2007-2008 OCPS School Calendar Gotha Middle School Calendar

• 8th Grade Dance:
  The 8th grade dance in going to be held on May 30, 2008. Tickets are $6.00 and will be on sale May 13th to May 16th. We are also looking for chaperones for the 8th grade dance. If you are interested call Lora King at 407-574-5222.
  
  
  
  
• Chick-Fil-A Spirit Night for Beta Club:
  Chick-Fil-A Spirit Night for Beta Club is this Monday, May 12 th 6pm-8pm. Be there to support the Beta Club's trip to Nationals in Myrtle Beach. You will see your teachers serving food, and the first period with the most students there, will receive a free Chick Fil A bisquit party! Drama Club will have a performance in the main cafeteria on Friday, May 16 th at 7pm. We will be performing hits from Annie, Grease, Rent & more!! Come and see some real talent!
  
  
  
  
• Performing Arts Concert Series:
  Please come enjoy our Performing Arts Concert Series. May 15th the Gotha Middle School Orchestra will be performing in the Main Cafeteria from 7-9 PM. May 19th is the Chorus Concert in the Main Cafeteria from 5-8:30 PM. The Guitar Concert is May 20th from 7-8:30 PM in the Main Cafeteria. On May 22nd, the Band Concert will be held in the gym from 7-8:30 PM.
  
  
  
  
  
• Spring Barb-B-Q at Olympia High:
  Attention all incoming freshmen boys interested in playing football next year at Olympia High School come out on Saturday May 17 th to the Black and Silver Game and the Spring Barb-b-Q. The BBQ runs from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Olympia High School. You and your parents will get a chance to meet the coaches and see the team you will be playing for. The barb-B-Q will be immediately following the game in the cafeteria at 12:00 PM. Best of all the food is free!!! There will be lots of raffle prizes, football gear, and information on summer practice.
  
  
  
  
  
• Delta Airlines Summer Camp in Atlanta, GA:
  Delta Airlines is sponsoring a camp over the summer in Atlanta, GA. The camp runs from July 14th to the 18th and from July 21st to the 25th. For more information, please download the flyer. The deadline for all applications is Monday, June 2, 2008.
  
  
  
  
  
• Gotha Middle School 2008 Mathathon Report:
  Math students of Gotha Middle recently participated in the annual St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Mathathon. Students worked math problems and collected pledges from family and friends. These pledges along with pledges from 53,000 other schools are sent to St Jude. St Jude researchers seek to develop new medications and treatments for childhood catastrophic diseases. They share these findings with other hospitals, doctors, and researchers worldwide. Funds raised by our Mathathon students benefit children here and throughout the world. This year Gotha students raised over $7,700 for this charity. Prior to this year, Gotha students participating in Mathathon collected over $31,000. Two students raised $1000 or more. They are Sean Dillon from Mrs. Wynn's class, and Zarna Patel from Mrs. Seppanen's class. Two students raised between $250 and $499. They are Alex Weitzel from Mrs. Wynn's class, and Zachary Fitts from Mrs. Skibiki's class. Eight students raised between $125 and $249. They are: Kevin Sooklall (Mrs. Skibiki), Taylor Higgins, Samentha Markell (Mrs. Wynn), Brendan Ruchlin, Georgina Newman, Eden Gordon, Savannah Kehoe (Mrs. Trew), Shantel Zander (Ms. Bellamy) Nine students collected between $75 and $124. They are: William Gunderson, Taylor McDonald, Alec Amundson (Mrs. Skibiki), Sydney Burns, Adekemi Ayen, Tabitha Markell (Mrs. Wynn), Yaseer Juman, Chris Raynor, Paul Gamboa (Mrs. Trew). Twenty-six students raised between $35 and $74. Eight-nine students participated in the Mathathon this year. We are very proud of these students for their effort and participation in this charity program.
  
  
  
  
  
• Olympia Club Tryouts:
  Olympia High School Cheerleading Tryouts will be held on Tuesday, May 27, Wednesday, May 28 and Friday, May 30 – from 5pm – 8pm in the OHS gym. Questions should be directed to Sandy Kubany, Cheerleading Coach.  Sandra.kubany@ocps.net
  
  Olympia Color Guard Tryouts will be held May 22nd from 5-8 in the Olympia HS cafeteria. Any questions should be directed to Ms. Sabrina Lawrence at Olympia High School.
  
  
  
  
• Gotha PTSA Meeting:
  The Gotha PTSA will hold a general meeting on Thursday, May 22 at 6:30 PM in the Gotha cafeteria. We need your input on our PTSA Executive Board! We hope you will attend this brief meeting that will be held right before the Spring Band Concert. For questions or more details, please contact either Sandy Kupetz at SDKupetz@gmail.com or Sharon Wolber at SLWolber@aol.com .
  
  
  
  
• Sports Physical Night at Olympia High School:
  Do you need a Physical to play sports next year? Join us for OHS Sports Physical Night on May 21, 2008, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Olympia High School Gymnasium. The cost is $20.00 and checks should be made payable to Olympia High School (OHS). Paperwork can be picked up at Olympia, at the front office, Room 410 or in the Athletic Training Room. All necessary paperwork must be filled out prior to having a physical. Please note that this will be the only day that physicals will be given at OHS for next year. There will be no physicals given at OHS this Summer.
  
  
  

• Labels & Boxtops for Education:
  Help us raise some extra cash and receive free merchandise for our school through the “Campbell 's Labels for Education” program and the “Box Tops for Education” program by General Mills. All you have to do is save proofs from participating Campbell products or clip the “Box Tops for Education” coupons from products and send them to our school. The labels and box tops can be dropped off at the media center. Visit the websites labelsforeducation.com and boxtops4education.com for more information on these programs and for more ways you can help or contact Mr. Wiedecker at 407-521-2360 x2283.
  
  
  

• NO GUM AT SCHOOL, EVER:
  PARENTS, PLEASE HELP US! Gum is not permitted at school– not before school, not during school, not after school, not on the bus, not at school sporting events, not at school concerts, NO GUM AT SCHOOL ANYTIME – WHEW! Students with gum may receive Wednesday School or Saturday School , which ever is available closest to when the infraction occurs. Of course, not all students will be caught (similar to traffic speeding tickets and those who speed) however, the crack down on gum cracking has begun. Repeat offenders will receive a referral for insubordination and possession of contraband.

  
  
  
  

• Babysitter Training:
  SAFE SITTER (babysitter training) is a medically accurate, hands-on, class that teaches boys and girls ages 11 – 13 how to handle emergencies when caring for children. The course fee is $50.00. The classes are 2 days from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. Sessions begin June 13th. For more information, contact Health Central at 407.296.1440 to register.

   

• New to Gotha Parent Orientation:
  On Monday, May 12th, there will be a New to Gotha Parent Orientation. At 6:00 PM there will be a School Advisory Committee (SAC) Meeting in the Media Center. At 6:30 PM there will be a presentation followed by a Question & Answer Session in the Cafeteria. Parents of incoming 6th graders (or parents of any prospective Gotha student) are invited to attend. •  WHAT: GMS NEW PARENT ORIENTATION •  WHEN: Monday, May 12th 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm •  WHERE: GMS Cafeteria •  WHAT: Curriculum, PTSA, extracurricular activities, etc.

• The Final SAC Meeting Date:
  

  The School Advisory Committee will be meeting at 6:30 PM in the media center on May 12th. All are welcome to attend.

  
  
  
• 2008-2009 OCPS School Calendar Available:
  The 2008-2009 OCPS School Calendar is available here.
  
  
• First Time Driver (D.A.T.A.) Online Driver's License Exam:
  

  Never had a Driver's License? All first time drivers in the State of Florida are required to take the Drug Alcohol Traffic Awareness (DATA) course before applying for their license. Take the 4 hour class at your convenience and from the privacy of your own home! By taking this course, you will learn about how alcohol and other drugs affect your ability to drive, laws and responsibilities, safe driving techniques, and how to increase your awareness on our roadways. You will also have the option of taking your driver's license exam online after completing this course (if applicable). Save time and take on-line! Go to www.ocpsdriver.com Support your school! A portion of the registration cost is given to the Orange County School System. This course is approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

  
  

• Word of the Day Winners:
  Congratulations to last week's Word of the Day Winners! They were Jacob Neff, Adam Bell, and Decima Van Hook. You can claim your prize in F102. Prizes include GMS backpacks, McDonalds gift cards, fast passes, free bowling and miniature golf certificates, etc.

  
  
  

• Healthy Tip for the Week (Updated):
  Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily- 60 minutes for children.  You can break it up into 10-15 minute sessions throughout the day.  It's the daily total that matters.
  
  

• From the PTSA Guardian Angels:
  Do you have any old cell phones lying around the house?  Are you wondering what to do with them? You can provide a lifeline to someone in need by donating them to the Gotha PTSA Guardian Angels.  Harbor House, the Orange County Center Against Domestic Violence, has an ongoing need for used cell phones.  Harbor House provides a temporary safe shelter for women who experience violence in their homes.  One in four women experience abuse in their relationships, and children often witness or experience the abuse first hand.  A cell phone may be the lifeline they need to seek help.  All donated phones are refurbished and given to the women at the shelter free of charge.  If you get a new cell phone and would be willing to donate your old one, please contact me so I can arrange to pick it up from you, or you can leave it at the front office with Mary or Brenda marked, "For PTSA, Attention: Sharon Wolber."
  
  
• Gotha Middle School Products Available:
  Gotha Middle School Products are now available from the bookstore! Store hours are Monday - Friday from 9 AM to 9:30 AM at the window by the bus loop. Please email Mrs. Barber for more information.
• Gotha Lanyards             $  2.00
• Gotha Spirit Shirts         $  5.00
• Gotha Umbrellas            $10.00
• Gotha folding chairs       $15.00 with built-in Cup Holder, GMS printed on the back of the chair
  
  
• Peer Mediation:
  If students are experiencing conflict with one another, Peer Mediation can help! Our Gotha Peer Mediators are trained to work with students who have problems such as gossip, name calling, threats, friendship issues and more. Fill out a request form in your grade level office and we will help you resolve your conflicts. Avoid confrontation! Work it out with Peer Mediation. *Peer Mediation is voluntary.  Students may choose whether or not to participate.
  
  
  
  
• Volunteer "ADDitions" Needed & Partners in Education:
  Don't forget that an ADDitions Volunteer Application must be filled out each year in order to be able to volunteer at the school, or go on a field trip with your child.  Please click here for the 2007-2008 application. It sometimes can take a few weeks to be approved, so it is advisable to take care of this as soon as possible. If you would like your name included on our e-mails listing any possible volunteer opportunities at Gotha Middle School, please e-mail Karen Bethencourt, our PTSA Vice President responsible for ADDitions at kbethencourt@mac.com.
  

  Partners in Education (PIE) are individuals and companies who desire to get involved with our school. PIE members donate their time, talents, and treasure to help our students individually achieve success or sponsor a program or event that will enhance our school. In return, our school, team, or organization will help to support your business in any way possible. Gotha Middle School welcomes our new Partners In Education. We welcome their support for teach in on November 14. Please support our partners listed here. If you are interested in becoming a Partner In Education please contact Mrs. Daly at dalyl@ocps.net or 407-521-2360 x2248.
  
  
  

• PLC News:
  Thanks to parents of ESOL students who attended our first Parent Leadership Council. We elected our PLC Chair and co-chair. They will serve as a liaison for concerns to the ESOL administration. Gotha Middle School's 2007-2008 PLC Chair is Yolanda Merno ( ymoreno@MYCFE.com ) and the co-chair is Lilia Lozada ( Lesadal@bellsouth.net ). Marjorie McGinley is our curriculum compliance teacher for ESOL and Mrs. Daly is the ESOL administrator. We welcome the opportunity to serve our ESOL community with equity and excellence.
  
  A Spanish version of the survey distributed at Town Hall meetings is now available on the Internet here. This is the same survey for which the Superintendent and school board want staff and community input as they work to refine the district's strategic plan.
  
  
• Parent/Student Online Grade Access:
  The website for parents and students to view grades from is http://parentaccess.ocps.net. If you need a replacement password, or have any questions about the online access, please call the office at 407-521-2360.
  
  
  
• SPEAKOUT HOTLINE: 1-800-226-7733

  The goal of the SpeakOut Hotline is to empower young people to positively affect their school and community through the anonymous reporting of criminal activity. SpeakOut Hotline was created to give students, adults and law enforcement a voice in the fight against school violence and juvenile criminal activity. The Hotline is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. SpeakOut tips, like Crimeline tips, are handled with the upmost security, sensitivity and seriousness. SpeakOut Hotline has no voice recorders or caller ID. A Hotline operator will never ask your name, age, school, address, or phone number. Your call is completely anonymous.

  
  

• Gotha Gram: To subscribe to the Gotha Gram, please click here to send an email to the webmaster, Craig Samuels.
  

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Together the Future is Ours!

Gotha Middle School is a student-oriented school that focuses on the whole child.
We promote a partnership between students, educators, parents and community to achieve our goals of:

	Academic excellence
	Character development
	Technological proficiency
	Preparing students for transition to high school and beyond!

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