Welcome back to the GMSD neighborhood Happy Holidays! I’m Jason Manuel, your superintendent. This will be your last edition of the Neighborhood before the New Year.

We had a GREAT time marching with several of our students in the Germantown Holiday Parade. Our entry, “The GMSD Neighborhood” carries forward with the theme of creating that neighborhood expression of care for each and every one of our students all aboard Mr. Rogers’ life-sized trolley. A special thanks goes out to Chris Price and Memphis’ MetroBuilders–GMSD’s parade float sponsor this year AND to all of our GMSD groups who participated in this year’s parade.

HOUSTON MIDDLE SCHOOL ADDITION RIBBON CUTTING AND OPEN HOUSE

Lastly, because I don't want it to get lost over the break, please mark your calendars for January 2nd from 1pm-4pm. We are inviting the entire neighborhood to join us for the ribbon cutting and open house of the Houston Middle School Addition. We’ll have basketball competitions, student performances, tours, community art and stem activities, and a special time for future HMS Mustangs to visit.

Jason Manuel,

Superintendent

Dogwood Elementary School - 12:15 pm

Farmington Elementary School - 12:00 pm

Forest Hill Elementary School - 12:15 pm

Riverdale K-8 School - 12:00 pm

Houston Middle School - 11:30 am

Houston High School - 11:15 am

Last week, we enjoyed several more holiday concerts from our talented young artists. Watch (or rewatch) those concerts below:

We enjoyed some time at Dogwood for Christmas around the world. In their Kindergarten classes they experienced Christmas culture by rotating through Italy with broom making, making wooden shoes in the Netherlands, and eating native sweets in Sweden.

The Germantown Board of Education will be discussing a potential agreement regarding the future of Germantown Elementary, Middle and High School at our public board meeting on Thursday, December 15th. If you are interested in listening to the discussion or watch a potential vote, please go to germantown municipal school district on youtube.

Our student highlight takes you behind the scenes of Attila Montague. He’s a National Jr. Tennis Champion in Hungary. You heard that right, he has dual citizenship, and splits time here in Germantown but regularly trains and competes in the country of Hungary. He’s enrolled with GMSD through Germantown Online Academy of Learning and spends time in the off season here in Germantown. When we hear Attila’s story it reminds me of why we began the GOAL program. He’s poised to go pro after high school. Learn more by watching his video profile below:

The GMSD Orchestra had several students audition for All-West this month. At HHS, 52 students were selected this year, including the alternates. This is the 6th consecutive year that our orchestra program had the highest number of performers among all the Mid-south area schools.

Houston High hosted the Annual Stewart Shay Black Horse Wrestling Tournament last week. The tournament included over 30 schools from 6 different states.

Our Houston Wrestlers performed above the rest by placing 9th out of the 31 teams. Moreover, Houston High has its first Black Horse Champion since 2008! Congratulations to Henry Tate who got 1st place in his weight class this past weekend. Also placing in their weight classes were:

Colby Baltz - 3rd Place

Nick Moore - 4th Place

Jacob Geiser - 6th Place

The SFE Food Service staff in HMS cafeterias collected items for the children of St. Jude. Way to go ladies! That is why we are recognizing the cafeteria staff of Houston Middle School as this week’s staff highlight.

It's time for the GMSD PTO Art and Writing Contest! The subject of this year's contest is "Germantown is..." Please let your child know about this contest. For more details, follow this link https://gmcptowritingartcontest.my.canva.site/ All entries must be submitted by January 19, 2023. See website for submission guidelines and drop off locations. All submissions must have a completed Contest Entry Form attached to it. Please email Valerie Shimko if you have any further questions: vfshimko@gmail.com

Due to unsafe conditions and increased public safety concerns, new signage has been installed along Dogwood Grove Cove.

The City recently installed additional “No Parking or Standing” signs that coincide with Houston Middle School (HMS) arrival and dismissal hours. The need for additional signage comes after school children have frequently been seen walking in the roadway or between vehicles along Dogwood Grove Cove creating extremely dangerous conditions for motorists. Cars parked along the cove also prevent appropriate access for fire truck and ambulance response capabilities, which creates a significant concern for neighbors along Dogwood Grove Cove. In addition, school traffic often prevents residents in the area from traveling to and from their homes.

In order to maintain public safety for all involved, parking or standing for school drop off and pick up has been restricted. The Germantown Police Department is enforcing the new parking restrictions and will continue to closely monitor the area over the course of the next few weeks. We hope that HMS parents will be respectful of the neighbors along Dogwood Grove Cove and implement alternative pick-up and drop-off routines for their children.