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Gotha Update - Week of September 28, 2026

Posted Date: 09/27/26 (06:30 PM)
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A digital banner for Gotha Middle School with the text "Gotha Update" and "It's a Great Day to be a Grizzly!", featuring a school logo and a portrait of Principal Emery.

2026-2027 Bring your “A” game!

 

Week of September 28, 2026

What a great week to be a Grizzly! Start with Hello Week brought our students and staff together and reminded us how much a simple hello, a kind word, or an invitation to join in can mean. I loved seeing our school community celebrate each other and help everyone feel included.

The week may be ending, but kindness doesn’t have an end date! Let’s keep encouraging our Grizzlies to notice who might need a friend, include someone new, and look out for one another. Those everyday choices help make Gotha a place where every student feels they belong. 
 

This Week’s Students of the Week

Congratulations to this week's Cambridge Learner Attributes Students of the Week.  Congratulations to Keegan Lasser, who was nominated for being INNOVATIVE, and Xavier Lemaine who was nominated for being REFLECTIVE!

CONFIDENT
RESPONSIBLE
REFLECTIVE
INNOVATIVE
ENGAGED
 

Fall FUNdraiser

Ready to win a Disney Springs Movie Night? 

Our Grizzly Groove Silent Disco Fundraiser kicks off TODAY, and we’re starting with a weekend challenge!

REGISTER BY SEPTEMBER 27
Everyone who registers by TODAY, the 27th, will be entered for a chance to win a Disney Springs Movie Night! Plus, there’s a prize just for registering! Registration is FREE!!  Our goal is to have ALL kids registered.  

Our goal is $15,000!  If we meet the goal, the kids are going to be able to DUCT TAPE me to a wall!!

Funds raised will support Gotha students as they Learn, Gather, and Belong by helping provide meaningful spaces and experiences for our school community.

Getting started is easy:  Visit mybooster.com to register!

Every registration brings us one step closer to our goal, and we can’t wait to see our Gotha community get into the groove!
Grizzly Groove
 

Stress Free Tips

During last week’s Resiliency Day, students were introduced to breathing as a strategy for managing stressful emotions. This relaxation breathing video reinforces that lesson. Watch it with your Grizzly and practice together so they feel comfortable using this tool when they need a moment to pause and reset.
 

JERSEY MIKE’S SPIRIT NIGHT!

Skip the kitchen and grab dinner while supporting Gotha Middle School! 

Thursday, October 1, 2026
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Jersey Mike’s Subs
6700 Conroy Drive, Orlando, FL

20% of ALL proceeds from 4:00-8:00 PM will benefit Gotha Middle School!

IMPORTANT: Make sure you use promo code JMGIVES when ordering so your purchase counts toward the fundraiser!  Bring the family, grab your favorite sub, and let Jersey Mike’s do the cooking! 
 
LITERACY NEWS

Literacy News

Reading at home is one of the best ways students can strengthen their vocabulary, comprehension, and overall academic success. Please encourage your student to read for at least 20 minutes each evening and talk with them about what they are reading. Looking for a great book? Explore the 2026–2027 Sunshine State Young Readers Award list for grades 6–8 for engaging, student-recommended titles!
 
ROAR

OCPS Code of Student Conduct Updates

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

We’re seeing more students slow down between classes and arrive after the bell. Even one minute late can mean missing directions, a review, or the introduction to a new concept—and those minutes add up! Please remind your Grizzly to keep moving and arrive ready to learn. Five or more tardies to ANY class will result in a referral, and students with referrals may not attend quarterly incentive days. Thank you for reinforcing the importance of getting to every class on time!
 

This Week at the School

Monday - PMAs Begin 
Tuesday - 
Wednesday - Gotha Spirit Day
Thursday - Spirit NIght @ Jersey Mike's
Friday - College & Kindness Day

UPCOMING DATES
Fall FUNdraiser Kickoff!
September 28 - October 2:  Progress Monitoring Assessments:  Science, Civics, Algebra & Geometry
October 1:  Spirit Night - Jersey Mike's
October 2: PTO Meeting
October 9:  INCENTIVE DAY/ Silent Disco
October 9: End of Q1
October 12:  No School/ Teacher Work Day
October 22:  Report Cards Q1
 

PTO Updates

🌿💜 PTO MEETING THIS FRIDAY! 💜🌿
Come hang out with us Friday, October 2 at 9:30 AM on the patio! ☀️🌱

We’re taking our PTO meeting outside as part of our Green School Initiative—a simple way to conserve energy while enjoying a little fresh air! 🌎💚

But there’s more than just sunshine on the agenda! 😉 Come find out what’s happening around Gotha, hear updates from Mrs. Emery, learn about what’s coming up, and see how you can get involved in making a difference for our students and school (only if you want to, no pressure!). 🐻💜 Whether you’re a PTO regular or this is your first meeting, we’d love to see you!

📅 Friday, October 2
⏰ 9:30 AM
📍 Gotha Middle School Patio

Grab your coffee, bring your ideas, and come join us! ☕️🌿
Will we see you on the patio? 👋💜
PTO
 

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
407-521-2360
It’s A GREAT Day to be A Grizzly
 

 

Gotha Reminders