Student Resources
Student/Parent Handbook
Student Assistance Program
The Pennsylvania Network for student assistance services assists school personnel in identifying issues such as alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, and mental health issues that pose a barrier to a student’s success. Please click link for more information http://www.pnsas.org.
Dress Code
Attention Students: Please review the dress code for the appropriate attire. The dress code can be found in the 2024-2025 Student/Parent Handbook. While dressing in the morning, please keep in mind that any revealing apparel is inappropriate. Apparel that contains profanity, potentially offensive symbols and alcohol, drug, tobacco messages are also inappropriate. Please note, that shorts, skirts, and dresses must be mid-thigh length or lower. No hats, hoods, bandannas, or sunglasses are not allowed to be worn during the school day. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
How to Calculate GPA
How to calculate GPA at GCHS
GPA – Grade Point Average – Total QP divided by total attempted credits
QP – Quality Points – Percent grade in the class multiplied by the credit value of the class
AP – Advanced Placement classes – Add 10 ‘incentive points’ to the class grade before multiplying by the credit value to get
the QP. Please note these incentive points are only added once the final grade is calculated. This is NOT included in term
GPA.
Example: AP Chemistry (1.0 credits) grade is 92
1.) 92 + 10 = 102 (Add 10 ‘incentive points’)
2.) 102 x 1.0 = 102 (Multiply by number of credits)
3.) 102 Quality Points is used in the GPA calculation
College classes, Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs) and P/F (Pass/Fail) classes are NOT used in the GPA calculation.
Current P/F classes are: Online Driver’s Education and Work Training. Students can earn credit for all P/F classes at GCHS,
but these classes are NOT used in GPA calculations.
For ALL classes except AP, follow this process:
1. Multiply the final percentage grade of each class by the credit value for the class to get QPs for each class
2. Add all of the QPs for each class to get a Total QP value
3. Add all of the credit values for each class to get a Total Attempted Credits value
4. Divide the Total QP value by the Total Attempted Credits to get GPA
***For AP classes, add the 10 ‘incentive points’ to the percentage grade before multiplying by the credit value of the class to
get QP. Then follow steps 2-4 above to get GPA.
Student Parking
Driving a car to school and parking in approved parking areas is a privilege. Students must use caution in the parking lot when driving. The fines for speeding in a school zone can be excessive. Students must park in the designated areas only and lock their car during the school day. Junior students will park in the lot located on Highland Avenue directly across from the YMCA Early Education Center and Senior Students must park directly behind the YMCA Early Education Center. These are the only two places you can park. There will be no students allowed to park in front of the school at any time during school hours.
The school is not responsible for the safety and protection of vehicles parked on school property. Any violation of these regulations will result in notification of police, parent contact, loss of driving privileges, and a suspension. Students are required to register all vehicles driven to school. The parent of a student wanting to obtain a parking pass should email Mrs. Bish (jessica.bish@gcasdk12.org) for the form. Once the form is filled out, Mrs. Bish will email the student when their parking pass is ready to be picked up in the main office. Any student vehicle parked in an undesignated area will be ticketed at the owner's expense. Vehicles without a parking sticker are also considered illegal and may be towed at the owner's expense. Students are not to loiter in the parking lot but report directly to the building. Once a student is on school property, they are expected to attend classes. Leaving school property without permission will result in disciplinary action.
Student Work Permits
Please email Jessica Bish at jessica.bish@gcasdk12.org to obtain a work permit.
Student work permits can be obtained in the main office. Please email Jessica Bish for the electronic form and instructions. You will need documentation with proof of age - birth certificate, passport, driver's license, driver's permit or baptismal certificate. Signature from both parent and student are required to receive your work permit. Work permits are issued to a minor between 14 and 18 years of age under the Child Labor Act of 2012. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Bish in the High School main office at 724-458-5456.
New Cell Phone/Electronic Device Procedures
In schools throughout the nation, the use of cell phones and other electronic devices is being re-examined. A growing body of research indicates that cell phone use during class time negatively impacts attention, learning and social interactions. Over the last several months, the district’s administration formed a dedicated committee, consisting of teachers, staff and building principals, to collaboratively develop new guidelines and procedures that ensure a safe and focused learning environment. The guidelines and procedures cover several key areas:
· Expectations for Personal Electronic Devices and Cell Phones
· Enforcement and Violations
· Confiscation Procedures
· Communication of Guidelines and Procedures to Students, Parents and Staff
· Review and Monitoring of Guidelines and Procedures
· Ongoing Instruction for Digital Citizenship and Support for Exceptions
District Creates Artificial Intelligence Guidebook
Click HERE for more information.