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Gotha Updated - Week of May 18, 2026

Posted Date: 05/17/26 (06:30 PM)


Gotha Update

2025-2026 be the ONE.

Week of May 18, 2026

 
I cannot believe this is the last full week of school in the 2025-2026 school year. Please pay close attention to all of the announcements below, as it is a BUSY week, particularly for our 8th grade students.
 

Common Final Exams Continue

Monday is our last day for common final exams. Student swill be testing in periods 3 and 5. Please check with your student to see if they are testing in either of those periods. If you have any questions, please reach out to your student’s teachers.
Testing Bell Schedule
 

Gotha 2026 LipDub

Our annual Gotha LipDub tradition is back for 2026! This exciting event has become a favorite part of the school year and showcases the incredible energy, creativity, and school spirit of our students and staff. All students are invited to participate, while our 8th graders will once again take on the starring “LipDub” roles throughout the production.

As we prepare for filming, we ask all families to please talk with their students about appropriate sideline behavior and positive participation expectations. Teachers and staff will also be having these same conversations with students at school. Any student who is captured on video engaging in inappropriate behavior will receive consequences in accordance with the OCPS Code of Student Conduct, which may include suspension.

Our Gotha LipDubs have received widespread attention in past years, including going viral online and being featured on local news stations and even on the Today show. We want to continue representing our school, community, and families in the best possible way, and we appreciate your partnership in helping make this year’s LipDub another positive and memorable experience for everyone.

Check out some of our previous Gotha LipDubs here:


Our LipDub tradition has been recognized for its creativity and school-wide participation over the years. 
 

8th Grade Walkout

We’re excited to share a special celebration for our 8th graders on Friday, 5/22!

During 3rd period, students will premiere the 2026 LipDub, followed by a school-wide parade through the building so they can say goodbye to teachers and staff who have supported them throughout middle school. The parade will finish with our 8th Grade Walkout. (Parents are not permitted inside the school for the parade.)

Families are invited to join us by lining the bus loop starting at 11:30 AM. We would love for you to decorate your cars to help celebrate and make this moment extra special for our students!

A few important notes:

  • Parents are not permitted on campus for the parade portion of the event. Families will participate in the celebration from the car line/bus loop area only.
  • Students are allowed to leave campus following the walkout, but they are not required to do so.
  • Students who leave at that time will not have had lunch yet.
  • If all student work is completed, students may consider Friday, 5/22 their last day of school.
  • Silly string is not permitted. Balloons and confetti are welcome and encouraged for decorating and celebrating.

We’re looking forward to celebrating the Class of 2026 together!

 
Literacy

Literacy News

Summer is the perfect time for students to continue building strong reading habits! Reading over the summer helps students maintain and grow their vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills while also encouraging creativity and imagination. Students can read books, magazines, graphic novels, newspapers, eBooks, or even listen to audiobooks — the important thing is that they keep reading regularly and choose topics that interest them.

We will also be sharing information soon about our Summer Beanstack Reading Challenge, so be on the lookout for details on how students can participate, track their reading, and earn fun incentives throughout the summer!
 
PBIS

OCPS Code of Student Conduct Updates

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

As we approach the end of the school year, we want to remind all students of the importance of continuing to follow the OCPS Code of Student Conduct through the very last day of school on May 27th. We are excited to celebrate the end of a successful year together, and we appreciate everyone helping maintain a safe, respectful, and positive school environment for all students and staff.

For planning purposes, please note that backpacks will not be permitted on Tuesday, May 26th or Wednesday, May 27th. Students should plan accordingly and only bring necessary items to school on those days.
 

This Week at the School

Monday - CFE - periods 3 and 5
Tuesday - Grade Awards Night (invitation only)
Wednesday - Straight A Breakfast; Spirit Day!
Thursday - Gotha LipDub
Friday - 8th Grade Walkout; FINAL Aloha Friday

UPCOMING DATES
May 19th - 8th Grade Awards Ceremony (invitation only)
May 20th - Straight A Breakfast; All Sports Celebration
May 21st - Gotha 2026 LipDub
May 22nd - 8th Grade Walkout
May 25th - NO SCHOOL
May 27th - Last Day of School
 

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