Student & Parent WelcomePacket 2026-2027
Welcome to Cardinal Gibbons High School and the 20262027 school year
We are so glad your family is here Whether you are joining us for the first time or returning for another year, you are part of a community that genuinely cares about your child and the person they are becoming
“Elevating Faith & Academics.”
At CGHS, our Catholic faith is the heartbeat of everything we do. It shapes how we teach, how we lead, and how we treat one another Our vision, Elevating Faith and Academics, means your child will be challenged to grow spiritually and academically, and supported every step of the way
We invite you to lean in this year Ask questions, attend events, and get to know your child's teachers We are honored to walk this year alongside you
Mr. Oscar Cedeño Principal
StudentOrientations
As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to ensure that all students and parents are aware of the required orientation sessions for each grade level
Please review the dates and times below and plan to attend your student's designated orientation session
During orientation, students will be provided with detailed information regarding school policies, expectations, and our emergency preparedness plans. Additionally, yearbook and ID photos for all underclassmen will be taken at this time
Please ensure that you are in proper uniform and adhere to the uniform policies outlined in the handbook, including guidelines on hair, shaving, tattoos, etc
Students who do not comply with the uniform policies will not have their photos taken
Freshmen and transfer students will receive their school assigned iPads during the student orientation You will receive an email from our Technology Department containing instructional for setting up accounts.
Transfer students are required to attend both grade-level and parent orientation
Please note, seniors are required to arrange their senior portraits with Munoz Photography Please make sure you have them taken by August 13th! Click here to book your photo session or call (954) 564-7150
Orientation& FirstDaySchedule
Tuesday, August 11
8:00am - 10:00am Sophomore Student Orientation
10:30am - 12:30pm Junior Student Orientation (No School for 9th & 12th)
6:00pm - 7:30pm New Student & Parent Orientation (9th Grade & Transfer Students)
Wednesday, August 12
7:55am - 10:00am Freshman Student Orientation
8:30am - 10:00am Senior Student Orientation
10:00am - 11:00am Freshman/Senior Picnic
11:00am - 11:30am Freshman Dismissal
11:00am - 11:30am Senior Essentials
11:30am - 12:00pm Senior Dismissal (No School for 10 & 11 ) th th
Thursday, August 13
First full day of classes for all students is a Day 1 (Periods A, B, C, & D)
Students should be in their first-period class (A period) no later than 7:55am in full uniform.
Academics&Curriculum
Summer Reading: 9
th th
-12
Grade
Summer reading assignments are mandatory for all students The summer reading requirements and packets are due by August 13 to your English teacher via Canvas. No late assignments will be accepted. Students will be assessed on summer reading during the first week of school All assignments are available on our website
Summer Assignments
Students enrolled in select Advanced Placement courses are required to complete additional summer coursework prior to the start of the school year Additional assignments are required for students enrolled in AP World History, AP European History, and AP Art History.
Immunization Records
Physical and Immunization Forms are required for all new incoming students. Please submit your child(s) latest immunization record to the Office of Admissions by August 3, 2026 Immunization records must be received before a class schedule will be released.
Student Schedules
Student class schedules will be emailed by August 10th To request a change or have any questions, please complete the request form and a counselor will contact you upon their return.
Tutoring
Free after school tutoring will be offered during the school year through the Title I Services To participate, a completed registration form must be submitted to tutoring@cghsfl org by August 14th Click here to access the form
Midterm & Final Exams
Midterm and final exams are mandatory assessments at the end of each semester to evaluate student knowledge, accounting for 20% of the semester grade It is important not to schedule trips during exams days. Missed exams incur a make-up exam fee and will be rescheduled by administration. Refer to the Student/Parent Handbook for detailed policies on exam exemptions for seniors and underclassmen
Career Readiness Pathways
All 10-12th grade students who have applied for a Career Readiness Pathway have been notified of their acceptance status. For questions about these programs, click here to visit our school website or reach out to the Pathway Coordinator
School Counselors
Counselors will return and be available on July 30 . All scheduling and counseling questions will be answered at this time. Click here to contact your counselor for all other information th
ESE/Accommodations
If you have any questions about accommodations for the classroom or on standardized testing, please contact ese@cghsfl.org.
Savethe Date
Fall Sports Tryouts
The first day of FHSAA fall tryouts is July 27, 2026 If your child wishes to participate in a fall sport, visit the Athletics page for more information Please see the team page for specific sport information or contact the coach with any questions
Please note that in order to participate in any of our athletic programs, you must be registered on Aktivate
Registration via Aktivate:
All student-athletes planning to participate in any sport MUST register through Aktivate (website not the app) Step-by-step registration instructions are available on the Cardinal Gibbons website under the Athletics tab
2026 Annual Golf Tournament
Click here to access Aktivate: https://www aktivate com/
Click here to access the CGHS Athletics website: https://www cghsfl org/athletics
Registration is considered incomplete until all mandatory forms are uploaded Athletes may not participate in summer conditioning or tryouts until they are fully approved in the system
Upcoming Dates & Information:
Fall Tryouts: Scheduled to begin Monday, July 27th
Summer Workouts: Many Fall sports will begin conditioning soon Specific schedules are posted on our website
Stay Connected: Follow our social media channels @cghschiefs for updates throughout the year
If you have any questions, please contact your head coach or the Athletic Department at athletics@cghsfl org
Golf Tournament
Register today to participate in the golf tournament or become a tournament sponsor by clicking here
The Cardinal Gibbons Parent Association (CGPA) is essential in enhancing our school's mission and vision through active parent participation and fundraising Becoming involved is a wonderful way to stay active in your child's student life and contribute to our Cardinal Gibbons family.
We have several opportunities that will have a direct impact on our community and a meaningful difference in your child's' high school experience.
Click here to access the Parent Page on our website!
Volunteer today!
Click here to submit the online interest form.
36th Annual Dinner Auction - March 20, 2027
Join us for the Cardinal Gibbons Dinner Auction, our most important annual fundraiser. This event funds essential campus improvements and educational opportunities for our students and athletes We encourage all parents to save the date, donate an auction item, sponsor the event, or fill a table Your participation will make a lasting impact on the future of Cardinal Gibbons
School
Auction Co-Chairs
Heather DiSanto
Maria Wanes
Mrs. Margie Dettor
Events Coordinator & CG Parent Association Facilitator (954) 491-2900 ext. 142 dettor@cghsfl.org
Get Involved
Volunteer at an upcoming event, share your professional expertise, or contribute to the Annual Fund to directly support our students and mission Many employers also offer matching gifts, which can double the impact of your gift at no additional cost to you. Contact the Advancement Office to learn more.
OfficeofStudentAffairs
Student/Parent Handbook
Students and Parents must read the handbook thoroughly to understand the expectations and policies of the school. The Student/Parent Handbook can be found on Canvas
Attendance
Students are expected to be in attendance every day of the school year as mandated by Florida Law Parents and guardians must take accountability to ensure that their child is in school and arrive on time each day Please review the Attendance, Absences, and Early Dismissal policies in the Student and Parent Handbook.
Student Parking
Parking decals for approved students will be distributed at the end of Junior and Senior orientation sessions. Students who do not comply with parking regulations may have their privileges revoked Full parking policies are outlined in the Student/Parent Handbook
Bus Transportation
We offer morning, afternoon, and activity bus transportation for students. Activity buses depart campus in the early evening and are available for students participating in approved extracurricular activities Space is limited
Bus registration information for the new school year will be distributed during the last week of July Please watch your email for registration details
Dress Code and Personal Appearance
Students are expected to comply with all dress code and grooming standards outlined in the Student and Parent Handbook. This includes wearing the proper uniform and maintaining regulations regarding hair length and color, facial shaving, piercings, visible tattoos, and overall appearance Failure to comply will result in disciplinary consequences as outlined in the handbook Continued violations may result in additional disciplinary action
Health Information Form
If you would like your child to be able to receive common over-the-counter medications while on campus, please return the Health Information Form to the office Please note that this form must be filled out and signed by a physician as well as signed by a parent or guardian Verbal consent from parents will not be permitted for students to take medication in the clinic. Click here to access the Health Information Form
Attendance: Three Things to Know
The 7:55 AM Deadline Students must be seated in their first period classroom by 7:55 AM
The 10-Day Policy Ten absences or tardies in a single semester may result in Attendance Probation Ten absences in any individual class also jeopardizes eligibility for course credit and may require summer school.
Tardy Escalations Consequences increase with each tardy A 3rd tardy results in a 45-minute detention, a 6th triggers a 2-hour detention, and a 9th requires a Saturday detention A 10th tardy initiates Attendance Probation and an additional 2-hour detention, with every subsequent tardy carrying a 2-hour penalty Tardy counts reset each semester; Attendance Probation status does not
StudentAffairs
Student Drop-Off & Pick-Up
All student drop off and pick up must take place on the Cardinal Gibbons campus through the main entrance on 47th Street. The rear gate on Bayview Drive is reserved for one way student traffic only
Upon entering the student parking lot, form two lines and follow the directions of Campus Security Please allow extra travel time during the first few weeks of school, as traffic in the area may be heavier due to neighboring schools Students are expected to be in first period by 7:55 a m
The main parking lot gates close promptly at 8:00 a.m. Students arriving after that time should be dropped off at the Ott Hall circular driveway and report to the Office of Student Affairs to check in and receive a late pass
At dismissal, parents should again enter through the front gate and form two lines. To help keep traffic moving, please notify your child when you arrive Students must be dropped off and picked up on campus only Drop off or pick up along 47th Street, Bayview Drive, or in front of St. John the Baptist Church is not permitted and may result in disciplinary action We also ask that all parents and student drivers respect our neighbors by not blocking driveways or parking on private property.
View drop-off and pick-up map online by clicking here Map
Technology
New Information System: PowerSchool
Cardinal Gibbons has transitioned from Rediker to PowerSchool. You will receive a separate email with instructions to set up your parent portal account, giving you real time access to grades, attendance, schedules, and school communications, all in one place.
Canvas
Canvas provides an all-in-one platform for managing coursework, submitting assignments, communicating with teachers, engaging in Student Life, and tracking academic progress As well as the ability for parents and guardians to monitor their student’s progress.
Tech Ticket
For assistance with all technology related issues, please email techticket@cghsfl org In your email, please include the nature of your problem, your child's name and student number, as well as description of any error messages you may receive, and a representative from our Technology Department will reach out to you as soon possible
Technology Checklist
Update the current iOS software
Check your emails
Activate your Canvas account An email will be sent before school starts with a link to activate your account.
Watch our CGHS YouTube Playlist, for helpful tips to start the new school year
CGHS iPad Guidelines and Policies
Manager App and Classlink
Notability Set-up - CGHS Tech Chiefs
iCloud Settings and iPad Back-up
Returning Students
Update your iPad iOS to the latest available version (currently iOS 26 5 2)
Check your emails and clean up your inbox
If you ’ re running low on iPad storage, now is a good time to move your photos and videos to your Google Drive, then delete them off your iPad, to free up storage space
SchoolUniform
Uniform Policy Overview
All students are expected to be in full uniform every day unless otherwise noted. Full uniform consists of an official Cardinal Gibbons red polo shirt, khaki or navy Cardinal Gibbons pants, and the specified black and white Adidas sneakers. For complete uniform policy details, please refer to the Student and Parent Handbook.
Spirit Fridays
On Fridays, students may substitute the uniform polo with a club, athletic, or spirit t-shirt Spirit shirts are available in the Campus Store
Physical Education
Students enrolled in HOPE PE must wear the official Cardinal Gibbons PE uniform, consisting of a gray tshirt and red gym shorts, during class only Students will have time at the end of each class to change back into school uniform PE uniforms are available in the Campus Store
Outerwear Official
Cardinal Gibbons outerwear and sweaters may be worn during the school day The Cardinal Gibbons polo must be worn underneath
Lands' End Items - School Uniform
Lands' End uniform items must be ordered directly through the Lands' End website and are not available in the Campus Store Order early and allow a few weeks for delivery
Click here to order at Lands' End
CampusStore
Show your Cardinal Gibbons pride Shop spirit gear today in store or online New items are added regularly so check back often to see what’s new and stock up on your favorites. Online orders must be placed by August 1st for shipment to arrive before the first day of school
Campus Store Regular Hours
7:30 - 8:00am 2:30 - 3:00pm Closed on Early Release Days **Campus Store Summer Hours** June 15 – August 2............Closed August 3 – 7..........9:00 am – 12:00 pm August 10 – 12.......9:00 am – 12:00 pm August 13 onward....Regular hours resume
View the Campus Store
Cafeteria StayConnected
Chief Weekly Updates
Our Chief Weekly Updates newsletter is sent every Friday and includes important announcements, upcoming deadlines, campus events, and the latest news from Cardinal Gibbons. It’s your go-to source for staying informed and engaged with all that’s happening on campus
Follow us on Social Media!
Stay informed throughout the school year by following Cardinal Gibbons on Instagram and Facebook for school news, event highlights, and campus updates Click the links below to follow our official social media accounts.
Clickheretofollowtheschool accountonInstagram!
Clickheretofollowtheathletics accountonInstagram!
Clickheretofollowuson Facebook!
Tuition&Fees
Tuition and Fees
The first tuition payment for the 2026/27 school year is due in July Please log into your FACTS account to ensure your payment plan includes any scholarships, aid or discounts for which you've been approved. Also, you must have a valid payment method (credit card, debit card or checking account) on the account Automatic withdrawals of tuition will take place per the payment plan you selected. We strongly encourage using the Auto Pay feature for all other incidental charges in order to prevent unnecessary fees Please contact our Bursar at bost@cghsfl org for any questions
The Gibbons Cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks throughout the school year Hours, menus, and other information can be found here SAGE Dining operates the Cafe, and payments can be made by credit card, debit card, Apple or Google Pay, or by setting up a declining balance account with MyKidSpending Cash is not accepted
MyKidSpending (MKS) allows parents to add funds online, view account activity, and request PDF statements of their child’s cafeteria purchases Please set up your account before school starts and add funds so that your child can simply present their school ID when checking out The cost of their meal is deducted from their MKS balance. Returning families need only add funds to their existing account; all balances carry over from year to year
The link to MyKidSpending can be found on the CGHS website under Quick Links or under Gibbons Life – Gibbons Cafe; or directly at https://www mykidsspending com/Logon You can also download the app for easier access Please contact sage@cghsfl org with any cafeteria or MyKidSpending questions
StudentGovernment
Class Shirt Orders Due July 7
Show your Cardinal Gibbons class pride by ordering your class shirt Freshmen receive a free class shirt and must submit their size Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors may purchase a class shirt for $20 and must also submit their size by Tuesday, July 7. Payments for Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors will be collected during August orientation
Use the grade level order form emailed to you to submit your shirt size. Late submissions cannot be accepted.
Aug. 11, Tues. at 6:00pm Louise Crocco Gymnasium
New Student & Parent Orientation
Orientation for new families 9th Grade & Transfer Students and their parents
Aug 31, Mon at 6:00pm Louise Crocco Gymnasium
Back to School Night Grades 9th-12th
Oct. 23, Fri.
Palm Aire Country Club
Annual Golf Tournament
SavetheDate
Senior Moms
Breakfast Aug. 12, Wed. at 9:00am South Bar & Kitchen
Moms/guardians of the Class of 2027 Ticket Purchase & RSVP required
Sept 25, Fri at 5:30pm Louise Crocco Gymnasium
Alumni
Homecoming Tailgate
Aug. 28, Fri. at 5:30pm Gibbons Cafeteria
New Parent Social Tailgate Open House
Oct. 10, Sat. Louise Crocco Gymnasium
Nov 6-8, Fri-Sun
Fall Drama ProductionOne Act
Dec 10, Thurs Louise Crocco Gymnasium
Grandparents Blessings and Bingo
Dec 10, Thurs at 6:00pm
St John the Baptist
Christmas Concert
Dec 11, Fri at 6:00pm
St Ambrose Church
Christmas Concert
Jan. 30, Sat. Louise Crocco Gymnasium
Annual Food Packing Event
Mar. 20, Sat. Louise Crocco Gymnasium
36th Annual Dinner Auction
