Countryside High School is located in the northeastern portion of Pinellas County and serves the communities of Clearwater Safety Harbor. In addition students from the Palm Harbor and East Lake areas also attend Countryside. We are one of the larger schools within the Pinellas County School System. Excellence is emphasized in all the variety of programs offered at our school. Countryside consistently ranks among the top schools in the region in academic achievement and parent involvement.

In an effort to improve system practices, Countryside High School is conducting Parent & Student Surveys. We value your opinion and ask that you take the time to complete this survey.

• In order to complete the Parent survey, please go to: http://www.advanc-ed.org/survey/public/0947021 

• To complete the Student survey, please go to:  http://www.advanc-ed.org/survey/public/0708501

Please be assured that your responses to this survey will be anonymous. Your honest opinion is appreciated. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

AP Summer Reading Information for 2017-2018 

The Annual School Financial Report

The report can be found on the district website by following the link below:

https://www.pcsb.org/Page/23944

Section 1010.215, Florida Statutes, requires each school to distribute this report to parents. A copy of the statute is attached and a link to the Statute is shown below:

http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2016/1010.215

FREE SAT Classes

Students deserve every opportunity to succeed on the SAT® , a key step on the path to college. That’s why we’ve partnered with Khan Academy to launch Khan Academy Live: SAT, a series of three free, online SAT classes.

The classes will teach important concepts, and provide tips and strategies for the SAT. The 45-minute classes will take place on YouTube Live every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. EDT / 4:00 p.m. PDT on May 16 (math), May 23 (reading), and May 30 (writing).  https://khanacademy.typeform.com/to/HnmStQ

Why Take the PSAT?

Registration for Summer Bridge is underway

Does your student need help getting back on track? Summer Bridge high school programs offer students opportunities to earn required credits, make up core courses and build math skills. Register and find the latest Summer Bridge information at

www.pcsb.org/summerbridge

Summer Bridge Flyer 2017

www.reservation.pcsb.org

 Pinellas Virtual School

Students who might be interested in taking an online course with Pinellas Virtual School next school year, can registered https://www.pcsb.org/virtualschool for semester 1 for the 17-18 school year. The courses will begin on August 10. The last day to register for an online course for the 17-18 school year for semester 1 will be July 10, 2017.

We will offer HOPE this summer, the course will run May 22 – July 16. Students may register for this course beginning May 8 and the registration will conclude on May 19.

PVS Enrollment Flyer 16-17

HOPE Flyer 201602017

Pinellas County Schools is joining the national effort to expand SAT test practice opportunities to all students. The College Board and Khan Academy developed free SAT practice tools to create a world-class, personalized experience to help all students prepare for the SAT and college-level courses. Students can use the Khan Academy site 24/7 to get personalized practice for the SAT. The site provides students with instant feedback on their progress through thousands of SAT practice questions that range in difficulty based on each student’s demonstrated skill level. The site also provides predicted score outcomes, full-length practice tests, and interactive questions and videos. Make sure your student is taking advantage of this important resource. Sign up today at satpractice.org.  

Thank you Pinellas County!  Referendum passes thanks to strong community and district support

Pinellas County residents voted to renew the Referendum by the largest margin ever. The Referendum, which has been approved four times since 2004, won 76 percent of the vote. The Referendum strengthens reading, music and art programs; provides up-to-date technology; and helps recruit and retain quality teachers. Special thanks to PCS employees for their efforts to inform families and community members about the many resources the Referendum provides to support Pinellas students and teachers.

New 2016-2017 PAPER LESS: REPORT CARDS

Paperless report cards began at Countryside High School in October 2016. Please go to Focus/Portal to view your student’s report card on October 25, 2016.

Pinellas County School (PCS) Focus/Portal

PCS Focus/ Portal is the student information system for Pinellas County Schools. Focus allows parents to log in and check their child’s grades, attendance, discipline, etc. in real time. Focus also has a list of programs specific to parents, such as the Student Reservation System (SRS), PCS Online Community Center, Parent Forms, and Meal Pay. These programs are listed on the main page of FOCUS. Logging into PCS Portal gives the parents a one-stop shopping experience. Go to www.pcsb.org and click on the Focus button on the left side of the screen. You can use your Parent Connect User Name and Password to log into FOCUS. If you have difficulty logging onto Focus or do not have a User Name and Password please contact Kim Martinez at 727-725-7956 Ext. 2010.

Frequently asked for topics at Countryside High School:

1. Advanced Academics @ Countryside High School  Advanced Academics at Countryside High School
2. Athletic Information - https://www.pcsb.org/domain/2594
3. Athletic Forms - http://pcsb.org/domain/4585
4. AVID Program Application - please go to https://www.pcsb.org/avidapp
5. A-WING BOUTIQUE - PROM DRESS GIVEAWAY 2017 - https://www.pcsb.org/Domain/7872
6. Bell Schedules - please go to http://pcsb.org/domain/4108
7. Cafeteria Accounts -   http://www.myschoolbucks.com
8. Center for Computer Technology (CCT) - http://countrysideprograms.com/
9. Contacts at Countryside High School - (Who to call) - https://www.pcsb.org/domain/5946
10. Countryside Apparel - http://cougars.logoshop.com/
11. College Shirt Days - Please go to http://pcsb.org/Page/18486
12. Daily Announcements - http://pcsb.org/Domain/4118
13. District Application Process - What Parents Need to Know - Deadline January 15, 2016 http://pcsb.org/Domain/
14. Dual Enrollment, Early College and Early Admisions - http://pcsb.org/domain/6604
15. Extended Day Learning Opportinites - https://www.pcsb.org/Domain/7699
16. Fundraisers/Special Events - https://www.pcsb.org/Domain/5299
17. How to Take a College Day - https://www.pcsb.org/Page/5376
18. Institute for Science, Technology, Engineering and mathematics (ISTEM) -  http://countrysideprograms.com/
19. Modified Dress Code - http://pcsb.org/domain/5033
20. Picture Day App - http://http://goo.gl/DqC6bd
21. Pinellas Virtual - https://www.pcsb.org/virtualschool
22. School Adivisory Committee (SAC) - https://www.pcsb.org/domain/3519
23. PSAT - www.pcsb.org/psat
24. SAT - www.pcsb.org/sat
25. Scholarship Information– check out our website http://pcsb.org/Domain/6368
26. Senior information - https://www.pcsb.org/Domain/6081
27. Special Events/Fundraisers - https://www.pcsb.org/Domain/5299
28. Sports Information - http://pcsb.org/domain/2594
29. Student Information - https://www.pcsb.org/domain/3417
30. Summer Reading Information for Summer 2017-2018 - https://www.pcsb.org/Page/24106
31. Volunteers & Partners - http://pcsb.org/domain/2592
32. Yearbook - http://www.yearbookordercenter.com/index.cfm/job/17261

PCS students have a new tool to track their progress By Lorri Helfand

 Students can track their progress toward graduation and educational goals using the Florida Shines website. Parents and students will see a new link when they log into their portal accounts. Florida Shines enables students to:

• Review credits and achievements for their path toward a standard diploma.
• Ensure they meet the requirements to prepare for career or an industry-based certification or admission to a state university.

• Review their progress toward meeting eligibility for Bright Futures.

• And more!

A guidebook to help families use Florida Shines is available on the district Guidance site: www.pcsb.org/floridashines

Standards Assessments - Understanding the FSA Reports http://pcsb.org/Domain/6670

Scholar Diploma Designation

If your student is pursuing a scholar diploma designation, in addition to meeting the 24-credit standard high school diploma requirements, they must also pass the Biology 1 EOC and the US History EOC. If your student has not taken and/or passed these assessments yet and wishes to pursue the scholar diploma designation, then they must contact their guidance counselor to schedule a date and time to take these assessments. The next test window begins November 30, 2015. You can check to see if your student has taken and/or passed these assessments using FOCUS. Upon logging in, you will access their Test History under the My Information tab. Here you will see all standardized tests taken by your student over the years. Clicking on the arrow next to the assessment will provide additional information. A “P” indicates your student has passed this assessment. If you do not see either of these assessments, please have your student contact their guidance counselor as soon as possible. Students must TAKE these EOC’s to graduate, but they must PASS them to qualify for the scholar diploma designation. Please visit our website for additional criteria on the scholar and merit diploma designations.    

Florida Standards Parents Presentation   Parents:   Click here for information on the new FL Standards or go to Resources and select FL Standards Parent Presentation.  More information on our website, please look under "Academics".

School Financial Report for your information

https://www.pcsb.org/Page/2949

http://www.flsenate.gov/laws/statutes/2014/1010.215

 SENIORS ON-TRACK Program

Graduate For Mas Promise:  Make the promise to graduate, and be entered to win prizes, as well as a school celebrity concert.  If 30% of our school makes the promise $500 will be donated to the Senior ON Track program directly going towards prizes for the Senior Giveaway (using your cougar cash) in May for TV's, Amazon Fire HD's Printers and more.  Spread the word to your friends to MAKE THE PROMISE!  For more information see Mr. Whitaker. Make the promise here:  https://getschooled.com/graduate-for-mas/   Students can also make the promise by texting Grad4Mas to 335577 

85% of our Seniors Graduated in 2015, an increase of 2% from 2014. The at risk graduation rate also increase from 44% to 59% in 2015!

Please contact Fred Whitaker for more information on the program or to donate to the cause.  whitakerf@pcsb.org

Pinellas County Sheriff’s office is giving parents free internet safety computer software for monitoring their child’s computer activities. The software can be obtained from one of two locations:

• Sheriff's Administration Building located at 10750 Ulmerton Road in Largo.
• Sheriff's North District Station located at 737 Louden Avenue in Dunedin.

  You may also visit www.PCSOweb.com to view the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Parent's Tool Kit.

Mission: At Countryside High School, SUCCESS is our goal. We will provide the tools and instruction needed for the success of our students.

Vision: The vision of Countryside High School is that teachers will provide the opportunity for all students to be successful learners and to become active participants in our society by creating a safe-learning environment and building positive relationships.