AUGUST 2016 BLOOMINGDALE HIGH SCHOOL BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE WELCOME BACK, BULLS SCHOOL BEGINS AUGUST 10 Follow us @BloomingdaleSHS GET READY IN THIS ISSUE Prinicipal s Message Communication Curriculum Corner Student Affairs Calendar Clubs 2 3 4 5 6 8 Athletics Parent Involvement Student Involvement 10 11 12
A MESSAGE FROM MS. BURKETT PRINCIPAL S CORNER ADMINISTRATION Dear Bulls, I am so excited to welcome you back (or to) Bloomingdale for a new school year! Whether you are a new student to the high school experience or a returning upperclassman, we have prepared to make this school year a successful and memorable one for you. I hope you have enjoyed your summer and are ready to get another year of school underway! The first day for students this year will be Wednesday, August 10. Students will begin by reporting to homeroom to get their class schedule for the first semester. Each student will have seven classes and one class that is a 50 minute lunch period. Our school hours are the same as last year - they will be 7:33 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. I know that many students are excited about getting their schedules to see what classes they have before school actually starts. Schedules will only be available at our Open House times on Monday August 8. We will invite both our freshman and new students to join us for a student centered pep rally run by our Student Government in the gym, while we have a parent information meeting simultaneously in the auditorium from 5:00-5:30 with the opportunity to walk schedules and meet teachers from 5:30-7:00. From 7:00-8:30, we will invite all returning Bulls back to pick up schedules and meet teachers. Clubs and athletic programs will be set up in the cafeteria for a meet and greet, as well! Refer to the Curriculum Corner in this newsletter if you have any questions about your student s schedule. We are very excited about working with each student to make his/her high school experience successful and prepare them for the next step once they leave us. I encourage every parent to remain involved in your student s education. Please read the enclosed information carefully; it will help you plan for the start of the school year. If you have questions or concerns at any time of the year, please feel free to call me or my staff at 744-8018. The entire staff of Bloomingdale High School looks forward to working with you to make this a great year. Remember to follow us @ BloomingdaleSHS! Sue Burkett, Principal Donny Peek Assistant Principal of Administration Katie Rocha Assistant Principal of Curriculum Brian Williams Assistant Principal of Student Affairs Cheryl Rodriguez Assistant Principal of Student Affairs 2 Thomas Snyder Assistant Principal of Student Affairs
GET A HEAD START OPEN HOUSE Freshman & New Student Orientation August 8, 5-5:30 p.m. Meet in the auditorium with the administration and Student Government to learn about the procedures and policies of Bloomingdale, and how to become a Bull. Open House for Freshmen August 8, 5:30-7 p.m. Get your schedule, walk the campus and meet your teachers. Open House for Upperclassmen August 8, 7-8:30 p.m. Get your schedule and pick up syllabi for your classes. Open House Clubs, Sports & Activities Fair in Cafeteria August 8 5-8:30 p.m. Purchase yearbooks & PE uniforms, meet club officers & coaches and join the Academic Foundation, PTSA & the athletic booster club. First Day of School August 10, 7:33 a.m. Homeroom first schedule to pick up official schedules NEW COMMUNICATION METHODS CONNECT TO US Bloomingdale has launched a mobile app for iphone and Android devices to communicate with parents and students. With the new app, users can quickly read all of the school s news updates in one convenient location. Student media outlet WBUL has feeds of content, as well as Twitter updates from the school and student government. Fall athletic schedules and scores are listed, along with the latest email Bulletin. Students can use Edsby to check grades in the app, and access the campus map and other files. The school lunch menu, a school calendar and contacts are easily accessible, including a button to call the school in one click. Bloomingdale High School is the first and only high school in Hillsborough County Public Schools with its own school app. The app is available for download now: iphone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bloomingdale-high-school/id897597580?mt=8 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ima.fantastic.bloomingdalehighschool DROP OFF & PICK UP Parent drop off & pick up is located in the front and east side of the school. Student safety is a major priority at Bloomingdale High School and we ask that you strictly adhere to the student drop off & pick up policy. Look for your weekly Bulletin e-mail every Sunday night! BUS INFO The District will release bus routes later this summer. You will be able to find them here: http://www. sdhc.k12.fl.us/doc/445/ busroutes AUGUST 2016 GET CONNECTED Follow us on Twitter for school updates: @BloomingdaleSHS Offical school twitter @BloomingdaleYBK Yearbook updates @WBUL Videos & lunch menu @BloomingdaleSGA Student Government @BdaleGuidance Guidance Information @BdaleAthleticBC Sports Updates @HillsboroughSch District Updates
MEDIA CENTER INFORMATION STUDENT ID CARDS All students at Bloomingdale High School are required to have a school photo ID card. The card is valid for the student s entire tenure at Bloomingdale; new cards are not issued annually. The first ID is free; each replacement card is $5 Replacement cards are made in the Media Center. ID cards are required when checking out materials or using computers in the Media Center. Identification cards are also required to buy yearbooks, homecoming and prom tickets, Grad Bash tickets, as well as other senior and school-wide functions. Students may also get discounts at local movie theaters with a Bloomingdale photo ID. All incoming freshmen will have their ID photos taken the first few weeks of school during the Media Center Orientation process. The Media Center Orientation will also include important information about services and procedures students need to know to best utilize the Media Center s extensive resources. We look forward to working with your children in the coming school year. SCHEDULE CHANGES CURRICULUM CORNER Core academic class placement is based upon standardized test scores, previous academic performance, and district and state graduation guidelines. Due to the class size amendment and our current student enrollment, schedule change requests will be limited to only errors in a student schedule (i.e., previously received credit for a class or a duplication of a class within the school day). Guidance counselors will be available for students in the cafeteria during all three lunches to review all other schedule requests. 4 BRIGHT FUTURES AWAIT GUIDANCE INFO GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT Counselors: Romina McEachern (A-C) Benita Holmes (D-H) Nicole Usher (I-Mc) Mandy Raschke (Me-R) Jennifer Young (S-Z & ACCESS) Joseph Martino (College & Career) For more Bright Futures information visit: http://www. floridastudentfinancialaid.org/ SSFAD/home/uamain.htm Bright Futures Information All three scholarship levels require community service: Florida Academic Scholars 100 hours Florida Medallion Scholars 75 hours Gold Seal Vocational Scholars 30 hours Community Service Applications can be picked up in the Guidance Office. Twitter @bdaleguidance www.bloomingdaleguidance.org
LOCKER INFO Locker Rental & hangtags will be available for purchase in the Student Affairs Office SENIORS ONLY August 2, 9-11 a.m. SOPHOMORES, JUNIORS, & SENIORS August 3-5, 9-11 a.m. Freshmen may not purchase parking hangtags. Freshmen locker rental will be during homeroom the first two days of school. Lockers will also be sold during all three lunches during the week except for Fridays. STUDENT AFFAIRS ATTENDANCE ATTENDANCE Good attendance is a necessary element to successful learning. If a student is absent, a parent or guardian must call the attendance line on the day of the absence. All excused absences require proper documentation. Additionally, please refer to the student handbook regarding grade deduction for unexcused absences. Attendance Line: 744 8018 ext. 1 TARDY POLICY All students are required to attend all scheduled classes and other assigned school activities on time. An unexcused tardy exists when a student is not in his/her assigned seat or station when the tardy bell rings. Students found in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action. Tardies will be cumulative by class nine weeks. SIGN-IN/OUT PROCEDURES Any student reporting to school after 7:45 a.m. must report to Student Affairs immediately and receive a sign-in pass. Only students accompanied by either a parent/guardian (with an acceptable excuse as indicated in the student handbook) or a doctor s note will be considered excused. All students must sign out in the Office of Student Affairs prior to leaving campus during the school day. An emergency card must be on file in order to Cost is $2 No sharing lockers Keep your locker locked at all times Locker problems will be handled in Student Affairs sign-out a student. A photo I.D. is required. NO sign-outs after 2:00 p.m. Tues-Fri and after 1:00 p.m. on Mondays. Additionally, excessive unexcused sign-ins and sign-outs may result in disciplinary action. EMERGENCY CARDS An emergency information card will be sent home with each student on the first day of school. It is imperative that a parent or guardian fill out all sections of the card, including emergency contact information, doctor and hospital preferences, correct mailing address and phone number. This card will be filed and stored electronically in order for the school to be able to get in touch with parents and family members should the need arise. In addition, if any information on the card changes throughout the school year, the person who signed the current emegency card must come into the Student Affairs Office so that the card can be updated. Current electric bill and valid driver s license with matching address are required to verify changes and please do not use long distance numbers. Emergency Cards are a vital link between the school and home so please fill yours out promptly and thoroughly. All cards must be returned to school by August 12. SUSANA ESPOSITO LPN NURSE S CORNER It is recognized that medications may be essential for some students. All medication, both prescription and non-prescription, must be administered according to strict guidelines. Medication must be reviewed by the School Nurse. Written parental authorization is needed for all forms of medication. Prescription drugs must be in the original container. Over the counter medication must be accompanied by a doctor s order. We do encourage all asthmatic students to carry an inhaler and keep a back up inhaler in the clinic. Medication guidelines and permission forms may be obtained in the school clinic. Doctor s orders are required for the use of crutches or wheelchairs in the school setting. The student is to provide his / her own crutches or wheelchair as the clinic does not provide these items. AUGUST 2016 PARKING BUY A HANGTAG All students who wish to park on campus must purchase a hangtag for $20. Students must provide valid driver s license, registration, and Bloomingdale student identification at time of purchase. Cars without hangtag will be subject to ticketing. SENIOR LOT The back parking lot, closest to the school building UNDERCLASSMAN LOT The back parking lot, closest to the athletic complex HONORS LOT Incoming seniors with a Grade Point Average (G.P.A.) of 3.5 or higher are eligible to purchase an honors lot hangtag. These tags are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis and are limited to 80 spaces. The honors lot is located on the east side of the building next to the faculty parking lot.
BAND INFORMATION RAJUN BULL MARCHING BAND The 2016-2017 Rajun Bull Band s preseason training schedule is as follows: July 26-30 9:00-5:00 Guard Camp Wednesday, July 27 1:00-9:00 Leadership in Band Room Thursday, July 28 1:00-9:00 Leadership in Band Room Saturday, July 30 8:00-4:00 New Members, Leadership, Guard, Drum Line at Bloomingdale Monday, August 1 3:00-9:00 FULL BAND/GUARD/DRUM LINE at Bloomingdale Tuesday, August 2 3:00-9:00 FULL BAND/GUARD/DRUM LINE at Bloomingdale Thursday, August 4 3:00-9:00 FULL BAND/GUARD/DRUM LINE at Bloomingdale Friday, August 5 3:00-7:00 FULL BAND/GUARD/DRUM LINE at Bloomingdale Friday, August 5 7:00 All Friends and family are invited for a sneak peek at the 2016-2017 Rajun Bull Band followed by an ice cream social! ATTENTION: If band is not on your schedule yet, DON T PANIC. Contact Mr. Sever immediately so we can correct your schedule. Email jon.sever@sdhc.k12.fl.us. CLUBS OFFERED GET INVOLVED IN CLUBS Club Listing from 2013-2014, subject to change based on student interest and teacher sponsorship Bloomingdale High School has over 2100 students and offers over 30 clubs throughout the year. The clubs consist of academic clubs, community service clubs, and interest clubs. Our clubs and organizations are active in the community and provide a great opportunity for students to get involved with school activities. Research continues to show that students that get involved with school activities perform better academically. We encourage all our students to get involved and join a club so they can make their mark on Bloomingdale High School. 6
BRING YOUR OWN ELECTRONIC DEVICES AUGUST 2016 Bloomingdale offers a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program that allows students to wirelessly access the Internet for limited educational purposes as directed by a teacher or administrator. Students granted access to the district s network/internet services from any device will be governed by Board Policy 7540.03, related administrative guidelines, and the Student Code of Conduct. For BYOD purposes, a device is any district-provided or personally-owned computer or electronic device including, but not limited to, phones, tablets, notebooks/laptops, wearable (e.g. Google Glass, smartwatches), ipods touches (or similar), and e-readers. With school or district staff approval, students may use their own devices at school to participate in instructional activities, access and save information from the Internet, collaborate with other learners, and utilize productivity tools and instructionally appropriate apps loaded on their devices. Because personal devices will not be able to access internal district resources such as file and print servers, documents created should be saved to removable media such as flash drives or to a cloud storage location. CONNECT GETTING ONLINE WI-FI Bloomingdale now has wireless access across campus. Use HCPS Guest for access. WEBSITES TO KNOW CONNECTED TO YOUR FUTURE MEDIA CENTER LAB Students can request a media center pass for their lunch. Computers are available to use. Staying connected to HCPS is easy when you know where to look. Let myspot lead the way. myspot, the (S)tudent (P)arent (O)nline (T)oolkit is a web based, central location for useful HCPS resources. Edbsy, mypaymentplus and the annual school calendar are just some of the links you ll find when connected to the myspot portal. If you are an Edsby user, your username and password will also log you in to myspot. If you do not have an account, registration is simple. Communication is the key to ensure a student s success and Edsby provides the perfect way to facilitate that communication. Edsby, the district s online gradebook, keeps parents engaged by connecting them to teachers, classroom assignments and grades. AT HOME You may be eligible for $9.95 broadband internet service and low-cost computers available to families on the National School Lunch Program (free & reduced lunch) through the Connect2Compete program. See www.everyoneon.org for more details.
ATHLETIC INFORMATION BULL PRIDE Bloomingdale s athletic programs continue to excel year in and year out. Bloomingdale s athletic teams have made 14 trips to the state finals and brought home 10 State Championship trophies. Bloomindale has also crowned over 20 individual state champs in the past 27 years. It is also noted that our student-athletes excel in the classroom, and our teams have been recognized, at the district and state level, for their academic success. 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. The 2014 state 8A softball champion team 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 a Notice of Transfer (FHSAA form EL6) and an Affidavit of Compliance with Policy on Athletic Recruiting (FHSAA form GA4). 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. Additionally, Hillsborough County Public School policy states: Students previously enrolled in a different high school prior to their current Hillsborough County Public School (HCPS) who wish to participate in athletics will be defined as student-athlete transfers by HCPS. Student-athletes changing schools during the summer are also deemed to be student-athlete transfers. This policy may be viewed in its entirety at Http://athletics.mysdhc.org. Please contact the APA at the school site once you have enrolled in that school for more information Age Students enrolled in high school prior to 7/1/2014 may participate at the high school level until the day he/she reaches the age of 19 years 9 months if the student has not exceeded his/her four-year limit of eligibility. For students initially entering high school after 7/1/2014, reaching the age of 19 before September 1st will make them ineligible to participate in interscholastic athletics for that school year and beyond. 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) 8
DRESS OUT WITH SPIRIT P.E. UNIFORMS Physical education uniforms are sold during open house and in class. Shirts: $10 Shorts: $10 Buy two complete uniforms for only $35. BULLYING POLICY BULLS DON T BULLY You can report bullying by filling out a form in any of the administrative offices. You can report to any member of the school faculty/staff. You can report online at http://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/ doc/395/bully-prevention/documents-forms/bullyprevention-form/ Senior Reminder: In accordance with Hillsborough County School Board Policy, all seniors must earn 24 required credits in order to participate in graduation ceremonies. AUGUST 2016 ATHLETICS TEAMS AVAILABLE PARENT & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT SUPPORT YOUR STUDENTS Get involved at Bloomingdale and support the PTSA. This organization supports the school by fundraising and volunteering their time on campus. They coordinate the senior red envelope project, teacher conference dinners and this year plan to offer scholarships to seniors. Dues are $10 for parents and supporters, $7 for students, faculty and staff. After completing the online form, please send a check or cash to the main office. The Bloomingdale Academic Foundation is a new non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing academic programs. It fundraises to supply classrooms with technology, specialized equipment and furniture, teacher professional development, student experiences, and the school mobile app. Find out more and donate at www.bloomingdaleacademics.org. BLOOMINGDALE ATHLETIC BOOSTERS The athletic boosters support all sports offered at Bloomingdale High School. Find out more at www. bloomingdaleathleticboosters.net. In accordance with 40 CFR Part 763.84 (c) and Subpart E, Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) all employees, building occupants, or their legal guardians are notified of the availability of the Asbestos Management Plan for your facility. Management plans for your site are available during normal business hours for review in the main office. Copies of the plan can be made for a nominal price per copy. The plan is also available for review by employees; without cost or restriction, before work begins in any area of the school or building. Information provided in the management plan includes the recent facility survey, response actions planned or taken, and post periodic surveillance and re-inspections activities. FALL SPORTS Football JV Football Volleyball JV Volleyball Cross Country Swim & Dive Boys Golf Girls Golf WINTER SPORTS Boys Soccer Girls Soccer Boys Basketball Girls Basketball JV Boys Basketball JV Girls Basketball Wrestling Competitive Cheerleading SPRING SPORTS Boys Track Girls Track Flag Football Baseball Softball Boys Tennis Girls Tennis Boys Lacrosse Girls Lacrosse
STUDENT GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SCHOOL SPIRIT Welcome Back Bulls! Bloomingdale Student Government is excited about all the activities planned for the upcoming school year. Our committees have worked hard this summer for you. We hope that you will get involved, participate in school functions, and make this your best year of high school! Here is a preview of our fall calendar: Aug. 8 Open House - Red Sea shirts Aug. 15-26 Student Planners & Red Sea shirts sold during lunches Sept. 26-Oct. 14 Homecoming Tickets on sale during lunches Oct. 10-14 SPIRIT WEEK Oct. 14 Homecoming Pep Rally and Game Oct. 15 Homecoming Dance Oct. 31-Nov. 18 Canned Food Drive Dec. 16 Tacky Sweater Day If you have any new ideas, suggestions or complaints, please stop by Room 112 and share them with SGA. We are here to represent you. Have a great year! YEARBOOK INFORMATION PICTURE PERFECT Yearbook Sales For 1 week only - yearbooks are on sale for $70 and $75 for personalization. Price guaranteed until Aug. 12. To order please go to yearbookordercenter.com and enter #15474 or bring cash/check (payable to Bloomingdale High School with student s name and Id number) to room 259A. We also will be selling during open house. For 1 week only discounted prices - reserve your space in the yearbook with a special message for:full page - $340 1/2 page - $1901/4 page - $1151/8 page - $65 *New this year - add a video/audio message to your space. Let us help you design your space: Bring your pictures, message and payment to the library and we will help you create your special memory. Dates:Aug. 16 and 30; Sept. 13 and 27;Oct. 4, 11, and 25 10 Aug. 13 - Jan. 1 $80 and $85 personalization Feb. 1 - Mar 31 - $85 and $90 personalization Mar. 31 - Last day for personalization Apr. 1 LAST DAY TO PRE-ORDER A YEARBOOK Senior & Business Ad Pages Underclass Picture Day Juniors, sophomores and freshmen will be taking their pictures during their English class September 8. Look for flyers sent home with details on how to purchase your pictures. If you are not enrolled in an English class, please stop by the auditorium during your lunch period to get your picture taken.
DATA PROCESSOR CORNER RESIDENCY UPDATES We would like to remind you to please come in to the Main Office and see Mrs. Akers our Data Processor to update your address when you move. It is imperative that we keep our records current and up to date. Two proof of residency inclusive of a valid driver s license is required to verify your new address. Additional proofs of residency include: Current TECO Bill Warranty Deed Lease Agreement Voters Registration Card Tax Receipt Homestead Exemption EAT WELL, LEARN WELL SCHOOL BREAKFAST & LUNCH The school lunch price for students is $2.75. Students may pay additional money to purchase ala carte items that are not included in the standard lunch menu. Breakfast is offered free to all students from 7-7:20 a.m. Lunch menus are available online at: http://sdhc.nutrislice.com Follow @WBUL on Twitter for school lunch menus. Please apply to see if your family may qualify for free or reduced lunch benefits. Families that qualify may also be eligible for $9.95 internet service from Bright- House. AUGUST 2016 MICROSOFT OFFICE 365 FREE FOR STUDENTS Students can now get a home copy of Microsoft Office 365 on up to five Windows or Apple computers at home. This Microsoft Office 365 package incudes Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Outlook, OneNote, Access, and Publisher. Go to this website to download your copy: login.microsoftonline.com Your username is your student ID number @hcps.net (9999999@hcps.net) and your password is your Edsby password. The application for free and reduced lunch is available online at: https://frapp.sdhc. k12.fl.us/lfserver/frapplication
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Eligibility Requirements for Extracurricular Participation 2016-17 Eligibility Period Grade Eligibility Requirements First semester 2016-17 Second semester 2016-17 Students first entering the ninth grade in 2016-17 Students entering 10 th grade Students entering 11 th and 12 th grades Must be regularly promoted from the 8 th grade to the 9 th 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. 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 9 th and 10 th 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. 11 th and 12 th 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 completion of the eighth (8 th ) 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) 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.) Academic Performance Contract for Athletic Eligibility found at http://c2cschools.com