GMSD in Focus
8.28.23
GMSD in Focus
We are looking forward to celebrating our staff members at tomorrow's Outcomes Celebration (Tuesday, August 29th, 6pm). However, it's essential to celebrate not just the results, but the journey that leads to them. Our students continue to inspire us with their curiosity, resilience, and passion for learning. Our educators and support staff play a pivotal role in nurturing their growth, ensuring they reach their fullest potential.
I encourage you to take a moment to immerse yourself in this week's stories.
Celebrating Personal Excellence: Our students continue to shine on various stages. I'm immensely proud of Lillian Jiang's accomplishments in figure skating and the recognition of our students in the College Board's National Recognition Programs.
Empowering Artistic Dreams: Watch a short film about what it takes to launch a marching band season and read about two students' summer experience in the CAM's Summer Fellowship program.
Athletic Achievements: Our student-athletes are making strides in their respective fields, from swimming to soccer. Houston High is preparing for its first home football game on Friday.
There are great things happening in GMSD! If you want to see your news celebrated in an upcoming newsletter, please let our Communications Department know through Let's Talk.
And always remember to maintain your focus on what truly matters—our children. Stay GMSDinFocus.
Jason Manuel,
Superintendent
Germantown Board of Education August Business Meeting
The Board will hold its August Business Meeting on Tuesday, August 29, 2023.
All of our Germantown Board of Education Meetings are held in person in our GMSD Board/Community Room. Meetings are also live-streamed on our GMSD Youtube Channel.
Tuesday, Aug 29, 2023, 06:00 PM
3350 Forest Hill Irene Road, Germantown, TN, USA
As the upcoming board meeting approaches, we are prepared to focus on celebrating our subject and grade level staff who have achieved top three rankings in the state. Be sure to join in person or online on Tuesday evening.
The board business meeting agenda includes the revision of policies for second reading, encompassing a range of topics such as emergency planning, security measures, student surveys, admissions, wellness, health, and more. Additionally, the Board will vote on the first reading revisions to policies related to charter schools, class size ratios, virtual schooling, employee complaints, attendance, and zero tolerance offenses. The meeting will also address miscellaneous budget amendments and board action items, including the approval of purchases for student and teacher laptops, school fees and activity costs for the upcoming academic year, and the renewal of stop loss insurance for the fiscal year 2023-24.
The College Board recognized eight GMSD students last week
Every student’s profile is unique, and it comes to life through their efforts and achievements during high school. In August 2023, College Board awarded thousands of students from across the country with academic honors through our annual National Recognition Programs, available to students on BigFuture. The programs celebrate underrepresented students who excel academically on College Board assessments, including PSAT/NMSQT®, PSAT™ 10, and AP® exams.
High-achieving students from all 50 states and U.S. territories were eligible to apply to four programs: National African American Recognition Program, National Hispanic Recognition Program, National Indigenous Recognition Program, and/or National Rural/Small Town Recognition Program.
Awardees from Germantown Municipal School District are listed below:
• Davis Haynes: NRSTA
• Francis Anyanwu: NAARA
• Isabella Walters: NAARA
• Mario Ornelas: NHRA
• Natali Carrion: NHRA
• Obaladike Onyeagocha: NAARA
• Sarah Hochman: NHRA
• Zion Neely: NAARA
Award Key:
National African American Recognition Award (NAARA)
National Hispanic Recognition Award (NHRA)
National Rural and Small Town Award (NRSTA)
National Indigenous Award (NIA)
Lillian Jiang competes for national figure skating title
Lillian Jiang, a 10th-grade student at Houston High School, continues to shine on the national stage with impressive achievements. At the 2023 USARS National Championships in Lincoln, NE, held on July 21, Lillian secured 2nd Place for Open A Creative Solo Dance and 4th Place for Cadet Girls Free Skating. These triumphs were made possible by her outstanding performance at the 2023 Southern Regional Championships in Tampa, FL, where she claimed 1st Place for Open A Creative Solo Dance and 2nd Place for Cadet Girls Free Skating.
Lillian's consistent success at national championships over the past four years showcases her ongoing commitment to excellence in her pursuits. Beyond the ice rink, she also exceeded expectations in her 9th-grade TCAP test results. Additionally, Lillian's musical talents earned her a coveted spot in the Tennessee ALL-STATE for her violin orchestra performance, under the guidance of Houston High School's esteemed teacher, Dr. Long Long Kang.
Last time our team caught up with Lillian, she was in middle school and had just begun skating (video from 2021 below).
Is your child in 1st-5th Grade? Sign up to receive updates on their Accelerated Reader (AR) scores and tests
Parents can sign up to receive an email every time their children take an Accelerated Reader quiz. The email includes the book's title and author, the student's score, the points earned, and the book/article level.
Dogwood's Alexa Guynes honored at the Tennessee's Excellence in Education Ceremony
Along with Tennessee's Teachers of the Year, our very own superstar teacher was recognized for winning the Milken Educator Award (the only recipient in TN last season). "Sitting in a room with some of the best teachers in Tennessee, besides the ones I work alongside every single day, will always give me the feels. So honored to have a seat at this table. All teachers deserve to feel celebrated with the work they put in. It’s hard and not for the faint of heart, but teachers show up for their kids every day. Keep supporting your teachers," said Mrs. Guynes on her Facebook page after the event.
Science teacher Jessica Minton honored with national awards after attending summer experiences
August 2023 - Jessica Minton, a Houston High educator, attended four esteemed summer programs. She has also been recognized with two highly selective accolades.
In June, she attended the "Science in the Rockies" conference in Denver, where hands-on learning helped prepare her to better teach her students this year. She also was able to bring $500 in learning materials back to Houston. Next, she went to Teacher AirCamp, where she spent four days learning and experiencing all things aviation with other teachers from around the country. Besides the experiences of flight, she once again returned home with hundreds of dollars worth of materials for her classroom.
Next, she spent a week in Milwaukee at the 3D Molecular Designs Office participating in a program called "Modeling the Molecular World." She was able to share her research regarding protein acetylcholinesterase and brought back over $900 of models and materials, including one for the aforementioned protein. Lastly, she was asked back to the Joint Science and Technology Institute after participating in 2018. This year, she worked as a middle school resident assistant instructor and was able to research and experiment with students.
She explained her involvement, saying, “I absolutely love to have huge opportunities like these in order to challenge myself to become better.” On top of her incredible experiences, she was honored with various awards for her dedication.
First, she was named the recipient of the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award (OBTA) through the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) for the state of Tennessee. For this honor, she will travel to the NABT Conference in November in Baltimore to accept the award and attend their Professional Development Conference. She is “excited to represent our district and state.” She was named as a DoD STEM Ambassador for 2023-2024 by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), serving as only one of 26 ambassadors in the country. With this honor, she is thrilled to show her “passion for equity in STEM and science education” on a national level.
The Houston Band: Our Video of the Week
Step behind the curtain and into the rhythm of anticipation with our Video Feature of the Week. Join us in this captivating short documentary as we unveil the inner workings of The Houston Band's fervent summer preparations for their upcoming marching season. Delve into the dedication, camaraderie, and meticulous practice sessions that breathe life into their captivating performances.
Empowering Artistic Dreams: GMSD Students Thrive in CAM's Summer Program
Over the summer, two aspiring young artists from the Germantown Municipal School District (GMSD) embarked on an enriching journey that will forever shape their artistic pursuits. Polly Crowder and Addie Smith, students known for their creative flair at Houston High School, immersed themselves in the world of art through the Contemporary Arts Museum (CAM) Summer Fellowship program.
CAM's four-week program, designed for high school students entering 11th and 12th grades, opens doors to an extraordinary artistic adventure. The initial three weeks unfolded at the St. Columba Retreat Center in North Memphis. Polly, Addie, and their peers experienced a sleep-away style, environment of focused creativity and camaraderie. The days were full of college-level instruction hosted at the University of Memphis, enabling students to earn dual enrollment with valuable college credits.
Expert-led workshops and gallery tours provided unique insights into the arts industry, while dedicated studio time allowed students to refine their skills and transform their visions into tangible creations. Engaging peer discussions added a collaborative touch, allowing ideas to flourish in a supportive atmosphere.
However, the pinnacle of excitement awaited in the program's fourth week—a sojourn to the cultural tapestry of New York City. Amid the iconic skyline and artistic energy, the fellows visited renowned cultural institutions, engaged with working artists, explored educational hubs, and wandered through galleries. The Big Apple infused a fresh perspective, broadening their artistic horizons and fueling their aspirations.
Upon the conclusion of the Summer Fellowship, the journey is far from over. Polly, Addie, and their fellow alumni will participate in a year-round experience that supports their post secondary goals. In addition to enhancing their artistic skillsets, they will focus on building college admission art portfolios, and seeking scholarship opportunities. Applications for the 2024 Summer Fellowship will open in October.
Mustang Scores and Schedules
The week of August 21 was a hard fought one for the Mustangs. Varsity golf saw multiple cancellations due to the heat, but now that it has cooled off, the boys will face MUS today at Fox Meadows at 3:00pm, with matches against Arlington and ECS later this week for both varsity teams. Varsity volleyball had two big wins last week, winning 3-0 against both Valley View and Munford. In an incredible matchup against Briarcrest, they fell just short, but they are ready to bounce back with two games this week. Tomorrow night, August 29, they play at Cordova at 5:30pm, and later this week, they are away at St. Mary’s at 5:00pm. Girls varsity soccer fought the heat during their game vs. St. Agnes, and it was well worth it. The Lady Mustangs won 8-0, bringing their overall record to 4-0! With an away tournament this weekend, they won’t be back at home until September 7, when they play Dyersburg.
Freshman football had a huge win defeating Arlington 34-0, but varsity football came up just short against South Panola Friday night. This week is huge for the Mustangs with their first home game Friday night, September 1, at 7:00pm. Landers Ford Stadium needs to be packed as the Mustangs face the Germantown Red Devils! Read below about the new updates for game day proceedings.
One Mustang Swimmer to compete in 2024 Olympic Trials
It was a busy summer for swimmers on the Houston High School swim team. Many of those who compete for the Mustangs traveled near and far to compete this summer with many top place finishes. The summer culminated for most in July at the Southeastern Championships. A few showed they are ready to compete on a higher level.
Three Sophomore Girls compete at Speedo Jr National Championships
July 31, 2023 - Aug 5, 2023 - Irvine, CA
Taylor Cole, Eva Rottink, and Roos Rottink traveled to California just before the start of school to compete in the Speedo Jr National Championships with their club swim team Memphis Thunder Aquatic Club. This is the national meet for swimmers 18 and under.
Roos Rottink raced in the 100 M Butterfly, 200 M Backstroke, 100 M Backstroke, the 100 M Freestyle, and the 50 M Freestyle. She finished 7th in the 100 Back and 9th in the 200 Back.
Eva Rottink raced in the 200 M Backstroke and 100 M Backstroke, placing 17th and 12th respectively.
The twins were joined by fellow Houston Swim Team member, Taylor Cole, and Collierville swimmer, Evie Munz to compete in the 4 x 100 M Medley Relay and the 4 x 50 M Medley Relay. Eva led off the relays with Backstroke, Taylor swam Breaststroke, Evie the Butterfly, and Roos anchored with Freestyle. The girls earned their spot at Jr Nationals at the Southeastern Long Course Championships in Huntsville, AL. Taylor and Evie had just flown directly from the 2023 Futures Championships in Ocala, FL.
Sophomore Eva Rottink qualifies for 2024 Olympic Trials
June 23, 2023 - Nashville, TN- NAC Summer Sizzler
Sophomore, Eva Rottink took 1st place in the Girls 100 back with a time of 1:01.70. This time qualifies her to compete at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Indianapolis next summer. Swimmers at the Trials will compete for a place on the U.S. Olympic Team for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
🏈🎉 Get Ready for Friday Night Lights at Landers Ford Stadium! 🎉🏈
🐎 Hometown Pride - What's Your Horsepower? 🐎
Gather your family, friends, and fellow fans because the excitement is back! It's time to ignite the night with the most anticipated game of the season: Houston High Mustangs vs. Germantown Red Devils on Friday, September 1st. This clash of titans will be the highlight of Friday Night Lights in the Memphis area, and trust us, the energy will be off the charts!
🚦 Traffic Flow & Parking Updates 🚦
New this year, we've revamped our traffic pattern plan for Friday Night Home Football Games. Our staff, along with our local police officers will be on-site to guide you, and all general parking will be at the East entrance (check out the map for details!).
Exclusive access to the West entrance will be reserved for student drop-offs and VIP H-Club members only. We're teaming up with the Germantown Police Department for maximum efficiency and safety. And hey, parents, we've got you covered with a designated student pickup zone right in front of the school—no more searching in the crowd after the game!
📣 Safety First, Fun Always! 📣
Our priority is your safety and enjoyment. We've introduced new rules to make the experience safer and more pleasant for everyone. Please leave footballs and other balls at home to prevent overcrowding mishaps. Sideline access is reserved for HHS Sideline Pass holders and will be strongly enforced this year—reach out to Marvis Davis at marvis.davis@gmsdk12.org for more info about sideline or media passes.
🍔 Food, Friends, and Family 🍔
Let's keep the spirit of a family-style event alive! Enjoy a delicious spread from the H-Club boosters' concessions—no outside food, drink, or containers in the stadium will be permitted. But don't worry, the tailgating area is perfect for enjoying your favorites while you soak up the pre-game excitement. Visit the H-Club website for more information about tailgating.
🥇 Meet Marvis Davis, Our New Athletic Director 🥇
We're thrilled to introduce Marvis Davis, M.Ed., as our District Athletic Director. With a wealth of experience in education and athletics, Davis is here to elevate our program to new heights. From district championships to nurturing young talent, he's the MVP of our team. Reach out to him at marvis.davis@gmsdk12.org for any queries.
Forest Hill Elementary Student Excels in National Soccer Showcase and Championship
August 2023 -- In a remarkable display of talent and determination, 10-year-old goalkeeper and Forest Hill Elementary student Blake Dowdle made her mark on the soccer scene this summer. Blake's journey unfolded in two pivotal events: the 2023 Keeper Wars Goalkeeper Showcase and City Tour Tournament in Murfreesboro, TN, followed by the prestigious 2023 Keeper Wars National Championship at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, FL.
Athlete of the Month
Here are the August High School nominees:
Isabelle Bittner - Junior, Cheer
Sophie Christopher - Senior, Golf
T.J. Edwards - Senior, Football
Jose Joiner - Senior, Football
Zach Olsen - Senior, Golf
Emersyn Sells - Junior, Cheer
Here are the August Middle School nominees:
George Church - Houston Middle School, 8th Grade, Cross Country
Ellie Coulter - Riverdale, 8th Grade, Volleyball
Kaylee Faught - Riverdale, 7th Grade, Cheer
Nora Grace Hickey - Houston Middle School, 8th Grade, Cross Country
Clara Leister - Houston Middle School, 8th Grade, Volleyball
Mary Cook Percoski - Houston Middle School, 8th Grade, Cheer
Click here to cast your vote!
Riverdale Raiders vs. Houston Mustangs
This week the varsity volleyball teams from Riverdale and Houston Middle will face off! The Riverdale Raiders are coming into this game with one victory over the Mustangs already, and it is sure to be a fun match up. Come out and support our Raiders and Mustangs this Wednesday, August 30, at 5:00pm in the Houston Middle School new gym!
Houston Alumni Take the Stage at POTS
Former Houston High School students are making waves on the Memphis theater scene as they take on roles in the Playhouse on the Square's production of The Prom. Notable alumni including Katy Cotten, Paige Hollenbeck, Will Lowery, and Arielle Mitchell are gracing the city's premier stage as paid performers. The production holds special significance for Houston High's theater teacher, Kell Christie, who recently paid a visit to the show to catch up with former Mustangs and even snapped a photo with them. Reflecting on their achievements, Christie expressed her immense pride, stating, "I was so very proud to see all of them doing such excellent work, and I was so honored to have such talented kids when they were students."
Thank you to Germantown Hardware for donating to our STEM Programs
Last week, Germantown Hardware and Manager, Chris Clark, donated two DeWalt Atomic Drill/Drivers to HHS STEM Boosters for the Houston High School STEM Program. Thank you, Germantown Hardware. Pictured Tina Powis-Dow, President of HHS STEM Boosters and Chris Clark, Manager of Germantown Hardware in Germantown, TN.
The first phase of improvements to the intersection of Wolf River Boulevard and Germantown Road is scheduled to begin Wednesday, August 30.
Construction will begin in the northwest quadrant of the project area. The outside southbound lane on Germantown Road from the Wolf River Bridge to Brierbrook Road will be closed to traffic. The outside westbound lane along Wolf River Boulevard will also be closed from just east of Germantown Road through the intersection to Wolf Trail Circle. The lane closures are necessary for utility relocation and roadway improvements to begin. Drivers should expect these lanes to be closed for eight to ten months. An interactive map is available online at Germantown-TN.gov/WolfRiverTrafficMap.
Currently projected to be completed in early February of 2025, the phased project is intended to improve safety by adding additional travel lanes in each direction, improving traffic signals, providing ADA compliant access and updating traffic signal coordination throughout the entire corridor from Wolf Trail Cove to Brierbrook Road.
Residents are encouraged to sign up to receive traffic alert e-notifications at Germantown-TN.gov/enotices. Those who select “traffic alerts” under the news category will receive an email each time there is news related to the project. Changes in traffic patterns will also be shared via text message using Germantown Alert. Opt in by visiting Germantown-TN.gov/Alert.
The Wolf River Boulevard and Germantown Road intersection is one of the most heavily congested intersections in Shelby County. The latest available volume counts indicate an annual average daily traffic of more than 76,000 vehicles per day. Excessive delays at all times of the day prompted the request for federal funding for improvements to add capacity and increase the efficiency of this intersection. The total project cost, currently just over $15 million, is funded by federal and state grants.
For questions or concerns regarding this project, contact the Germantown Engineering Department at (901) 751-5720 or Engineering@Germantown-TN.gov.
Consider downloading our new GMSD App.
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/germantown-msd/id6446898026
Google: http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.blackboard.community.gmsdk12
*If either of the two links above are not working, you can also find the app by searching Germantown MSD.
Seeking public feedback on ESSER 3.0
Your insights and perspectives are essential to us, as we continue to update the ESSER 3.0 funding that aligns with our strategic plan.
Your feedback will play a crucial role in refining and shaping our funding plan to ensure its effectiveness. We encourage you to review the plan, share your thoughts, and offer suggestions that will help us make informed decisions for a better and more sustainable future. You can see the current funding plan, here: ESSER 3.0 Public Plan for Remaining Funds (02.23)
If you have any questions about the contents of this newsletter--or wish to make a submission for our next newsletter, please email kathleen.crowder@gmsdk12.org or visit us at Let's Talk.