests (ACRs) for their core classes, based

on criteria (past grades, test scores and teacher

recommendations), established by administrators,

faculty and district personnel. Students will primarily

choose only their electives.

The Course Selection Guide (the book which contains

course descriptions) will be available on Gaither’s

website. It will be given initially to incoming 9th

graders; however, course descriptions will be

available on Gaither’s website (gaither.mysdhc.org)

in December and copies of the Guide will be

available in each classroom, Guidance, as well as the

Media Center. Students may check out a copy from

there or Guidance.

During late January and early February, each student

will be seen individually by a counselor to review this

information to make sure the courses selected are the

correct classes to meet his/her goals. Students are

encouraged to write down all of their questions and

concerns and bring them to their individual

conference.

Your student's accurate choices are extremely

important because we plan the hiring of teachers for

the school year on the basis of their selections.

Students must choose wisely. We are looking

forward to working with the students and planning

for an exciting and challenging 16-17 school year.

Continued on Next Page

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PSAT Interpretation in January

Test scores from the October 15th PSAT/NMSQT

will be returned to students in a homeroom during

January. Results will be interpreted and test

booklets will be returned to all grade 9-11

students. Students will hear valuable information

about planning for college and being academically

prepared.

AP Challenge

Did you know that by taking Advanced Placement

classes in high school you could earn college credit?

The rigor of the AP curriculum is very similar to that

of a college course, and statistics show that students

who attempt AP classes in high school are more

likely to be successful and graduate on time from a

university. It’s not always about getting straight

A’s; colleges look at the strength of a student’s

curriculum. They want to see that a student has

been challenged in high school. Our staff is

encouraging students to “rise to the challenge” and

take the most rigorous schedule they can handle. If

a student has been consistently earning A’s and

B’s in honors courses, they may want to consider

taking an AP course in that subject. Gaither

offers 22 AP courses. Consult the Guide for a

complete list. If a student earns a score of 3, 4, or 5

on the national exam at the end of the course,

college credit will be granted by the University they

choose to attend!

Middle School Parent Night

If you are the parent of an eighth grade student who

plans to attend Gaither in the 16-17 school year, you

are invited to attend an event on Thurs January 21

at Gaither High School. There will be an Electives

Fair at 6:30 in the Cafeteria, followed by a Course

Selection Presentation in the Auditorium at 7 pm.

Guidance News Continued from Previous Page

Hillsborough Education Foundation Scholarships

There are over 50 local scholarship opportunities for

our students through the Hillsborough Education

Foundation. The majority of these scholarships are for

Seniors, however, there are several scholarships for

9th –10th grade students. The scholarship applications

are available online at www.educationfoundation.com.

Apply between 11/16/2015 and 01/10/2016!

Bright Futures Scholarships

Seniors may complete a Bright Futures application at

www.FloridaStudentFinancialAid.org, beginning 12/1.

This online application also identifies students for

other State of Florida scholarship and financial aid

opportunities. All seniors should apply regardless of

their immediate plans for college including students

attending out of state colleges or joining the military.

Students may continue to meet requirements of SAT/

ACT, Grade Point Average, and Community Service

throughout the school year. Transcripts will

automatically be sent to the state for all students who

have completed this application.

Community Service Guidelines

All students should be aware of the guidelines for

community service. In order to have hours entered on

a student’s transcript, the guidelines must be followed.

The primary reason to have hours logged is for Bright

Futures Scholarships. All three scholarships now

require community service hours! Florida Academic:

100 hours; Florida Medallion: 75 hours; Florida Gold

Seal: 30 hours.

Community Service Proposals are available in the

Guidance Office or Guidance Edsby page and should

be submitted before beginning any community

service. Log sheets and reflections should be

submitted to Guidance for entry onto a student’s

record.

We recommend students complete “volunteer hours”

for college essays, resumes and scholarship

applications. These hours are not documented on the

high school transcript.

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Senate has begun its "Season of Giving!" With the help of all Gaither students and Club members; teachers and Staff, we hope to collect needed items for members of our community: Canned goods (benefits Carrollwood Food Pantry) New teddy bears (benefits children in hospitals, and will be delivered by the Rough Riders) New children's toys (donating to the Suzanne Ciani Brain Cancer Foundation and toys will be

delivered to children with Cancer) Pasta for Pennies / Dollars for Donuts! (all collections go to the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society) Dog/Cat food + collars, leashes & toys (benefits St. Francis Animal Shelter) Toiletry items (being donated to Metropolitan Ministries and/or Operation Help Our Heroes) All donations need to be brought in by December 15th at the latest! See Mrs. Trumbach in Room 213 if you have any questions. Thank you!!

Teresa Trumbach [email protected]

December

12/02 Senior Assembly for Caps 'n Gowns

12/08-09 Senior order date for Caps 'n Gowns

12/18 Winter Sports Pep Rally & Recognition

12/14-18 Holiday Spirit Week (Themes TBA) 12/21/15 - 01/01/16 Winter Break. Students return 01/04/16.

January

01/04-08 Study week for Semester 1 exams!

01/12-15 Semester 1 exams

01/18 Semester 2 begins

Permission slips for Special Olympics available February Senior panoramic photos Special Olympics

Reminders:

1. How many service hours have you logged?

2. SAT/ACT test dates are rapidly approaching

Caps & gowns ordered?

Prices go up 12/31/15 March Prom permission forms available Begin to sell Prom tickets April Grad Bash Prom May Baccalaureate June Graduation Rehearsal Graduation

Senior Class 2016 Timeline

Updates from the Senate

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Cowboy Express Cowboy Express is an academic achievement incentive program at Gaither High School sponsored by the

PTSA. It is divided into 2 categories: Blue and Silver. A Blue Cowboy Express Card allows a student to

attend home athletic games free of charge and purchase dance and qualified event tickets at discounted prices.

A Silver Cowboy Express Card allows a student to attend home athletic games free of charge and purchase

dance and qualified event tickets at an even greater discount.

A student must have attended Gaither High School the previous semester in order to apply. A Cowboy

Express Card is good for one semester only. Students must submit an application each semester. The Spring

2016 application period begins on February 15th. Applications will be accepted for only one week and are due

no later than February 19th. Late applications will not be accepted. The application is available to print at

www.GaitherPTSA.org and hard copies may be picked up in the Main Office during the application period.

Business Department News Congratulations go to our Gaither Team who placed 3rd Place at the Financial Football Competition this past

Saturday at Suncoast Credit Union! Our winning team was made up of four business students: Brennan Ward,

Valeria Cella, Jesse Carter, and Macie Rodriguez. In addition to having a great educational experience, each

student received a $100 gift card.

Way to Go Gaither Business Students!

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members will be hosting an Angel Tree for the Joshua House

during all lunches in December. Students are encouraged to select an Angel and return the unwrapped gift to

the FBLA members at the table during all lunches.

FBLA members are preparing for their District 8 competitive events to be held December 9th & 10th. They

will then attend the District 8 Leadership Conference on December 16th at the USF Embassy Suite

Hotel. Students that place at the district level will be eligible to attend the FBLA State Leadership Conference

to be held in Orlando in March 2016.

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GHS Chorus News CONGRATULATIONS to our three students who passed the grueling audition process and were selected for

All-State Choruses. These high achieving students are Madison Padgett, KaleyAnna Raabe and Elisabeth

Sinclair. Madison and Elisabeth qualified for the Women’s Chorus and KaleyAnna qualified for the Mixed

Chorus. They will perform in January at the FMEA All State Convention.

YOU ARE INVITED. . . to SING! Gaither's 15th Annual "Hallelujah" Chorus will take place at our Holiday

Concert, Thursday, Dec. 17. All Parents, Alumni, Faculty, Staff and Community members (including current

students) are invited to join our Chorus seniors in singing the "Hallelujah Chorus" onstage that evening. If you

want to be a part of it, please email Mrs. Cleveland ([email protected]) and let her know if you

would like to sing Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Bass. She will send you the music and learning track to practice on

your own, along with further information about a rehearsal and the performance.

On December 8th our Concert Chorus will be performing at EPCOT, in the Candlelight Processional, after

being selected from a video audition. Our students will be part of a 300-voice choir that includes EPCOT's

"Voices of Liberty", and accompanied by Walt Disney World's 70 piece Orchestra. A celebrity narrator Joe

Morton, (of TV's Scandal and Proof) will top off the performances, and as always, it will be a magical evening

of Holiday music.

COMING UP NEXT!

Who: Men's Chorus, Women's Chorus, Concert Chorus, Barbershop quartets and SHOWCASE 2016!

What: HOLIDAY CONCERT

When: Thursday, Dec. 17, 7:00 P.M.

Where: Jerry Skora Auditorium, Gaither High School

How: Purchase a ticket for only $5.00 from any chorus member (or at the door, while they last. . .)

We promise you an enjoyable evening of music and fun - don't miss it!!

FUTURE DATES OF "NOTE":

Holiday Concert - Thursday, December 17, 7:00 P.M.

SPECTRUM - Thursday/Friday, April 21 & 22, 7:00 P.M.

Women's Pop Concert - Thursday, May 5, 7:00 P.M.

SHOWCASE FINALE - Thursday, May 19, 7:00 P.M.

Mrs. C. Chorus Director

Phone: 813.975.7340 ext. 267

[email protected]

www.gaitherchorus.com

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Gaither Vocal Music Boosters Application You Make the Difference!

BECOME A GAITHER VOCAL MUSIC BOOSTER MEMBER

AND ENJOY A YEAR OF MUSIC!!!!!!

*All Gaither Vocal Music Booster Memberships will be acknowledged in our performance programs

Please make checks payable to: Gaither High School Vocal Music Boosters (or GVMB)

Return this form along with your contribution to: Gaither High School – Chorus

16200 North Dale Mabry Hwy

Tampa, FL 33618

The Gaither Vocal Music Department is grateful for your generous and meaningful support of our program.

All contributions are applied directly to our operating needs.

Booster Name: _____________________________________________________________________________ (As you wish it to appear in our performance programs)

Preferred Phone 1: _________________________ Preferred Phone 2: ______________________________ Preferred Email 1: _________________________________________________________________________ Preferred Email 2: _________________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________________ Street City Zip

Membership Level: Membership Premiums for each level*:

_____ Family Membership $25.00 2 tickets to the concert of your choice

With 2 Preferred seats

_____ Bronze Membership $50.00 2 tickets to 2 concerts of your choice

With 2 Preferred seats

_____ Silver Membership $75.00 2 tickets to 3 concerts of your choice

With 2 Preferred seats

_____ Gold Membership $100.00 2 tickets to all concerts

With 2 Premium seats

_____ Diamond Membership $150.00 4 tickets to all concerts

With 4 Premium seats

_____ Platinum Membership $250.00 + 6 tickets to all concerts

With 6 Premium seats

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GHS Orchestra Solo & Ensemble District Festival

The Gaither Orchestra performed in the District Solo and Ensemble Competition on November 14th at Ben

Hill Middle School. All the judges appreciated the professionalism of our students as they represented Gaither

in the best way! We are super proud of our orchestra cowboys!

They came home with:

2 - Superior Solo with Distinction ( meaning it had to be memorized and flawless)

1 - Superior Solo

7 - Superior Ensembles

5 - Excellent Solos

8 - Excellent Ensembles

That’s a Grand Total of 33 students receiving Superior medals and 37 Excellent Medals !!!!! We are so proud

of all our students who worked hard to prepare and represent our school with pride!

All State Concert Orchestra

Congratulations to our very own cellist, Issac Chung! Issac was selected to be a part of the 9-12 High School

All State Honors Orchestra and will perform with the 2016 All State Honors Orchestra in January.

Winter Concert

Come Support the Gaither High School Instrumental Department on Monday, December 7th at the Gaither

High School Auditorium. The program will feature the Gaither High School Guitar, Chamber Orchestra,

Concert Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, and Symphonic Orchestra. Admission is

FREE but we are asking you to bring 2 canned goods per person, which will be donated to local charity.

Musically Yours,

Andrea Szarowicz 11-12 All State Coordinator

Director of Orchestras, Guitar, and ESE Music

Gaither High School

www.gaitherorchestra.com

Guitar News

Gaither High School Advanced Guitar Students preformed at the District Solo and Ensemble for the first time

in school History!

1 - Superior with Distinction

2 - Superior Ensembles

2 - Excellent Ensembles

Congratulations on a fantastic performance!

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Theatre News "The Good Body" is Gaither's competition one-act play, Dec. 3-4 (7:15pm start

time). Gaither has received a Superior the past two years, and last year's show

went to the state Thespian festival. This year's play is an ensemble drama about

female body image. Don't miss this powerful piece of theatre. $5.

Auditions for the spring musical, "The Wedding Singer," are open for anyone

in the school. They will be held after school Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 14-15,

in room 182. The show is based on the Adam Sandler comedy and has a cast of

25-50 people. If you are interested in being in a play, this is a great opportunity

to get involved in Gaither's theatre program.

Thank you! WILL ALBRITTON

[email protected]

Theatre Director / Gaither High School / 16200 N. Dale Mabry /

Tampa, FL 33618

Dec. 3-4 "The Good Body" 7pm $5

March 2-3 "Game of Tiaras" 7pm $5

April 13-15 "The Wedding Singer" 7pm $8

May 13 Year-End Variety Show 7pm $5

FSA Writing and EOC Practice Tests

The following FSA Practice Tests are now available on the FSA Portal: Grades 4–10 Writing, Algebra 1 EOC,

Geometry EOC, and Algebra 2 EOC. You can access Practice Test materials, including the Writing Rubrics,

Answer Keys, and Paper-Based Practice Tests, here: http://www.fsassessments.org/students-and-families/

training-tests/. While Grades 4–7 Writing are still administered on paper, CBT Practice Tests are available for

these students. As practice tests are released, they replace previously available training tests for the applicable

grades and subjects. Scripts for the practice tests are available on the FSA Portal under FSA Resources (http://

www.fsassessments.org/resources/).

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Band News Marching Band State Competition

The Gaither Marching Cowboys competed on Saturday, November 21st at Tropicana Field in the Florida

Marching Band Coalition's State Competition and earned straight Superiors! They placed 9th overall in the

State with their Puppet Master show. Congratulations Marching Cowboys on a great marching season!

All State Band

CONGRATULATIONS to our four students who passed the demanding audition process and were selected for

All-State Band. These high achieving students are Xavier Castro (Alto Sax), Alec Rowan (French Horn),

Raina Sparks (French Horn) and Joe Tremper (Percussion). Alec qualified for the All-State Symphonic Band

and Xavier, Raina and Joe qualified for the All-State Concert Band. All four will perform in January at the

FMEA All State Convention.

A big Thank You to Guitar Center for donating much needed cables to our band! They have also graciously

extended the offer below to all Gaither students.

** Special Offer for Gaither High School students **

show your student ID for 20% off Lesson Packages

Learning to play music can be an amazing, life-changing experience. That's why we've designed our studios to

be creative, comfortable places for learning and growing. Our fully-engaging lesson program provides a solid

academic foundation and at the same time, encourages students to express themselves through music and helps

them discover their inner artist.

From keyboards, guitars and recording to bass, drums, piano and vocals - there's something for every music

lover at GC Lessons Tampa. In fact, we offer curriculums for both beginner and advanced musicians, so

whether you're starting from scratch or would simply like to improve your craft, we're here to help. Our staff is

made up of a fun-loving group of musicians who are a part of the local scene themselves, so you can take

comfort in knowing that everything you learn is from a trustworthy source. Curious about anything? Don't

hesitate to contact us.

Guitar Center

Horizon Park Shopping Center

3914 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33614

(813) 801-9290

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Cowboy Closet Cowboy Closet is for Gaither students experiencing a need due to homelessness, house fire, family

unemployment, or other family emergency.

To Donate: Visit the Cowboy Clothing Wish Rack in the Guidance Department and take a tag off

the hook. The tag will indicate sizes of clothing and/or any other items (shoes, school supplies,

personal items, etc.)

Clothing donated should be new or gently used (clean, no stains), conform to school dress code,

and be of the current style. Bring the item(s) to the Gaither High School Guidance Department

during regular school hours. Charitable donation receipts will be issued for the amount of new

items only (please present receipt when bringing in the item).

Family or student in need: If you are a student or family in need or if you know of a family in

need, please contact Shirley Padilla, GHS Social Worker. All information will be kept confidential.

Shirley Padilla GHS Social Worker Phone: 813.975.7340 extension: 302

Humans of Gaither By Erin Maloney, Reporter (Reprinted from Bay News 9)

Journalism students at Gaither High School in Tampa are bringing the wildly popular blog and New York Times best seller "Humans of New York" to their school. Of course, they call it "Humans of Gaither."

The editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, Kayla Mutunhu, says she is a big fan of the original, and she thought bringing it to school would help unify the student body. "Students tell stories, they give us quotes," she said. "It's a really interesting way to find out more about the people at our school." She and fellow Pony Express writer Brianna Maxey use their lunch period to photograph and interview anyone who wants to be a part of Humans of Gaither. The pictures and stories land on the Instagram page @HumansofGHS. The page doesn't name the students. It only shows their pictures. It leaves some mystery, Mutunhu says.

One shows a football player, revealing why he joined the team. He says he was an angry child, and football is an outlet that allows him to blow off steam. Another shows a young man wearing only pink on School Spirit Day. He says the pink means more to him than school spirit, though. He celebrates his grandmother beating breast cancer.

"It's very intimate to get to know somebody on a personal level like that," Maxey said. "They're sharing a piece of themselves with anybody." It's an outlet for some, but it turned into a way to unify a group of teens, who like most high schoolers, can become clique-y and easily divided. "It kind of shows you, everyone goes through things," Mutunhu said. "It really gives you an insight into, hey, somebody might be going through something today, so try to be nice."

The duo is serving up a daily reminder of compassion. It's something all of us can learn from.

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Gaither High information

www.Gaither.mysdhc.org

Everything you ever want to know about

Gaither High: joining the PTSA, Cowboy

Connection, curriculum, faculty e-mails, clubs,

etc.)

https://sdhc.edsby.com/

Monitor your student’s grades, attendance, and

other parent-wise things (better than Facebook!)

www.GaitherBand.org

Gaither Band website

www.GaitherChorus.com

Gaither Chorus & Showcase website

www.GaitherOrchestra.com

Gaither Orchestra website

www.flvc.org

High School planning

www.flvs.net

Florida Virtual School: if your student entered

9th grade during the 2011-2012 or during the

2012-2013 school year, they must take an online

class before graduation.

www.guidmii.com

Lots of links to student success. Use your

Edsby username & password.

www.GHSPonyExpress.com

Pony Express School Newspaper

www.GaitherPTSA.org

Gaither High School PTSA website

Testing and other stressfuls

www.fcatexplorer.com

Your student may use this site to practice for the

Reading FCAT 2.0)

Student login = lastname+first initial (studentc)

Password: = 29+first 4 letters of last name + birth

month + day (29stud0904)

www.FLAssessments.com/epat

Actual practice tests for the computer FCAT 2.0

and the Algebra EOC exam to install on your

computer. EOC stands for End of Course.

http://fcat.fldoe.org/fcat2/pdf/achlevel.pdf

FCAT 2.0 and Florida EOC Assessments

Achievement levels.

www.collegeboard.org

PSAT, SAT, and hundreds of things about what

your high school student and you need to prepare

for post-secondary education.

www.ACTstudent.org

ACT testing, much like Collegeboard but a

different company.

Web Addresses Galore

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Scholarships

Edsby and the Gaither website

(scholarships posted monthly by Mrs. Nissen -

College and Career Counselor. Also community

service forms are available to print)

www.fastweb.com

Great scholarship website!

http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/SSFAD/

bf (Bright Futures)

Mental Health

http://kidshealth.org/teenyourmind/problems/

bullies.html

211 is the emergency mental health number.

This is through the Hillsborough County Crisis

Center.

Miscellaneous

211 is the emergency mental health number.

This is through the Hillsborough County Crisis

Center.

http://myspot.sdhc.k12.fl.us

MySPOT - Your online connection to HCPS

resources

HerffJonestampabay.com

Order your cap & gown & school ring now!

www.collegegoalsundayfl.org

College Goal Weekend information

http://www.gotomyncf.com

NACAC College Fair

www.fafsa.ed.gov

Federal Financial Aid

www.sdhc.k12.fl.us

Hillsborough County School District Website

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2015-2016 Student Academic School Calendar

Below is the student academic calendar for the current school year. Please save a copy for future

reference. This calendar is available on the school district website at www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/calendar/.

Early release every Monday at 1:55 pm

Students’ First Day of School Tuesday, August 25

Labor Day Holiday/Schools and District Offices Closed Monday, September 7

End of 1st Grading Period Friday, October 23

Non-Student Day Monday, October 26

Veteran’s Day Holiday/Non-Student Day Monday, November 11

Fall Break/Schools and District Offices Closed Monday – Friday, November 23-27

Students Return to School Monday, November 30

Winter Break/Schools and District Offices Closed Monday – Friday, December 21 – January 1

Students Return to School Monday, January 4

End of 2nd Grading Period (End of 1st Semester) Friday, January 15

Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday/Schools and District Offices Closed Monday, January 18

Non-Student Day Tuesday, January 19

Florida State Fair Day/Non-Student Day – West Hillsborough County Friday, February 5

Strawberry Festival/Non-Student Day – East Hillsborough County Monday, March 7

Spring Break/Schools and District Offices Closed Monday – Friday, March 14-18

Students Return to School Monday, March 21

End of 3rd Grading Period Friday, March 25

Non-Student Day Friday, April 1

Memorial Day Holiday/Schools and District Offices Closed Monday, May 30

Last Day of School/End of 4th Grading Period (End of 2nd Semester)

- early release at 12:25 Friday, June 10

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Calendario del Año Escolar 2015 - 2016 del Estudiante A continuación se muestra el calendario académico de los estudiantes para el año escolar actual. Por favor, guarde una copia para futuras referencias. Este calendario está disponible en la página web del distrito escolar en www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/calendar/.

Temprano liberar todos los lunes a las 1:55pm

Primer día de clases Martes, 25 de Agosto

Día del Trabajo – Feriado /Escuelas y oficinas del distrito cerradas Lunes, 07 de Septiembre

Fin del primer período de calificaciones Viernes, 23 de Octubre

Día libre para los estudiantes Lunes, 26 de Octubre

Día del Veterano - Feriado /Día libre para los estudiantes Lunes, 11 de Noviembre

Vacaciones de otoño /Escuelas y oficinas del distrito cerradas Lunes a Viernes,

23 al 27 de Noviembre

Los estudiantes regresan a la escuela Lunes, 30 de Noviembre

Vacaciones de invierno /Escuelas y oficinas del distrito cerradas Lunes a Viernes,

21 de Diciembre al 1 de Enero

Los estudiantes regresan a la escuela Lunes, 04 de Enero

Fin del segundo período de calificaciones (Fin del primer semestre) Viernes, 15 de Enero

Martin Luther King, Jr. –Feriado/Escuelas y oficinas del distrito cerradas Lunes,18 de Enero

Día libre para los estudiantes Martes, 19 de Enero

Día de la Feria Estatal de Florida /Día libre para los estudiantes del Oeste

del Condado de Hillsborough Viernes, 05 de Febrero

Festival de la Fresa /Día libre para los estudiantes del Este del Condado

de Hillsborough Lunes, 07 de Marzo

Vacaciones de primavera /Escuelas y oficinas del distrito cerradas Lunes a Viernes,

14 al 18 de Marzo

Los estudiantes regresan a la escuela Lunes, 21 de Marzo

Fin del tercer período de calificaciones Viernes, 25 de Marzo

Día libre para los estudiantes Viernes, 01 de Abril

Día de Conmemoración de los Caídos – Feriado /Escuelas y oficinas del

distrito cerradas Lunes, 30 de Mayo

Último día de clases /Fin del cuarto período de calificaciones (Fin del se-

gundo semestre) Libertad anticipada a las 12:25pm. Viernes, 10 de Junio

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GAITHER

COWBOYS

WINTER SPORTS SCHEDULE 2015-2016

VARSITY GIRLS SOCCER

DATE OPPONENT LOCATION TIME (pm)

10/28/15 PLANT CITY PLANT CITY 8:00

11/05/15 FREEDOM GAITHER 8:00

11/10/15 KING GAITHER 8:00

11/12/15 ARMWOOD ARMWOOD 8:00

11/18/15 TAMPA BAY TECH GAITHER 8:00

11/20/15 LETO LETO 8:00

12/01/15 JEFFERSON GAITHER 6:00

12/04/15 LENNARD LENNARD 6:00

12/08/15 BRANDON BRANDON 6:00

12/11/15 SPOTO SPOTO 6:00

12/16/15 BLOOMINGDALE BLOOMINGDALE 6:00

01/06/16 STEINBRENNER STEINBRENNER 6:00

01/08/16 BLOOMINGDALE BLOOMINGDALE 6:00

01/15/16 PLANT CITY PLANT CITY 6:00

DATE OPPONENT LOCATION TIME(pm)

11/05/15 FREEDOM GAITHER 6:00

11/10/15 KING KING 6:00

11/12/15 ARMWOOD ARMWOOD 6:00

11/18/15 TAMPA BAY TECH GAITHER 6:00

11/20/15 LETO LETO 6:00

12/01/15 JEFFERSON GAITHER 8:00

12/04/15 LENNARD LENNARD 8:00

12/08/15 BRANDON BRANDON 8:00

12/11/15 SPOTO SPOTO 8:00

12/16/15 BLOOMINGDALE BLOOMINGDALE 8:00

01/06/16 STEINBRENNER STEINBRENNER 8:00

01/08/16 BLOOMINGDALE BLOOMINGDALE 8:00

01/15/16 PLANT CITY PLANT CITY 8:00

VARSITY BOYS SOCCER

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DATE OPPONENT LOCATION TIME (pm)

12/03/15 WHARTON GAITHER 7:00

01/06/16 ALONSO GAITHER 7:00

01/09/16 BLOOMINGDALE BLOOMINGDALE 7:00

01/22/16 ROBINSON ROBINSON 3:30

01/23/16 ROBINSON ROBINSON 10:00 A.M.

02/12/16 WHARTON WHARTON 3:30

02/13/16 WHARTON WHARTON 10:00 A.M.

DATE OPPONENT LOCATION GIRL’S GAME

TIME (pm) BOY’S GAME

TIME (pm)

11/10/15 BRANDON GAITHER 6:00 8:00

11/13/15 HILLSBOROUGH GAITHER 6:00 8:00

11/16/15 CHAMBERLAIN CHAMBERLAIN 6:00 8:00

11/18/15 PLANT HIGH GAITHER 6:00 8:00

11/20/15 STEINBRENNER GAITHER 6:00 8:00

12/02/15 WIREGRASS WIREGRASS 6:00 8:00

12/04/15 FREEDOM FREEDOM 6:00 8:00

12/07/15 LETO GAITHER 6:00 8:00

12/09/15 SICKLES GAITHER 6:00 8:00

12/11/15 WHARTON WHARTON 6:00 8:00

12/15/15 PLANT HIGH PLANT HIGH 6:00 8:00

12/16/15 STEINBRENNER STEINBRENNER 8:00 6:00

12/18/15 WIREGRASS GAITHER 8:00 6:00

01/05/16 FREEDOM GAITHER 8:00 6:00

01/06/16 LETO LETO 8:00 6:00

01/08/16 SICKLES SICKLES 8:00 6:00

01/15/16 WHARTON GAITHER 8:00 6:00

BASKETBALL

VARSITY WRESTLING

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GHS ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB (ABC)

Volunteer & Membership Application

There are many benefits to you and your athlete when you volunteer and join GHS Athletic Booster

Club. We assist the school by hosting athletic events and visitor welcoming activities such as event parking &

concessions for many of the activities. ABC raises funds to supplement your students' team facilities and

equipment as well as enable coaches to attend coach's clinics. Lastly, we provide three sports award banquets

and 4 college scholarships to GHSABC members' student athletes (2 girls/ 2 boys) annually. We need your

active involvement to make Gaither High School a fulfilling experience for you and your student athlete.

Name: _____________________________ Occupation/Special Talents: _____________________________

Name: _____________________________ Occupation/Special Talents: _____________________________

Email: _______________________________________ _______________________________________

Address: ___________________________ Phone: ______________________________________________

City/State/Zip: ____________________________________________________________________________

Athlete’s Name: __________________________ Grade: _____ Sport(s): ___________________________

Athlete’s Name: __________________________ Grade: _____ Sport(s): ___________________________

Member’s Signature: _______________________________________________________________________

Let us know what your interests are in helping with the following

Family Membership (for 2) $40

Single Membership $20

Grandparent Membership $20

Posse Membership $150

(Posse membership includes two Hillsborough County Passes, family membership & free parking at home football games)

Only members of the Athletic Booster Club are eligible to purchase an annual pass for admission into any regular season athletic event in Hillsborough County. These (county-wide) passes are non-transferable.

One county-wide admission pass Two county-wide admission passes (both members) $50 $100

Thank you for this first step in supporting Gaither High School athletics.

Please return this form to your Booster Club liaison, or

Make checks payable to: G.H.S.A.B.C. mail to: P.O. Box 340554, Tampa, FL 33694-05544

Any questions contact [email protected]

Rev 8/2015

Athletic Scholarships Athletic Events ABC Committee Member

Welcoming & Concessions Membership Coordination Parking & Logistics

Sports Program Ads Fund Raising Other___________________

Sports Award Banquets Athletic Team ABC Liaison _______________________

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What You Should Know About Senior High Athletic Eligibility Academic Requirements If you are in the 11th grade or 12th grade, you must have a cumulative 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 unweighted scale in all courses taken through the end of the previous semester. If you are in the ninth grade or 10th grade, you must have a cumulative 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 unweighted scale in all courses taken through the end of the previous semester; OR you must have earned a 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 unweighted scale in the courses taken in the previous semester alone, provided you sign an academic performance contract (FHSAA form EL5) with your school and attend summer school as necessary. (Article 9.4, FHSAA Handbook, Bylaws and Policies) Ninth Grader Eligibility A student shall be eligible during the first semester of his/her ninth-grade year provided that it is the student’s first entry into the ninth grade and he/she was regularly promoted from the eighth grade the immediate preceding year. Residence A student will be eligible at the first school in which he/she enrolls, or participates in an athletic practice, at the beginning of each school year. The student will be eligible in his/her first school of choice each year as long as the student remains enrolled in that school. (Florida Law 97-53) Additionally, home school students who are registered through Hillsborough County Public Schools and charter school students who are enrolled in a Hillsborough County registered charter school are eligible for athletic participation at their school of residence. Transfers If you transfer during the school year from one school to another, you must transfer from your previous school before the first day of practice and secure an “Application for Waiver of the Transfer Rule” (FHSAA form GA4) signed by the principal of both your previous school and your new school. If you transfer on or after the first day of practice in a sport you cannot participate in that sport. If you transfer from a school at which you were ineligible because of disciplinary action or unsatisfactory conduct, you will be ineligible at your new school for one full semester. If you participate on a non-school team [i.e. AAU, American Legion, club settings, etc.] that is affiliated with a school other than the one you attend, or have attended, and then transfer to that school, it will be assumed you have been recruited to attend that school and you will be ineligible there for one year. If you transfer to a school that your head coach or assistant

coach [paid or volunteer] has relocated to within the past year, it will be assumed you transferred to that school for athletic reasons and you will be ineligible there for one year. If you transfer to a school as a result of undue influence exerted by or special inducement offered by anyone associated with the school in an attempt to encourage you to attend the school for the purpose of participating in its athletic programs, you will be ineligible at that school for the remainder of your high school career and at all other FHSAA member schools for one year. (Article 9.3, FHSAA Handbook, Bylaws and Policies) Age A student will be eligible until the day he/she reaches the age of 19 years 9 months. On that day, the student will become ineligible. (Article 9.6, FHSAA Handbook, Bylaws and Policies) Limit of Eligibility A student shall be eligible for no more than four (4) consecutive academic years upon first entrance to ninth grade as defined by the pupil progression plan of the school in which the student is enrolled. Four years from the date he or she first successfully completes the eighth grade, he or she shall become ineligible for further interscholastic athletic competition. A student who does not attend school, repeats any grade, is declared ineligible to participate, or otherwise fails to exercise the opportunity to participate for any reason for any length of time during this four-year period shall not be entitled to any additional period of eligibility. Original school records shall be submitted to the Commissioner in the event of conflicting information as to the date of first successful completion of the eighth grade. (Article 9.5, FHSAA Handbook, Bylaws and Policies) Eligibility Appeals and Request for Due Process When a student is determined to be ineligible by a member school principal and/or is ruled ineligible by the commissioner based upon any provision of these bylaws, the member school principal may appeal the ruling of the commissioner if he/she or the student takes issue with it; or, in individual cases, the member school principal may file a request for undue hardship waiver on behalf of the student when, in his/her opinion, enforcement of the provision(s) which render(s) the student ineligible would work an undue hardship upon the student. The principal is required to file either at the student’s request. For additional information consult Article 10.4 FHSAA Handbook, Bylaws and Policies

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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Eligibility Requirements for Extracurricular Participation 2015-16

Academic Performance Contract for Athletic Eligibility found at http://www.fhsaa.org/forms/

Eligibility Period Grade Eligibility Requirements

First semester 2015-16

Students first entering the ninth grade in 2015-16

Must be regularly promoted from the 8th grade to the 9th grade.

Students entering 10th grade

Must have a cumulative 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 unweighted scale in all courses taken through the end of the previous semester; OR must have earned a 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 unweighted scale in the courses taken in the previous semester alone, provided he or she signed an academic performance contract with his or her school and attended summer school as necessary.

Students entering 11th and 12th grades

Must have a cumulative 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 unweighted scale in all courses taken through the end of the previous semester

Second semester 2015-16

9th and 10th grade

Must have a cumulative 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 unweighted scale in all courses taken through the end of the previous semester; OR must have earned a 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 unweighted scale in the courses taken in the previous semester alone, provided he or she signed an academic performance contract with his or her school and attended summer school as necessary.

11th and 12th grades

Must have a cumulative 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 unweighted scale in all courses taken through the end of the previous semester

A student shall be eligible for no more than four (4) consecutive academic years upon first successful com-pletion of the eighth (8th) grade as defined by the pupil progression plan of the school in which the student is enrolled. Four years from the date he or she first successfully completes the eighth grade, he or she shall be-come ineligible for further interscholastic athletic competition. A student who does not attend school, repeats any grade, is declared ineligible to participate, or otherwise fails to exercise the opportunity to participate for any reason for any length of time during this four-year period shall not be entitled to any additional period of eligibility. Original school records shall be submitted to the Commissioner in the event of conflicting infor-mation as to the date of first successful completion of the eighth grade. (Article 9.5 FHSAA Handbook, By-laws and Policies)

Note 1: A grading period is defined as one semester. A semester is defined as one half of a school year (approximately 18 school weeks or 90 school days). This definition is applicable to all schools regardless of the type of class scheduling format used (i.e. block, traditional, etc.)

25

Gaither High School Athletic Mission Statement: The Gaither High School’s Athletic Program mission is to engage the mind, elevate the spirit, and stimulate the best effort of all who are associated with the Athletic Program. Gaither’s mission defines expectations both on the field and off. In the name of excellence, Gaither aims for a level of athletic performance that will frequently produce win-ning seasons and the realistic opportunity to compete for team or individual championships. Our mission also requires that Gaither athletes be students first, that they be admitted with careful attention to their academic record and motiva-tion, that they benefit from Gaither’s educational programs and make satisfactory progress toward a diploma, and that their attrition and graduation rates be comparable to those of other students. Objectives:

To give Gaither student body a variety of opportunities to experience the benefits of participation in athletics and to be meaningfully engaged after school hours.

To ensure that student athletes are exposed to positive role models in both coaches and teammates. To maintain a consistency of effort and expectation throughout the entire athletic program. To develop life skills in student athletes including self-discipline, work ethic, motivation, leadership, time manage-

ment, sportsmanship, responsibility, self-esteem and an understanding of the relationship between individual effort and team success..

To enhance the possibilities of student athletes to go on to post secondary education. To contribute positively to school spirit and community pride. Beliefs We believe students are our highest priority.

We believe athletic participation is a privilege not a “right.”

We believe the dignity, worth, and respect of participants should be paramount in all athletic activities.

We believe that great character, personal integrity, and the GHS value system will produce excellence both aca-demically and athletically.

We believe the most important result of competition is the development of “life-long” values and skills.

We believe the athletic program is an integral part of the high school experience.

We believe high school athletics should be fun and rewarding.

We believe athletic programs are most beneficial when they are competitive.

We believe winning is an attitude resulting from loyal preparation, concentrated effort and a deep commitment to excel.

We believe well-designed athletic programs promote community and school pride.

We believe morale, satisfaction, and performance are enhanced when athletes work together as a team.

We believe it is important to participate/volunteer in worthy projects that will help bolster the unity between GHS athletics and its’ community.

We believe well qualified coaches and program administrators are important components in a successful athletic program.

We believe positive parent support and involvement enhance student growth and program quality.

We believe that acting as “ONE” will ultimately allow us to best possible chance to succeed as parents, coaches, administrators, and student-athletes.

Core Values Great “Sportsmanship” should be evident under all circumstance.

“Integrity” is paramount within all decisions made.

“Respect” of authority, time, commitments made, and the game are vital.

“Character” must be seen…not heard.

“ONE”…Mission, Belief System, Set of Standards, Community, and Team.

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Sports Insurance Application

NCAA Eligibility

34

Gaither PTSA Senior Award Application

Directions: Please fill out this application and turn it into the PTSA mailbox in the office by February 19, 2016.

Name: _____________________________ Homeroom:____________ 1st Period ______________

List PTSA programs/events that you have participated in or led. Include the year(s) in which you participated.

Explain why you feel you are the best applicant to be chosen for the Gaither PTSA Senior Award.

35

Membership # _________________ 16200 North Dale Mabry Hwy.

Tampa, FL 33618 (813) 975-7340

2015-2016 MEMBERSHIP FORM

PTSA is an organization of parents, teachers, students, administrators and community members who work to help shape and enhance the education, learning environment, and experiences of our children. Research shows that when parents are involved, students have increased motivation, higher self-esteem and better school attendance, which leads to higher grades and better test scores.

By joining PTSA you are not obligating yourself to take an active role, but you are helping to support PTSA's goals and objectives. As an individual or family member, you positively impact the Gaither com-munity and your child’s academic growth. Your membership dollars and donations help fund the pro-grams at Gaither.

Our PTSA sponsors many programs each year that benefit all students. Some of these are: Star Revue Talent Show, Cowboy Express Academic Incentive Program, Senior Achievement Awards, Student & Faculty Dodge-ball Tournament, Splash Bash (an alcohol-free grad party at Adventure Island), and Senior Scholarships. ***Seniors must join PTSA by December 31

st in order to be eligible for PTA and/or PTSA scholarships.***

Please make your check payable to: GHS PTSA. You may drop it off at the Main Office or mail it to: Gaither High School, 16200 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa, FL 33618. If you have any questions, please call (813) 975-7340, ext. 330 or email [email protected].

**Preferred Locker Selection is first choice after Seniors on September 2; student must pay $2 rental fee and be debt-free.

Total Amount Enclosed: $____________ Cash ____ Check ____

Membership Information:

Student: ______________________________________ Grade: ______ 2nd Per. Teacher: ____________________

Student: ______________________________________ Grade: ______ 2nd Per. Teacher: ____________________

Parent: _____________________________________________ Email: ____________________________________

Parent: _____________________________________________ Email: ____________________________________

Grandparent: ________________________________________ Email: ____________________________________

Grandparent: ________________________________________ Email: ____________________________________

Faculty Member: _____________________________________ Email: ____________________________________

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE GAITHER HIGH SCHOOL PTSA!

_____ $10 Individual PTSA Membership

_____ $35 Family PTSA Membership (up to four people)

_____ $50 Cowboy Sponsor includes Family PTSA Membership PLUS you choose one of the following: (circle one choice)**Preferred Locker Selection OR $10 towards PTSA Spirit Wear

_____ $100 Silver Spur Sponsor includes Family PTSA Membership PLUS **Preferred Locker Selection, 10 “Cut the Lunch Line” passes AND $20 towards PTSA Spirit Wear

_____ ________ Additional Donation (enter amount in the space to the left)

PTSA – Office Use Only AMOUNT ________________ RECEIVED BY_______________

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Gaither High School PTSA 2015-2016 Volunteer Information

Active, involved PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS, and STUDENTS have always been an important part of the Gaither High School community. Please consider volunteering this school year. Your participation helps Gaither maintain its high standard of excellence. Please return this form ASAP. Several committees need volunteers beginning in late August. Thank you!

Parent(s): __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _

Student: _______________________________________________________________________ Grade:

Student: _______________________________________________________________________ Grade:

Address: _______________________________________________________________ City: Zip:

Home Phone: ___________________________________________________________________ Work/Cell: _

Email:

Place an “X” by areas of interest and return this form to the Main Office. Our VP/Volunteers will follow up with additional information and/or forward your information to the appropriate committee chair. Newsletter: Prepare monthly newsletter using Publisher or In Design.

Talent Show: Assist talent show chairperson by selling tickets during lunch and the night of the performance, assist with the set, sound/lighting, backstage at dress rehearsal and/or at the performance. Event held annually in February.

Hospitality: Assist by baking and/or set up, serving and clean-up for teacher’s welcome back breakfast, grandparent’s breakfast and conference night teacher dinners.

Fundraising: Sell spirit items during lunch periods on Fridays and Homecoming Week.

Membership: Assist in signing up PTSA members at Open House and at other school wide events; assist with distribution of monthly membership incentives for students.

Teacher Appreciation: Assist by soliciting gifts, baking, setup and/or serve at annual luncheon held in May.

Cowboy Express: Assist with the school’s academic incentive program by processing applications. Applications are processed twice a year, in November and February.

Main Office: Assist with answering phones and greeting visitors.

Media Center: Assist with clerical duties, book shelving, etc. on a weekly basis.

Student IDs: Assist by using school equipment to take photos and make ID cards. The majority of these are done in August, but help is also needed one day per week to create IDs for new students.

Legislation and Advocacy: Communicate important state/local government issues to our school.

Splash Bash (Project Graduation Committee): Assist chairperson by meeting monthly beginning in late fall to plan this event. It is Gaither’s all night, safe, alcohol-free, supervised graduation party held at Adventure Island. An average of 500 students attend every year.

Splash Bash Volunteer: Assist the committee by doing any or all of the following: sell tickets in May; verify permission forms; gather and/or solicit prizes and food donations; chaperone the night of the event. Parents of students in all grades traditionally participate because senior parents are very busy on graduation night.

Annual Student/Faculty Dodgeball Tournament: Assist with the planning and set up of this fun event held each spring that unites students, parents and faculty.

Great American Teach In: An event held in the fall that gives parents the rewarding opportunity to share their careers with the students.

Locker and Parking Decal Sales: Assist by selling lockers and/or parking decals to students during lunch hours in August./September. Also, assist with once a week sales of parking decals for the duration of the school year.

Copy Help: Assist staff and faculty by copying class work and other school documents one to three hours one day per week.

Senior Achievement Banquet: Assist with planning, decorating and/or serving at this annual event to honor our outstanding seniors. Over 500 people attend each year and parents of students in all grades are needed.

Reflections: Assist chairperson by encouraging participation, preparing entries for competition and honoring participants and winners of this arts program sponsored by the National PTA.

Awards Committee: Assist chairperson in writing and submitting award applications for the annual PTA/PTSA awards program.

Scholarship Committee: Assist with promoting the PTSA scholarship program and serving on the selection committee.

Partners in Education: Liaison with area businesses to benefit Gaither High School students.

Spirit Nights Committee: Help organize and promote monthly “Spirit Nights” at area restaurants.

Dad’s Club: Let’s face it. Dad’s make a difference! Please consider being a part of this special group of volunteers.

General: Assist as needed; willing to be contacted on an “as needed” basis for any volunteer needs that arise.

If you have any questions regarding any of these volunteer opportunities, please contact the Gaither PTSA Mailbox at (813) 975-7340, ext. 330.

Thank you for your continued support of our school and the PTSA!

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A Message from Our Award-Winning Silver Star Yearbook

Yearbooks will be on sale every Wednesday in the cafeteria during all lunches until December 16. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own a piece of high school memories. The price is still $75. Some books may be available at delivery for $80, but cannot guaranteed. Books can also be ordered online at Balfour.com. Ad space is still available. If Seniors purchase a full-page ad and a book you will receive a $20 discount on your ad. Ad forms for Seniors & Businesses are included on the following pages. The deadline for reserving your space is December 16. Don't be left out.

Yearbook Order Form Completed order forms and payment may be dropped off in the Main Office. Only checks or money orders will

be accepted! NO CASH! Make checks payable to Gaither High School. The final deadline to purchase a year-

book is Wednesday, December 16, 2015. Books are NOT guaranteed for sale at delivery time.

Pricing Options:

Customer Information: Student’s Name: ___________________________________________________________________________

Student ID: ______________________________________ Grade: ___________

English Teacher (or 1st Period if none): _______________________________________ Date: ___________

Parent’s Name: _______________________________________ Phone Number: ( )_________________

Amount: $______________

Senior Sendoff Message Say goodbye to the Senior class of 2016 in a way that will be cherished forever. A new addition to the Silver Star Yearbook, YOU can now write them a farewell message for only $5 cash. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity!

$5 Cash Faculty Member’s Name: __________________________________________________________________ Message: _______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________

Faculty Member Signature: ______________________________ Date: ___________________

Sale Period Price of Yearbook

November - December $75

May (Delivery Time - limited quantities) $80

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Gaither Silver Star Yearbook Business/Club/Sport Advertisement Order Form

Important Information: 1. Ad content will be accepted through Wednesday, December 16, 2015. Payment is due with agreement of

purchasing an ad in order to reserve your ad space. 2. All information that is to appear in your ad should be included or attached to this form. 3. Photos must be submitted on a CD, flash drive, or photo paper. Copy to appear on ads should be typed or

submitted on a CD or flash drive. 4. WE CAN ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING: CAMERA READY ADS SUBMITTED ON A FLASH

DRIVE, CD, OR BY THE INTERNET. HOWEVER, WE CANNOT ACCEPT FULL-BODY BIKINI PICTURES (HEAD AND SHOULDERS ONLY PLEASE).

Only checks or money orders will be accepted. Make checks payable to Gaither High School. On the

memo line, please write Community Ad followed by the business, club, or sport’s name.

Pricing Options:

Page color or background: __________________________ _______________________________________ Preferred Name Font Style: ____________ Preferred Message Font Style: ______________________ Customer Information: Business Name: __________________________ _______________________________________________ (Club/Sport)

Manager/Owner’s Name: __________________________ _______________________________________ (Sponsor/Coach)

Business Address: __________________________ _____________________________________________ City: ________________________ State: __ Zip Code: ___________ Phone Number: ( )_______________Email address: __________________________ _______________ Customer Signature: _____________________________ Date: __________________ Staff Member Signature: __________________________ Date: __________________

If you have any questions or special requests for your Ad please call the Yearbook office at 813-975-7340 ext. 253 or email our advisor at [email protected].

Please Check One

Type of Advertisement Price Compared

to other

schools

Maximum Number of

Pictures

Number of Pictures

Submitted

Full page ad $250 $300 15

Half page ad $150 $185 6

Quarter page ad $80 $125 3

Eighth page ad (business card size) $35 $75 1

39

Gaither Silver Star Yearbook Senior Advertisement Order Form

Important Information: 1. Ads will be accepted through Wednesday, December 16, 2015 in order to reserve ad space. 2. Photos must be submitted on a CD, flash drive, or photo paper. Copy to appear on ads should be typed or

submitted on a CD or flash drive. If you submit photos and/or copy not on a CD or flash drive, please be sure to write your student’s name on the back of each photograph as well as on the back of the copy.

3. DUE TO PUBLISHING RESTRICTIONS, WE CANNOT ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING: CAMERA READY ADS SUBMITTED ON A FLASH DRIVE, CD, OR THROUGH THE INTERNET. WE ALSO CANNOT ACCEPT FULL-BODY BIKINI PICTURES (HEAD AND SHOULDERS ONLY PLEASE).

4. Place this advertisement order form as well as materials in an envelope in the Senior Ad box in the main office by the deadline.

Only checks or money orders will be accepted. Make checks payable to Gaither High School. On the memo line, please write Senior Ad followed by the student’s name(s). You can now order your ad via Balfour.com.

Pricing Options:

Page color or background: __________________________ _______________________________________ Preferred Name Font Style: ___________________ Preferred Message Font Style: ____________________ Would you like us to keep this ad a secret from your student? (Please circle one) YES NO Customer Information: Student Name(s): __________________________ ______________________________________________ English Teacher: ________________________ Parent Name: ________________________________ (or 1st Period if none)

Parent Phone Number: ( )_______________ Parent Email Address: __________________________ Parent Signature: _____________________________ Date: __________________

If you have any questions or special requests for your Ad please call the Yearbook office at 813-975-7340 ext. 253 or email our advisor at [email protected].

Please Check One

Type of Advertisement Price Compared

to other

schools

Maximum Number of

Pictures

Number of Pictures

Submitted

Full page ad $250 $300 15

Half page ad $150 $185 6

Quarter page ad $80 $125 3

Eighth page ad (business card size) $35 $75 1

Gaither High School

16200 N. Dale Mabry Hwy.

Tampa, FL 33618

Theatre: The Good Body, 7pm ............... December 03-04, 2015 Band/Guitar/Orchestra Winter Concert ....... December 07, 2015 Chorus Winter Concert ................................ December 17, 2015 PTSA Student Member Incentive ................ December 18, 2015 Winter Break/Schools and District Offices Closed ......................... ......................................... December 21, 2015-January 01, 2016 Study week for Semester 1 exams .............. January 04-08, 2016 PTSA General Meeting .................................... January 05, 2016 Deadline for Education Foundation Scholarships ....................... .......................................................................... January 10, 2016 Semester 1 exams ........................................ January 12-15, 2016 MLK Holiday./Schools and District Offices Closed .................. .......................................................................... January 18, 2016 Non-student Day ............................................. January 19, 2016 Middle School Parent Night ............................. January 21, 2016

End Grading Periods

January 15, 2016

March 25, 2016

June 10, 2016

County School Board Susan L. Valdes, Chair Doretha W. Edgecomb, Vice Chair April Griffin Sally A. Harris Carol W. Kurdell Melissa Snively Cindy Stuart Superintendent of Schools Jeff Eakins Chief of Schools Larry Sykes, Ed. D. Area Superintendent Area 3 Brenda Grasso Principal Thomas Morrill

www.sdhc.k12.fl.us

Dates to Remember

Report Card Distribution

February 10, 2015

April 15, 2015

Last one mailed home

Gaither Roundup A Publication of Gaither High

School and Gaither PTSA