Principal’s Message

Hello, Gotha Families!

We have made it to the end of another successful Gotha school year and I couldn’t be prouder.  This year we took SO many strides toward truly becoming a great community school.  If you haven’t seen it yet, take a moment to watch our 2025 Lipdub!  We just wrapped up Gotha’s 30th year, and this was a great way to celebrate.  

I have just a couple of reminders as we head into a well-earned and deserved summer break.  

If your student did not turn in their OCPS device, please make sure to get that to us ASAP - this includes the laptop, charger and case.  If the device is not received, it will be considered lost or missing and a fine will be assessed.  We are here at the school all summer.  

All rising 6th graders received their One Book, One Sixth Grade, One Summer reading book “Surviving Middle School.”  We’d love to see pics of your student reading throughout the summer.  You can tag us on Facebook!  If your student will be a 6th grader with us next year and they did not receive a book at their elementary school, please stop by to pick one up.  

For those of you who are planners, and in preparation for next school year, I want to share some information.  

• For the 25-26 school year, OCPS has made the change for clinic services and mandated health screenings to an opt-out. Beginning 25-26, all students will be receiving clinic services and mandated health screenings, unless a parent notifies the school within 10 days of receiving the paper version or completing the Skyward form, that their student will not be participating in clinic services and/or individual mandated health screenings. 
• The 2025-2026 School Bus Rider Registration form is now available to parents by simply accessing the Skyward portal. If you cannot access their Skyward account, we can assist. 
• When shopping for school clothes, please remember that students must be covered from shoulders to mid-thigh and clothes must be worn as designed (no pajamas). 
• Meet Your Teachers is August 7th:
  • 6th Grade ONLY — 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • 7th and 8th Grades — 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm  
• For the 25-26 school year all students will need the following supplies.  Class-specific supply lists will be available at Meet Your Teacher on August 7th. 
  • One 2” Binder
  • Wide-ruled loose leaf paper
  • One 5-pack of dividers
  • Three composition notebooks
  • Pens
  • Pencils
  • Highlighters

We will maintain normal office hours until Wednesday June 4th.  From June 5th - July 30th our office hours will be Monday - Thursday from 7:00 am - 5:30 pm.

I truly am humbled by the generosity and support of our community, staff and families.  Every year presents its own unique challenges but every year we get better at doing hard things. I am looking forward to continuing the hard work and celebrating the accomplishments of our students.  

Enjoy your summer and remember to be safe and be kind. As always, IT’S A GREAT DAY TO BE A GRIZZLY!

Monica Emery
Principal