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Gotha Update - Week of August 4, 2025

Posted Date: 8/03/25 (6:30 PM)

Gotha Update

2025-2026 be the ONE.

 

Gotha Update - Week of August 4, 2025

Good evening Gotha Families - 

I hope you are all enjoying last weeks summer and have been able to make many lasting memories together! I cannot believe that we are just one week away from the start of another school year. We are just one percentage point away from achieving that “A” and we will get there this year!

Our teachers are already back at the school preparing for your students. As is the case every year, we will be focusing on literacy across the content areas, effective classroom practices, building relationships and safety and security.  

MEET YOUR TEACHERS 
6th Grade MYT - Students and their grown up will go through the bell schedule in order to experience “A Day in the Life” of their new middle schooler. 6th graders will receive a paper copy of their schedule. Plan to arrive at 9:00 to get information about transportation, the YMCA Before and After School Programs, our PTO and to purchase Gotha Spirit Wear! MYT will start at 10:00.  

7th/ 8th Grade MYT - Students and their grown ups are invited to campus to find their new classrooms and teachers in more of an “open house” environment. 7th and 8th graders will need to access their new schedule on Skyward. Plan to arrive at 12:00 to get information about transportation, the YMCA Before and After School Programs, our PTO and to purchase Gotha Spirit Wear! MYT will start at 12:30.  

SUPPLIES
Your student’s teachers will have supply lists available at Meet Your Teachers. Each student will need the following basic supplies:

1” Binder, 5 Subject Dividers, Loose Leaf Paper - Language Arts
3 Composition Notebooks - Social Studies, Math and Science
Pencils, Pens, Highlighters

CLINIC
You will need to opt out of clinic care if you do not want your student to participate in clinic services. All students will be receiving clinic services and mandated health screenings unless you notify us by completing the Skyward form. If you would like to complete the opt out via a paper form, please let us know.  

DONATION BIN
If you're doing any last minute shopping and have old items that you can donate, please note that we have a donation bin on campus. For every pound of donated items, we receive funding! Please consider donating.  

 
Literacy

Literacy News

We saw great success on state assessments this past school year by focusing on literacy across all content areas.  In each class, students will have opportunities to read to learn, collaborate and process information, see different comprehension strategies and write.  Check out this guide to supporting literacy at home
 
PBIS

OCPS Code of Student Conduct/ Safety Updates

In an effort to remain consistent and cautious, all individuals should be prepared to present identification when coming to the school.  You will need to present it both before you enter and once you check in.  I understand this can seem tedious when our office staff knows who you are, however we sometimes have different individuals working at the front desk who may not.
 

This Week at the School

Thursday 8/7/2025 - Meet Your Teachers!
 

Have a GREAT Week!

Follow us on social media, as we post frequently to Facebook and Instagram. Encourage your student to make choices that are confident, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged, and as always, it’s a GREAT day to be a Grizzly!

Facebook - Gotha Middle School
Instagram - gotha_middle_school

Monica L. Emery, M.Ed.
Gotha Middle School
9155 Gotha Rd.
Windermere, FL 34768
407-521-2360
It’s a GREAT Day to be a Grizzly
 
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WEEKLY REMINDERS

ATHLETICS
Check out our athletics page for upcoming events.  

WHO’S WHO
Grade Level Support
6th Grade Counselor – Michelle Lewis michelle.lewis@ocps.net  
7th Grade Counselor – Christina Soper christina.soper@ocps.net   
8th Grade Counselors – 
A-K Michelle Lewis michelle.lewis@ocps.net  
L-Z Christina Soper christina.soper@ocps.net  
7th Grade Counselor – Michelle Lewis michelle.lewis@ocps.net
6th Grade Dean – Kimberly Hayes kimberly.hayes@ocps.net
7th Grade Dean – Richard Taylor richard.taylor3@ocps.net
8th Grade Dean – Katrina Bellamy katrina.bellamy@ocps.net
ESE Support
Staffing Specialist – Sara Laureano sara.laureano@ocps.net
Behavior Specialist – Jennifer Acevedo jennifer.acevedogonzalez@ocps.net
ESE Clerk – Brigid Caliolo brigid.caliolo@ocps.net
Student Support
School Social Worker – Kiara Johnson kiara.johnson@ocps.net 
SAFE Coordinator – Angela Nealy angela.nealy@ocps.net
ESOL Compliance – Marjorie McGinley marjorie.mcginley@ocps.net 
MTSS/504 Coordinator - Joshua Arunakul joshua.arunakul@ocps.net 
Athletic Director - Michelle Davis michelle.davis2@ocps.net