Miller's Minutes
August 24th, 2026
Gulf Gate Families,
As we continue through the school year, we want to thank you for your continued support and partnership in making Gulf Gate School a wonderful place for our Tigers to learn, grow, and succeed!
A special THANK YOU to all of our families who joined us for Culver's Spirit Night! It was wonderful seeing so many familiar faces, sharing smiles, and spending time together outside of school. We truly appreciate everyone who came out to support Gulf Gate. Events like these remind us just how special our Tiger community is!
We also want to give a HUGE shout-out to our amazing Gulf Gate staff members who came out to help make the evening a success! Whether you were serving food, greeting families, or lending a helping hand, your time, energy, and dedication did not go unnoticed. We are so grateful to have a team that goes above and beyond for our students and families!
Please take a moment to read this week's Miller's Minutes for important school updates, upcoming events, reminders, and celebrations happening throughout our Tiger community.
Thank you for being an important part of our Gulf Gate family. Together, we make Gulf Gate GREAT!
Michelle Miller, Principal
Tiffany Sheffield, Assistant Principal
Show Your Tiger Pride Every Friday! 🐯💙💛
Fridays are Spirit Days at Gulf Gate School! Show off your Tiger pride by wearing your favorite Gulf Gate spirit wear!
Don't have any Tiger gear yet? No worries! Check out our awesome selection of shirts and spirit wear to get ready for Fridays!
Shop here: Gulf Gate Tigers Spirit Wear – Direct Embroidery
Let's fill our hallways with blue, gold, and TIGER PRIDE every Friday!
Sarasota County Schools is hosting an ESE Parent Learning Opportunity focused on Gifted Eligibility and the Magnet School Process!
Families can choose from two virtual Zoom sessions:
* Tuesday, October 27, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 p.m.
* Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Join to learn more about gifted eligibility, the magnet school application process, and educational opportunities for your child!
Our Attendance Champions are back! 🎉 Congratulations to this week’s winning classrooms for having outstanding attendance and earning those, Tiger Bucks!
🔵 Blue Hallway: Williams
🟢 Green Hallway: Miller
🟡 Yellow Hallway: Whitlow
🔴 Red Hallway: Wolleon
👏 Way to go, Tigers! Every day at school matters, and we love celebrating our classrooms that are showing up, ready to learn! 🐯💙💛
Who will take the Attendance Champion title next week?
October is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness Month! This month, we celebrate the many ways individuals communicate and recognize that everyone deserves a voice!
AAC includes tools and strategies that help individuals who have difficulty using spoken language communicate their thoughts, feelings, needs, and ideas. AAC can include:
Picture Communication Boards – Using pictures or symbols to express wants and needs.
Speech-Generating Devices – Tablets or specialized devices that speak words or phrases when selected.
Gestures and Sign Language – Using movements or signs to communicate.
Communication Apps – Technology that supports language and communication.
For many individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), AAC provides an important way to connect with others, participate in learning, and develop independence.
How Can We Support AAC Users?
Be patient and allow extra time for responses.
Model and encourage the use of communication tools.
Recognize and celebrate ALL forms of communication.
Remember that communication looks different for everyone!
🐯 At Gulf Gate School, we believe every Tiger deserves to be heard, understood, and included! Let's celebrate AAC Awareness Month by embracing all forms of communication and empowering every student to share their voice! 💙💛
Looking for a way to get involved at Gulf Gate? Tiger Tribe, our parent-led PTO, is open to parents, grandparents, and guardians who want to help support our students, teachers, staff, and school community. Whether you want to volunteer at an event, help with fundraising, serve as a room parent, or simply learn more, there’s a place for you in the Tribe!
Click the Tiger Tribe logo to join now!
Mark your calendars, Tiger families! 💙💛 We have lots happening at Gulf Gate in September/October!
🎃 October 30 – Trunk or Treat
Get those costumes ready for a fun evening with our Tiger family!
🎃 PK & AIM (ASD): 5:00–5:30 PM
🍬 Grades K–6: 5:30–7:00 PM
Save the dates—we look forward to seeing our Tiger families at these upcoming events! 🐯💙💛