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
Hello Gators,
Are you interested in a program before school hours for your student? If so, please fill out this form regarding interest in the YMCA. https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=n-yMtvn6Wk2-6A3HTqwqICjCx2GDvU9CgJPP0gFNIB1UNU45UDhNSlMxOVRDREo3RjdOMlpOOTA2UC4u&origin=QRCode
Are you interested in a program before school hours for your student? If so, please fill out this form regarding interest in the YMCA. https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=n-yMtvn6Wk2-6A3HTqwqICjCx2GDvU9CgJPP0gFNIB1UNU45UDhNSlMxOVRDREo3RjdOMlpOOTA2UC4u&origin=QRCode
It was a wonderful day in The Swamp! We started the morning with a breakfast for our teachers and welcomed in our Gators. It's going to be a great year! 🐊
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We are committed to supporting our students and families in every way possible. Please take a few minutes to complete this confidential survey. Your feedback will help us identify the resources and support services that are most needed. Your responses will help our Social Worker better support you and your children! Attached is a link that you can complete, and our Social Worker will contact you https://forms.gle/6uaeXSmmsP9aEjyf6
We are committed to supporting our students and families in every way possible. Please take a few minutes to complete this confidential survey. Your feedback will help us identify the resources and support services that are most needed. Your responses will help our Social Worker better support you and your children! Attached is a link that you can complete, and our Social Worker will contact you https://forms.gle/6uaeXSmmsP9aEjyf6
We are having a fantastic start to the school year. Today was full of connections and learning. Next Rep, Best Rep - Hard Work Pays Off! It's going to be a great year in The Swamp! 🐊
Thank you to the South Lake Chamber and all of the business partners for celebrating our teachers with a Back to School Breakfast. Gray Middle had so much fun and won the Spirit Award!
Welcome to our new Gator Teachers! We are so happy to have you in The Swamp!
Grab your friends and family and come to the Clermont Florida Blue Center, 2601 S. Highway 27 in Clermont, on Saturday, August 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for FREE backpacks (limit 3 per household) and school supply giveaways, fun activities for the kids, and resources to help students start the school year strong. Plus, enjoy healthy refreshments as you kick off the start of the upcoming school year and learn about local community organizations in the area. Everyone is welcome! You do not need to be a Florida Blue member to participate, and there is no cost to attend. Learn more and RSVP at https://appointments.floridablue.com/fbevents/s/event-details?eventId=a2Wan000000c89REAQ
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
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.
“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
Grab your friends and family and come to the Clermont Florida Blue Center, 2601 S. Highway 27 in Clermont, on Saturday, August 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for FREE backpacks (limit 3 per household) and school supply giveaways, fun activities for the kids, and resources to help students start the school year strong. Plus, enjoy healthy refreshments as you kick off the start of the upcoming school year and learn about local community organizations in the area. Everyone is welcome! You do not need to be a Florida Blue member to participate, and there is no cost to attend. Learn more and RSVP at https://appointments.floridablue.com/fbevents/s/event-details?eventId=a2Wan000000c89REAQ
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
📣 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.
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.
