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Gotha Update - Week of March 9, 2026

Posted Date: 03/08/26 (06:30 PM)
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Gotha Update

2025-2026 be the ONE.

Week of March 9, 2026

I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful weekend. As a reminder, this is the last week of the third quarter. If you haven’t already, now is the time to check in with your student to ensure there are no missing assignments and that they are working with their teachers to end the quarter successfully.
 

This Week’s Students of the Week

Congratulations to this week's Cambridge Learner Attributes Students of the Week. Cai Triplett, Kailyn Peebles and Julia Motta were all nominated for being REFLECTIVE.

CONFIDENT
RESPONSIBLE
REFLECTIVE
INNOVATIVE
ENGAGED
 
Birthdays

Gotha Grizzlies Give Back: Birthdays in a Bag

Our Gotha SGA is excited to host a service project to support children in foster care through the Foundation for Foster Children.

We are collecting items to create “Birthdays in a Bag” kits so every child can feel celebrated on their special day. Each bag will include supplies to help make birthdays a little brighter.

Families can scan the QR code on the flyer to donate through our Amazon Wish List, or send items in with students Monday or Tuesday.

📅 Join Us: March 10
⏰ Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Location: Gotha Middle School Cafeteria

Future and current Gotha Grizzlies and their families are invited to come help assemble the birthday bags, create handmade birthday cards, and meet Gotha teachers and students.

This is a family-friendly event and a great opportunity to give back to our community while spreading a little birthday joy.
 

B.E.S.T. Writing Assessment – March 31

Students in grades 6–8 will take the B.E.S.T. Writing Assessment on March 31, 2026. This computer-based assessment measures students’ writing skills and may take up to 120 minutes to complete.

Please remind students that electronic devices (including phones and smartwatches) are not allowed during testing, and to do their best work independently.

Families can view sample test items and learn more at the Florida Department of Education testing portal https://flfast.org.
Testing Letter
 

8th Grade Gradventure

We are excited to remind 8th grade families that Gradventure 2026 for our 8th Graders is just around the corner!

Gradventure: May 15, 2026 | 4:30 PM – Midnight
Ticket Sales: February 22 – March 23
Cost: $145

The ticket price includes access to both parks, a meal, a Gradventure shirt, and transportation — everything your 8th grader needs for an unforgettable night celebrating the end of middle school!

Don’t miss this incredible milestone event — we can’t wait to celebrate our 8th graders in a BIG way! 

 
Literacy

Literacy News - Grizzlies Are Reading!

Orange County Public Schools, has challenged families to log 5,000,000 minutes of reading on Beanstack by April 30—and we are aiming to contribute 500,000 of those minutes!

So far, our Grizzlies have already logged 119,500 minutes of reading… and we’re just getting started!

Every minute counts. Encourage your student to read at home, log their minutes, and help usreach our goal while supporting the district-wide reading challenge. PRIZES ARE COMING!!!

Let’s keep the pages turning and show what Grizzlies can do!
 
PBIS

OCPS Code of Student Conduct Updates and PBIS News

As always, the OCPS Code of Student Conduct can be found HERE.

Our amazing PTO is treating students to Kona Ice on Wednesday as a celebration of positive choices!

Students who did not receive any referrals during Quarter 3 qualify for this cool reward. We’re proud of the many Grizzlies who consistently demonstrate responsibility, confidence, and great decision-making at school.

Thank you to our Gotha PTO for supporting our students and helping us celebrate those who are making great choices every day. Keep it up, Grizzlies!
 

This Week at the School

Monday -
Tuesday - Gotha Gives Back 6 - 8pm
Wednesday - Gotha Spirit Day!
Thursday -
Friday - NO SCHOOL

As a reminder, Spring Break begins Friday. We will see everyone back at school for the start of the 4th quarter on Monday March 23rd.
 

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
 
 

Gotha Reminders

Buy Your Yearbook NOW school code: 382901