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Gotha Update - Week of August 31, 2026

Posted Date: 08/30/26 (06:30 PM)


Gotha Update

2026-2027 Bring your “A” game!

Week of August 31, 2026

 
We had another great week at Gotha! Our students were learning, connecting, and making positive choices throughout the week, and we continue to be proud of the energy and enthusiasm they bring to campus each day. Thank you to our families for your continued support and partnership!
 

Gotha Teacher and Support Person of the Year

Congratulations to Mrs. Wilcox, our eighth-grade Language Arts teacher, and Ms. Hunter, our ESE paraprofessional, on being named Gotha’s Teacher of the Year and Support Person of the Year! We are proud to celebrate their dedication, hard work, and positive impact on our students and school community.
 

Monday is Dolly Day

On Monday, we’ll celebrate Dolly Day in honor of Dolly Parton and her incredible legacy of literacy, kindness, and compassion. While we celebrate reading every day at Gotha, Monday is an opportunity to recognize the difference we can make simply by being kind to one another. Students and staff are encouraged to wear something that represents kindness and help us fill our campus with a little extra joy, compassion, and positivity!


 

Wesley's Mile

Students in grades 6–8 are invited to join Westly’s Mile Run Club, sponsored by the American Heart Association and Healthy West Orange! The club begins September 22 and will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:40–9:10 a.m. Applications can be picked up in the Media Center and must be returned to Mrs. Weso by September 4.
 

College Colors Day

Show your school spirit for College Colors Day! Students and staff are encouraged to wear the colors, shirts, or gear of their favorite college or university as we celebrate higher education and encourage our students to begin thinking about their future goals on Friday September 4th.
 

Testing Prep Bell Schedule

On Friday, we will follow a special testing-preparation bell schedule to help students get ready for FAST PM1. During this time, students will report to their assigned testing location so they know exactly where to go when testing begins on Tuesday, September 8.
 
LITERACY NEWS

Literacy News

Reading for fun helps students build vocabulary, strengthen comprehension, and develop a lifelong love of learning. We encourage every student to join the Orange County Library System for access to even more books and resources. Don’t forget to log all reading minutes in Beanstack through LaunchPad so we can celebrate our students’ progress!
 

OCPS Code of Student Conduct Updates

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

The Grizz opens on Wednesday September 9th during lunches. Kids will be able to spend those BEAR BUCKS. We are still accepting donations so kids can purchase all types of cool things with the money they’ve earned. DONATE HERE! 💜🐻

Under the updated OCPS School Board policy, motorized scooters and motorized bicycles without operable pedals are not permitted on school campuses. Students have been reminded of this new expectation, and disciplinary consequences for violations will begin September 8. Please contact the school if you have any questions.
 

This Week at the School

Monday - Soccer @ HOME vs. Robinswood MS; DOLLY DAY
Tuesday -
Wednesday - Gotha Spirit Day! Soccer @ HOME vs. Windy Ridge MS (Windy Ridge hosting)
Thursday - Soccer Make-up @ HOME vs. Chain of Lakes MS
Friday - National College Colors Day; Test Prep Bell Schedule

UPCOMING DATES
September 7: NO SCHOOL: Labor Day
September 8: FAST ELA PM1
September 9: Grizz Store opens at lunches
September 10: FAST Math PM1
September 21 - Picture Day
September 21-25: Start with Hello Week
 

PTO Updates

LAST CHANCE, GRIZZLIES! WANT A SHOT AT TWO UNIVERSAL TICKETS?!

Get your PTO membership Silver level or higher by MONDAY, AUGUST 31st to be entered! And yes, you can be a PTO member without volunteering.

Just join to support our school, and you're in the squad. Join here: https://gothapto.ptboard.com/home

Spiritwear is still $18! Get your new grizzly drip for spirit Wednesdays!

Next PTO Meeting: Friday, Sept. 4 @ 9:30 AM Everyone is welcome!
 

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.
Principal
Gotha Middle School
9155 Gotha Rd.
Windermere, FL 34768
It’s A GREAT Day to be A Grizzly