Student Spotlight -
Exciting news! Luke Bollinger is a finalist for the National FFA Agriscience Fair! He competed at the state level in June and took 1st place in the Power, Structural & Technical Systems category with his innovative petal-powered generator that produces electricity without fossil fuels. Luke's National interview is on September 22nd, and he will proudly represent Gray Middle FFA on the National FFA Stage in Indianapolis, Indiana, on October 31st. Congratulations! Go Gators! 🐊
Please consider helping our staff by contributing to our Zen Den :) Thank you!
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Cecil E. Gray Middle School Open House & Clubs Night
We invite all parents and guardians to join us on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 5:30–7:00 PM!
What to Expect:
* Meet your child’s teachers and learn about each class.
* We’ll run a bell schedule by period, starting promptly at 5:30 PM – so please plan to arrive on time.
From 6:30–7:00 PM, explore our Clubs Showcase in the cafeteria to see all the exciting opportunities available for students this year!
This is a great opportunity to connect, ask questions, and be part of your student’s journey at Gray. We can’t wait to see you there!
We invite all parents and guardians to join us on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 5:30–7:00 PM!
What to Expect:
* Meet your child’s teachers and learn about each class.
* We’ll run a bell schedule by period, starting promptly at 5:30 PM – so please plan to arrive on time.
From 6:30–7:00 PM, explore our Clubs Showcase in the cafeteria to see all the exciting opportunities available for students this year!
This is a great opportunity to connect, ask questions, and be part of your student’s journey at Gray. We can’t wait to see you there!
This is a great opportunity for Youth Leaders.
Fall Picture Day is scheduled for Thursday, August 28th. Forms were sent home Friday. Please keep in mind that your student needs to remain in dress code for Picture Day. We are looking forward to seeing everyone's smile :)
Our Gators are earning Gator Bucks for their positive behavior in class. We had long lines of students this morning ready to redeem their bucks. Keep it up! 🐊
Next Rep, Best Rep - Hard Work Pays Off!
Our Gators are earning Gator Bucks for their positive behavior in class. We had long lines of students this morning ready to redeem their bucks. Keep it up! 🐊
Next Rep, Best Rep - Hard Work Pays Off!
Next Rep, Best Rep - Hard Work Pays Off!
Tickets are selling fast! Lake County Schools employees, students, friends, and families are headed to Gainesville to watch the Florida Gators take on the Long Island Sharks on Saturday, August 30. Join us! A portion of every ticket sold will be donated back to the Education Foundation of Lake County to support Lake County Schools! Looks like it's going to be a sellout, so get your tickets today at https://www.gofevo.com/event/Lakecounty60
The City of Mascotte is holding a Free Community Health Expo on September 20th. Take a look!
Please take a look regarding an update for YMCA
The City of Mascotte invites all youth in grades 5–8 to kick off the school year at a Back-to-School Neon Glow Party!
📅 Date: Saturday, August 23rd
🕖 Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: Mascotte Civic Center
📅 Date: Saturday, August 23rd
🕖 Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: Mascotte Civic Center
Dear Families,
We are eager to hear from you if your family is in need of resources! To better support our students and families, I have created a short Parent Resource Survey. This survey will help me understand your needs and how I can assist you.
It only takes a few minutes to complete, and your feedback will be invaluable in identifying the resources or supports that would be most helpful for your family. Please rest assured that all responses are confidential. Once you complete the survey, I will reach out to you to offer assistance.
👉 Here is the link: https://forms.gle/UfcwUPcbj9Tfi8kL9
Thank you so much for your time and for being such an important part of our school community!
Ms. Brown, Social Worker
We are eager to hear from you if your family is in need of resources! To better support our students and families, I have created a short Parent Resource Survey. This survey will help me understand your needs and how I can assist you.
It only takes a few minutes to complete, and your feedback will be invaluable in identifying the resources or supports that would be most helpful for your family. Please rest assured that all responses are confidential. Once you complete the survey, I will reach out to you to offer assistance.
👉 Here is the link: https://forms.gle/UfcwUPcbj9Tfi8kL9
Thank you so much for your time and for being such an important part of our school community!
Ms. Brown, Social Worker
Join Us for Our First PTO/SAC Meeting!
We’re kicking off the school year with our first Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and School Advisory Council (SAC) meeting on Thursday, August 21st, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Media Center.
This is your chance to connect with other parents, collaborate with school staff, and have a voice in shaping the programs and events that make Gray Middle School great! Whether you’re a returning member or joining for the first time, we’d love to see you there.
When: Thursday, August 21st, 2025 – 6:00 PM
Where: Media Center
Your involvement makes a difference for our students!
Below are programs that have opened at Lake Sumter College in Clermont;
Programs for Elementary and Middle School Students
Reading Clinic for K-6 Students - Help your child build strong literacy skills with our brand-new Reading Clinic. This program provides personalized, one-on-one support in reading, writing, and communication from a supervised undergraduate education student.
• Who: Students in Kindergarten through 6th grade
• When: Thursday evenings, 5:45 PM - 6:45 PM, from September 11 to November 13, 2025 (10 weeks)
• Cost: $75
To register, you can scan the QR code on our flyer or use the link below: Reading Clinic Registration
Make Your First Video Game! - Unleash your creativity and learn the fundamentals of game design in this exciting course. Students will work together to create a 2D platformer game, exploring everything from level design and graphics to basic coding. No prior experience is needed—just a passion for fun!
• Who: Middle school students
• When: October 6 - October 29, 2025
• Virtual Class
Roblox Club - Calling all Roblox fans! Join us on Friday nights to collaborate and play mini-games with a Roblox coach. It's a great way to make new friends in a safe and engaging environment.
• Who: Middle school students
• When: October 10 - November 21, 2025 (no class on October 31)
• Virtual Class
________________________________________
New Program for High School Students
PERT Power-Up Course - Give your high schooler the confidence they need to succeed on the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) and unlock Dual Enrollment. This intensive one-month course offers targeted strategies, extensive practice, and personalized support to help them master the exam. The $149 fee even includes the cost of the actual PERT test!
• Who: High school students preparing for Dual Enrollment
• When & Where: Choose from one of three sessions:
o Leesburg Campus: Saturdays, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, from September 13 to 27, 2025
o South Lake Campus: Saturdays, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, from October 11 to 25, 2025
o Sumter Center: Saturdays, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, from November 8 to 29, 2025
To register for any of our programs, visit lssc.edu and click "Apply," then select the "Xploration Non-Credit Programs" application.
Don't wait—spots are limited and filling up fast!
Programs for Elementary and Middle School Students
Reading Clinic for K-6 Students - Help your child build strong literacy skills with our brand-new Reading Clinic. This program provides personalized, one-on-one support in reading, writing, and communication from a supervised undergraduate education student.
• Who: Students in Kindergarten through 6th grade
• When: Thursday evenings, 5:45 PM - 6:45 PM, from September 11 to November 13, 2025 (10 weeks)
• Cost: $75
To register, you can scan the QR code on our flyer or use the link below: Reading Clinic Registration
Make Your First Video Game! - Unleash your creativity and learn the fundamentals of game design in this exciting course. Students will work together to create a 2D platformer game, exploring everything from level design and graphics to basic coding. No prior experience is needed—just a passion for fun!
• Who: Middle school students
• When: October 6 - October 29, 2025
• Virtual Class
Roblox Club - Calling all Roblox fans! Join us on Friday nights to collaborate and play mini-games with a Roblox coach. It's a great way to make new friends in a safe and engaging environment.
• Who: Middle school students
• When: October 10 - November 21, 2025 (no class on October 31)
• Virtual Class
________________________________________
New Program for High School Students
PERT Power-Up Course - Give your high schooler the confidence they need to succeed on the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) and unlock Dual Enrollment. This intensive one-month course offers targeted strategies, extensive practice, and personalized support to help them master the exam. The $149 fee even includes the cost of the actual PERT test!
• Who: High school students preparing for Dual Enrollment
• When & Where: Choose from one of three sessions:
o Leesburg Campus: Saturdays, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, from September 13 to 27, 2025
o South Lake Campus: Saturdays, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, from October 11 to 25, 2025
o Sumter Center: Saturdays, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, from November 8 to 29, 2025
To register for any of our programs, visit lssc.edu and click "Apply," then select the "Xploration Non-Credit Programs" application.
Don't wait—spots are limited and filling up fast!
REMINDER:
• Fall sports tryouts (Cross Country, Flag Football, and Girls Volleyball) begin Monday, August 18th from 4:30 - 6:00 PM.
• Coaches will give out schedules with more information.
• Students will be dismissed after school and go straight to the gym/locker room. They will change and meet coaches in the gym.
• Pick up time is 6:00 PM at the gym parking lot off CHERRY STREET.
• Parents/guardians will receive an email that your student is cleared to participate after all necessary items are uploaded in the Athletic Clearance portal.
Thank you!
Are you ready for some football? Join Lake County Schools employees, students, friends, and families in Gainesville as the Florida Gators take on the Long Island Sharks on Saturday, August 30. A portion of every ticket sold will be donated back to the Education Foundation of Lake County to support Lake County Schools! Get your tickets at https://www.gofevo.com/event/Lakecounty60
Our teachers were able to get some needed school supplies into their classrooms, thanks to all of the generous donations from Real Life Christian Church. We appreciate the support so much for helping our teachers and students get off to a great start to the school year. Thank you!
Students will not receive a Chromebook until their parent or guardian completes the beginning-of-the-year paperwork in FOCUS. Please take a few minutes to complete this as soon as possible so your student can receive their device on time.
Chromebook Distribution Schedule:
📅 Monday, August 18 – 8th Grade
📅 Tuesday, August 19 – 7th Grade
📅 Wednesday, August 20 – 6th Grade
If you are having trouble accessing FOCUS, please contact the front office for assistance.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us make the Chromebook distribution process smooth for everyone!
ATTENTION GATOR STUDENT- ATHLETES!
We will be using https://athleticclearance.com/ to submit your Athletic packet and physical.
Go to https://athleticclearance.com/
Choose Florida
Log in or Create an Account
Physical Night will be this Thursday, 8/14/25 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Doors will close at 8:00 PM. The cost is $10.00 per student and this will be for Gray Middle School Students only.
If you have any questions please email Adel Ramirez at Ramireza@lake.k12.fl.us
We will be using https://athleticclearance.com/ to submit your Athletic packet and physical.
Go to https://athleticclearance.com/
Choose Florida
Log in or Create an Account
Physical Night will be this Thursday, 8/14/25 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Doors will close at 8:00 PM. The cost is $10.00 per student and this will be for Gray Middle School Students only.
If you have any questions please email Adel Ramirez at Ramireza@lake.k12.fl.us
