1300 Silver Eagle Drive
Tarpon Springs, Florida 34688
Office: (727) 942-5419
Fax: (727) 942-5441

3/5/2023

Good Afternoon Eagle Families, 

This is Dan Schmittdiel, Principal at East Lake High School, with some updates for this upcoming week, as we close out quarter 3. First, let’s show our school spirit and cheer on our different spring sports and performing arts programs – we have multiple different matches and performances this week that we hope everyone attends. Good luck to all of our students, coaches, and sponsors!

Spring Break Challenges

Are you looking for a way for your student to stay engaged with classroom content over break? Students have the opportunity to work through engaging lessons in math, ELA/reading, Biology, and US History to support students’ individual needs as they continue to prepare for their upcoming testing in May. Classrooms will have specific rules and prizes but we will also have prizes available to students that show the highest level of engagement in each of these great Spring Break Challenge opportunities. We highly encourage all students to engage in the work over break. Visit https://www.pcsb.org/springchallenge and start the fun!

ACT NCR (concordant score testing)

Attention families of juniors and seniors missing a testing graduation requirement from either the FSA ELA or Algebra 1 EOC: this Tuesday and Wednesday, we will facilitate the ACT NCR (non-college reporting) for an opportunity to meet their testing graduation requirements. They’ve been working hard to prepare for this assessment, and we’re excited to see the outcome!

Senior Update (walking fees)

Attention senior families: as we prepare for our Graduation ceremony on May 16, 2023, at 5:30pm at Tropicana Field, students are now able to pay their graduation fees of $40. This covers the cost of the graduation ceremony including but not limited to the venue, decorations, security, and everything else that goes into making graduation special for our Class of 2023 and their families & friends. The link to pay grad fees has been sent to you in an email. 

• https://pcsb.revtrak.net/hs/east-lake-high/elhs-senior-class/#/f/elhs-sr-class-graduation-walking-fees

Student Service Program (sophomore opportunity)

Attention sophomores: are you looking for an opportunity to grow your leadership skills, volunteerism, philanthropy, and civic responsibility? The Ryan Nece Foundation has a free opportunity in their Student Service Program. It’s a two year program during their junior and senior year that centers around serving their community. The application window closes on March 31, 2023, so apply today by visiting https://tinyurl.com/mue75nfw!

Electronic Devices

As a reminder, students are not permitted to use devices to take photos or record audio/video of other students or staff without the consent of that person, and the use of phones and other devices are also not permitted at all in bathrooms and locker rooms. Know that if they do, they are subject to potential disciplinary action based on the Student Code of Conduct

No Student Food Orders

As we move into semester 2, this is a quick reminder that food orders from any food delivery service/restaurant is not allowed. Students are expected to either take advantage of school lunch or bring their own each day. Please make sure to continue to remind your student(s) of this expectation.

Staff Kudos

Do you want to celebrate a specific ELHS staff member and have been looking for a platform to give them kudos? Now's your chance! Our staff kudos survey will be available all year – take a minute to complete it to give an ELHS staff member a shout-out for all of the amazing things they do for our students each and every day. We will share the positive feedback with our staff! Please use the Microsoft Forms survey link in the email from this callout to provide the kudos:

• https://forms.office.com/r/USeQsGBnE0

Important dates for Seniors (Class of 2023) 

• 2023 Graduation: Tuesday, May 16^th, 2023 @ 5:30pm
• Friday 3/31: Grad Bash @ Universal Studios (seniors will be asked to leave class at 12:45pm) 
• Saturday 4/22: Prom @ Ruth Eckerd Hall 
• Thursday 4/27: Senior Breakfast @ Ruth Eckerd Hall AND Senior Assembly 
• A reminder to visit https://elhssenior.weebly.com to keep up with all things Senior Class!

Guidance Updates

Senior families, don’t forget to complete the FAFSA (federal scholarships, grants, loans) and the FFAA (Bright Futures and other state financial aid) both ASAP. Links to each of these can be found below – if you need more help working through the various opportunities, schedule an appointment with our College and Career Coordinator, Natasha Gallaty, at https://bit.ly/ELCCC-Booking.

• FAFSA: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
• FFAA: https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/
• Pinellas County Schools Scholarship Opportunities: https://www.pcsb.org/Page/39425

Dress Code Reminders

The Pinellas County School Board has adopted a dress code for students in all district schools that all schools are making a concerted effort to adhere to. Here is a direct link to the dress code page from the student code of conduct for reference. https://tinyurl.com/2022-2023PCSBDressCode. Families may be contacted to provide a change of clothes if your student does not have something else with them which meets the Student Code of Conduct guidelines.

If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Assistant Principal or Counselor. Have an amazing rest of your weekend, stay safe, and GO EAGLES!

Dan Schmittdiel, Principal 

East Lake High School

SchmittdielD@pcsb.org

Our Vision 
100% student success

Our Mission 
The community of East Lake High School will develop productive and responsible students who are prepared for post-secondary education, the workforce and citizenship.