Cecil E. Gray Middle

Hello Gators,
We are gearing up for the school year and would like to offer you the opportunity to purchase some cool Gator merchandise. Take a look at what there is to offer. The online store will close on 8/18/25. https://stores.inksoft.com/WS119032/shop/home

In collaboration with local law enforcement, Lake County Schools will host active-assailant training exercises at two school campuses this week. These exercises are part of a continuing effort to ensure that officers and deputies are fully prepared to respond swiftly and effectively in the unlikely event of a real-life emergency. The sessions will be held on Thursday, July 31, at East Ridge Middle School and on Friday, August 1, at Umatilla High School, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. The interactive training will include simulated gunfire and student actors to create real-life scenarios.

“We understand that these exercises can raise concerns,” Deputy Superintendent Chad Farnsworth said. “However, law enforcement officials stress the importance of training in realistic settings to be better equipped to protect our students and staff.”

The trainings were intentionally scheduled during the summer when students and teachers are not on campus. Participation is limited to student actors whose parents have provided written consent. The district notified the community in advance through social media and the district and school websites.

“We are deeply grateful for the partnership we share with local law enforcement and for their ongoing commitment to keeping our schools safe,” Farnsworth added. “While we all wish this type of training wasn’t necessary, we must prepare. We support our officers and deputies as they train to be there for us when we need them most.”

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) conducts active assailant training on an ongoing basis as required by state statutes and accreditation requirements to ensure the safety of all involved if such a scenario plays out at one of our schools. It’s especially vital for School Resource Deputies to undergo active assailant training in a realistic environment, as their preparedness can significantly reduce casualties and protect students and staff during such critical incidents, an LCSO spokesperson explained. Demonstrating our teamwork in safety, representatives from Lake County Schools and the Florida Department of Education will also be in attendance at the upcoming training.

Students will receive breakfast and lunch at no charge in the 2025-26 school year. Learn more here: https://www.lake.k12.fl.us/article/2330002

📣 ONE WEEK LEFT to sign up for GATOR CAMP! 🐊

Are you an incoming 6th grader or new to Gray Middle School? Don’t miss this chance to get a head start on the 2025–26 school year!

📅 Gator Camp: Wednesday, July 30th
🕘 9:00–11:00 AM

✅ Meet some of your teachers
✅ Explore campus
✅ Learn what it means to be a Gator!

💬 Parents are welcome to join at 9:00 for a quick info session with Principal Frana.

We look forward to seeing all of our Gators and Gator Families in The Swamp on August 8th!

Attention Gators! We made the Back-to-School shopping easy by creating supply bundles - use this link to order. We are looking forward to seeing you in The Swamp soon! https://lakecounty.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/1130/552/False/True

🎉 GATOR CAMP 2025! 🐊 Calling all incoming 6th graders to Gray Middle School (2025-26)! Join us for Gator Camp on Wednesday, July 30th from 9:00–11:00 AM! 📚 Meet some of your teachers 🏫 Get a sneak peek into 6th grade life 💚 Learn what it means to be a Gator! SIGN UP LINK BELOW https://forms.gle/WfQq54nYCppdWgAm7 This is your chance to get comfortable, get connected, and get excited for the 2025–26 school year. Drop-off and pick-up required — parents, we’ve got it from there! Let’s kick off your middle school journey the Gator way! 🐊💥

We aren’t finished yet and still have growing to do but we grew by 9 points. Our theme for the 25-26 school year is Next Rep, Best Rep - Hard Work Pays Off. #Readytowork

We are about a month away from the first day of school. Plan ahead and get your back-to-school and sports physicals completed free of charge in Eustis on Saturday, July 19. Register in advance and get more information at this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfpmLjUw5yXaDD1oYyQX6gZ8xGTRqyn8N1L1A5Wm8GXCbYcbg/viewform

The City of Mascotte is holding a dance for any student in grades 5th through 8th. Hope you can join!

🎉 GATOR CAMP 2025! 🐊 Calling all incoming 6th graders to Gray Middle School (2025-26)! Join us for Gator Camp on Wednesday, July 30th from 9:00–11:00 AM! 📚 Meet some of your teachers 🏫 Get a sneak peek into 6th grade life 💚 Learn what it means to be a Gator! SIGN UP LINK BELOW https://forms.gle/WfQq54nYCppdWgAm7 This is your chance to get comfortable, get connected, and get excited for the 2025–26 school year. Drop-off and pick-up required — parents, we’ve got it from there! Let’s kick off your middle school journey the Gator way! 🐊💥

🎉 GATOR CAMP 2025! 🐊 Calling all incoming 6th graders to Gray Middle School (2025-26)! Join us for Gator Camp on Wednesday, July 30th from 9:00–11:00 AM! 📚 Meet some of your teachers 🏫 Get a sneak peek into 6th-grade life 💚 Learn what it means to be a Gator! SIGN UP LINK BELOW https://forms.gle/WfQq54nYCppdWgAm7 This is your chance to get comfortable, get connected, and get excited for the 2025–26 school year. Drop-off and pick-up required — parents, we’ve got it from there! Let’s kick off your middle school journey the Gator way! 🐊💥

Are you still looking for a fun summer learning opportunity for your kids? The Healthcare Exploration Camp at Lake-Sumter State College still has spots available! This camp will be held June 9-12 and is for rising 6th-9th grade students. Don't delay! The deadline to register is June 1. Links for registration: Clermont Campus: https://lssc.catalog.instructure.com/browse/earlycollegeprograms/xploration/courses/crn30002rec0285healthcare-summer-exploration Leesburg Campus: https://lssc.catalog.instructure.com/browse/earlycollegeprograms/xploration/courses/crn30003rec0285healthcare-summer-exploration

Test retakes are being offered this summer to students who did not pass the Algebra I End of Course (EOC) exam or the Grade 10 FAST Reading exam, and to students who missed the Geometry, Biology, or U.S. History End of Course exams in the spring. Sign up using this link: https://forms.gle/MV8wbsHjWwGMcb8YA. The deadline to register is June 19. Tests will be given July 14-16 at the student’s zoned high school. Parents will receive specific dates and times on or before June 26.

REMINDER: Schools are closed tomorrow for Memorial Day. Then, students will follow the Wednesday early release schedule for Tuesday, May 27, Wednesday, May 28, and Thursday, May 29, which is the last day of classes!

Today we had a blast playing Old Fashioned Games at Lake David Park. This was our last PBIS event of the year. Congratulations to all of our Gators that earned Gator Bucks. Thank you to everyone for supporting PBIS!