Jason Manuel,

Superintendent

From May 2nd to May 6th, Germantown Municipal School District (GMSD) will be celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week. The district would like to invite everyone to help recognize the hard work of our teachers by sending a gratitude gram. This is a perfect opportunity to show gratitude and appreciation for the teachers who have gone above and beyond for their students during a challenging year.

To make it easy to send shoutouts to favorite GMSD staffers, the district has created four ready-made templates - The MVP, You Are Appreciated, Top Notch Customer Service, or Someone Wants to Celebrate You! You can select the staff member you want to recognize and type your positive feedback in the text box, being specific about what the staff member did that impressed you or made a difference. You can also choose to leave your name or remain anonymous. Once the gratitude gram is approved, the recipient will receive an email with your message along with an attached, easily printable graphic that they can share on a bulletin board or wall.

The district also wants to express its gratitude to its Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTOs) for their innovative and unique ways of celebrating teachers throughout the week. They have organized various events such as coffee carts, lunch deliveries, and providing snacks to show their appreciation.

A special thanks to the GMC PTO for organizing a taco bar for district office staff!

The Germantown Board of Education approved several policies and action items at their April Business Meeting. One of the most significant achievements from the meeting was the approval of the FY24 budget. The board has included a 3% cost of living adjustment raise for all employees. We value the work that each and every one of you does every day, and we are proud to continue investing in our staff.

At the board meeting, we also presented the district's annual progress report towards the strategic plan. I cannot emphasize enough how amazing this year has been. We have seen a significant growth in the district, and it is all thanks to the hard work and dedication of everyone in our neighborhood. Please take the time to learn more about our progress over the last year.

The Germantown Board of Education was also proud to recognize Nabiha Huda and Sarah Hochman as their nominees for the Tennessee School Board Association's Volunteer Recognition Award and Student Recognition Award. The Board also celebrated the exemplary work of the organizers of the Envisions Expo. Check out our #GMSDDanceCam footage of the celebration on our Instagram Page.

Germantown Municipal School District has launches a new mobile app TODAY, now available for download on both the Apple and Google stores. This app provides a new and convenient way for parents and students to stay connected with their schools. The app is packed with useful features that will make life easier for families, such as keeping track of attendance, lunch menus, and school announcements. Additionally, parents can view their child's library book checkouts, check lunch balances, and even add money to their accounts directly through the app. To use features that connect directly to your child, tap the LOGIN button for a one-time passcode. There's not even a password to remember!

For those that are both staff members and parents, your login will utilize your school email address. Then from the single sign on, choose "PARENT". Under the staff tab, you have the ability to edit your biography and directory information.

The app also features a social media feed that aggregates all of the school's social media channels in one place. This feature will help parents stay informed about events and activities happening within the district. Moreover, the app's smart directory can connect parents and students directly to their teachers or school staff with just a tap.

To celebrate the launch of the new app, GMSD will be sharing cool features of the app each week until the end of the school year. This week, parents can download the app and start exploring its many features. The new GMSD app is like having the district in your pocket, and it will undoubtedly make communication with the schools more convenient and efficient.

GMSD is excited to announce that applications are now open for its student positions for the 2023-2024 school year. We are seeking talented and motivated students to join our teams of communications interns, GMSD Ambassadors, and Germantown Board of Education Student Board Representative. These positions are open to seniors and juniors attending Houston High School or GOAL.

The Communications Internship(s) is a paid opportunity with the possibility of dual enrollment credit. We are looking for students who have an interest in business marketing, communications, social media management, broadcast/print journalism, photography, filmmaking, or graphic design.

Our GMSD Ambassador Team is a volunteer position made up of high school seniors and juniors who represent the district at social, business, and political functions. The team will meet to get to know each other, sharpen their business networking skills, and proudly wear the GMSD ambassador blazers.

Finally, we are searching for our next Germantown Board of Education Student Board Representative. This student will serve in the coming school year as the voice of the student body on the Board of Education.

Students can apply for all three positions at the same time, but must submit a resume for consideration. We encourage all interested students to apply and look forward to welcoming our new team members!

Logan Wu and Sydney Kong, both students from Houston High School, have been named semifinalists for the Presidential Scholarship. This highly competitive scholarship program starts with 5,000 applicants nationwide, from which only about 600 students make it to the semifinalist round. With only 17 semifinalists from Tennessee, Houston High School is proud to have two of its students make it to this level of the competition. For more information about the Presidential Scholarship program and a complete list of semifinalists, please see the official website at https://www2.ed.gov/programs/psp/2023/semifinalists.pdf.

Congratulations to Samantha Coblentz, who was selected as the 2023 recipient of the Harla Johnson Scholarship for future educators. This scholarship is awarded annually by the Houston High School Parent Teacher Student Organization (HHS PTSO).

Sydney Kong was recently recognized by the Kiwanis of Germantown with the Jim Mitchell Kiwanis Scholarship. Elijah Sanders received the Kiwanis Service Award. We would also like to extend our gratitude to HHS Key Club Faculty Advisor, Chris O’Brien, for his guidance and support to these outstanding students. And, thank you to our neighborhood supporters, the Kiwanis of Germantown!

Every teacher new to GMSD participates in a 5-year journey of professional development and learning, and this year's cohort has successfully completed the program. Each year, they receive a pin for their dedication and hard work. Next week, our year 5 Blue Chips will be presenting their capstone projects, and we are excited to hear about the amazing work they have done. Congratulations to our newly pinned Blue Chip Teachers.

Teachers who have completed their Blue Chip Journey and have earned tenure will be celebrated at our Germantown Board of Education Business Meeting in May. See the list of the teachers who are earning tenure here.

Houston Middle School recently hosted a Let's Glow Party for its 6th-grade students. Thanks to the hard work of PTO members, the gym was transformed into an iridescent wonderland for the students to enjoy. The Let's Glow Party provided an opportunity for students to socialize and have fun in a safe and engaging environment. The event was a great success, and it's clear from the photos that everyone had a fantastic time. We are grateful to the PTO for their efforts in organizing such a memorable event for our students.

The Leadership Germantown Future Leaders program recently participated in a mock-rescue mission at the Germantown Fire Department's training facility. This hands-on training gave the students an opportunity to learn about emergency response and work with real firefighters.

The program also included a networking event hosted by Leadership Germantown Alumni, where the students had a chance to connect with community leaders and learn about potential career opportunities. GMSD thanks all of the community members, including its own School Board Chairman Ryan Strain for making time to meet with the students.

We would like to extend our gratitude to all who attended and supported our future leaders, including its staff sponsor, CTE Supervisor Ethan Constant. The experience provided invaluable knowledge and insight into the important work of emergency responders and the opportunities available in the community.

A group of "Best Buddies" from Riverdale School recently attended the Best Buddies Friendship Walk at the University of Memphis. This event provided an opportunity for students to engage in social activities, make new friends, and promote inclusion within the community.

Riverdale was the only school from the Germantown Municipal School District (GMSD) in attendance, and the students had a blast at the event. The Best Buddies program is a great way for students to form lasting connections and build important social skills.

We are proud of our Riverdale students for representing GMSD and participating in this meaningful event. We believe that inclusion and diversity are vital components of a strong community, and we are committed to supporting programs like Best Buddies that promote these values.

Tonight! The City of Germantown will be hosting its Germantown Education Celebration which will be held on May 1st. Come celebrate the City’s teacher of the year, student of the year, and new teacher of the year.

This week was all about celebrating our Seniors! The softball complex ribbon cutting ceremony was extra special because it took place on their senior night. The girls got their first win at the new complex, beating Northpoint 11-10 in an incredible matchup. Last week they also picked up two wins against Cordova winning 16-0 in Game 1 and 16-1 in Game 2. They next play Crockett tonight at home at 5:30pm. Varsity baseball gained three wins last week against Arlington, St. Benedict, and, on their senior day, CBHS. Senior day vs. CBHS, they won 4-3 in the revived rivalry. They face CBHS again today away at 6:00pm. The Mustangs will be headed into the district tournament as the overall No. 1 seed with a current record of 30-8. Boys varsity soccer picked up a win against Lausanne this week, defeating the Lynx 4-1. Next up they face Collierville away Wednesday, May 3 at 7:00pm.

Here are the winners for the GMSD April Athlete of the Month!

Rylee Roper - Junior, Softball

Rylee began playing softball in middle school, and she has continued to work hard each and every year. She was a student at Riverdale and joined the Houston Middle School team, and from there she has now continued her softball career at Houston High School. Rylee is known for her encouraging and uplifting spirit, always wanting her teammates to be proud of themselves for all the work they put in. As a focused and driven student athlete, Rylee also maintains above a 4.0 GPA.

Addyson Knowles - Riverdale, 6th Grade, Track & Field

Addyson enjoys competition, and track & field have given her multiple challenges to work through. Addy is a competitive athlete, as she also plays soccer. She was recently invited to a US Soccer Talent ID Center. Addy is also a member of the LobosRushE64 2009 team, even though she is a 2010. She also made the ODP region team for soccer. No matter the sport, she is always persevering and pushing herself. This year, she wanted to try something new, so she chose hurdles. She also participates in the 100 and the 4x400. She loves that with track, she can compete in multiple different events and really showcase her competitive edge!

Tryouts for next year are gearing up! Girls Soccer has now opened their registration for the Fall 2023 Season. This registration is up on the athletics website! Houston High School and Middle school volleyball programs are also preparing for tryouts! HHS will host tryouts on May 24th. HMS will be hosting tryout clinics on June 20-21, and their actual tryouts will take place on June 22. This event is for current 5th-7th graders, and it is $30 to attend all three days and $20 just for tryouts. Riverdale volleyball tryouts for upcoming 3-5 graders will be May 3 and May 5 from 4:00pm-6:00pm, and tryouts for rising 6-8 graders will be May 24 and 25 from 5:30pm-7:30pm, and May 26 from 10:00am-12:00pm. For more information go to thehoustonathletics.com.

Don't miss your chance to come out and see these athletes in action! Have you downloaded our Houston Athletics App? GMSD is excited to announce that middle school feeder programs are also now on the app!

Information about the listed tryouts, required paperwork, and athletic camp registrations can be found on thehoustonathletics.com. Select what sport you are interested in, and the information for tryouts and camps will be listed in the Links, Forms, and Announcements sections.

Houston Middle School Cheer is planning a celebration for Betsy Spurlock and her incredible work for this program. Mrs. Spurlock has been the HMS cheer sponsor for 25 years. Join the HMS cheer family on May 18th from 5-7pm at the Houston Middle School new gym for a reception honoring Besty Spurlock and her devotion to the World Champion cheer team!

As summer approaches, GMSD is gearing up to host some amazing summer camps! Over at Houston Middle, volleyball camp registration is open! This camp is for grades 4th-8th is June 6-8 from 6:00pm-8:00pm. Scan the QR code above or click here to register.

Houston’s boys and girls varsity basketball teams will be hosting camps June 19-22 from 9am-12pm, and they are open to 1st-8th graders. The boys camp will take place in the Houston High School gym, and the girls camp will be over at the Houston Middle School gym. Click here to register for the boys' camp. Click here to register for the girls' camp.

Soccer Camp will be held June 5-9 from 8:30am-12:00pm, and it is open to boys and girls ages 4-13. Camp will be at the Mustang Soccer Complex at Houston Middle School. Come learn from the State Champion Houston High School coaches! Scan the QR code above or click here to register.

Football Camp will be June 20-22 from 9:00am-12:00pm at the Houston High School Football Field. Camp registration is open for 1st-8th graders, and campers will need to wear a t-shirt, shorts, and cleats. Please do NOT bring a helmet, but of course, bring a water bottle! Click here to register.

Baseball is hosting two camp sessions this summer! Both camps are open to K-7th grade. The first session is June 5-8 from 9:00am-12:00pm, and the second session is June 12-15, also from 9:00am-12:00pm. Both camps are at Bill Avant Field at Houston High School. Click here to register.

Houston High School Cheer is hosting camp for grades K-5, June 14-16 from 9:00am-12:00pm. Camp will be held at the Houston High School gym, and campers will need to wear a t-shirt, shorts, and tennis shoes. Be sure to bring water and a snack! For a free t-shirt, register by June 5th! Scan the QR code above or click here to register.

HHS Pom is holding a mini dance camp! Camp will be held July 26-28 from 9:00am-12:00pm, and it is open for grades K-5. It will take place at the Houston High School gym, and a snack and t-shirt will be provided! Scan the QR code above or click here to register.

STEM Camp is for rising 5th graders, and there are only 40 spots open! This camp is June 10-13 from 9:00am-12:00pm at Houston Middle School. Students will get to explore the new STEM labs and learn about airplanes, catapults, solar cookers, and more! Scan the QR code above or click here to register.

Houston Middle School Band is hosting music camp! June 19-22 from 10:00am-12:00pm students will get to learn, play, and make music together in the new band room at HMS. Scan the QR code above or click here to register.

Mrs. Malone from Farmington is hosting Cursive Camp! There are three weeks available, with two sessions for each day: June 5-9, June 12-16, and July 10-14. Each day there will be a session from 10:00am-11:00am and a session from 4:00pm-5:00pm. This camp is for students age 8 and up. Message Mrs. Malone to register! elizabeth.malone@gmsdk12.org

GMSD is hosting so many amazing camps this summer! From football camp, to STEM camp, there really is something for everyone. These summer camps vary in age range, start date, and availability, so be sure to check out each one to see what is right for your student.

To submit a camp or learn more about sponsorship, contact emily.hume@gmsdk12.org. We can't wait to see you all this summer!

VISIT OUR SUMMER CAMP HUB

Next year, Houston High is expanding our Career Technical Education (CTE) offerings to include an Aviation Flight Program. Please help us spread the word that we are looking for a teacher to lead students in these classes. Prospective applicants who hold only some of the endorsements and requirements listed in the job description are strongly encouraged to apply. GMSD is committed to the success of the Aviation Flight program and supporting a strong candidate in completing course requirements.

Would you or someone you know like to hear more about this opportunity or the program vision and goals? Please contact Mark Ethan Constant, mark.constant@gmsdk12.org.

Join the Leadership Germantown Class of 2023 on May 13th for a free family event to grow your family’s experience in healthy gardening and eating. Plan for a hands-on project as a local master gardener and certified nutritionist/personal trainer plant the seeds of a healthy lifestyle for your entire family - children are welcome!

Pam Beasley is a retired Parks and Recreation Director Emeritus for the City of Germantown with decades of experience in gardening, horticulture, landscaping, agriculture, and forestry. She is an active member of the Memphis Area Master Gardeners and is passionate about sharing her gardening knowledge to inspire and encourage new and experienced gardeners alike. Pam's expertise is showcased in her home garden, which will be featured in the June 3, 2023 "Through Our Garden Gates" tour.

Christian Jefferson is a certified Personal Trainer and Certified Nutrition and Cancer Recovery Fitness Specialist. He struggled with maintaining a healthy weight and eating habits, which led him to become certified in personal fitness training in 2015. Christian has since helped clients reach their fitness goals by educating them on proper eating habits and meal prep. He continues to improve his knowledge in health and wellness by competing in amateur bodybuilding and recertifying yearly through the National Federation of Professional Trainers.

Limited space, register at the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cultivating-family-gardening-and-meals-for-a-healthy-lifestyle-tickets-620154568007

Beginning on April 17, the City’s contractor will begin a pavement reclamation project along Dogwood Road, from Kimbrough Road to Lansingwood Drive. The process involves taking the existing asphalt and pulverizing it, tearing it up, reclaiming it and making a new base layer using a combination of the recycled pavement along with cementitious material.

Over the years, this roadway has experienced surface failures, which require frequent asphalt overlays to keep it in good shape. The full-depth reclamation of the roadway base and asphalt layers will result in a longer lasting and safer roadway. Dogwood Road from Kimbrough Road to Birchton Drive was chosen for pavement reclamation during fiscal year 2023 during the. The portion of Dogwood Road from Kimbrough Road to Lansingwood Drive, is the first of three phases of reclamation that will be completed along Dogwood Road. In fiscal year 2024, Public Works intends to ask the Board of Mayor and Aldermen to consider the second phase which would continue along Dogwood Road from Birchton Drive to Brachton Avenue. A third and final phase of the reclamation project is planned from Brachton Avenue to Forest Hill Irene Road.

The first phase of the roadway work is expected to last approximately two months, weather permitting. While one side of the road is stabilized and paved, all traffic will be diverted to the other side of the road and vice versa. Two way traffic will be maintained throughout the duration of the project. In addition, access to the private driveways and the St. George's Independent School campus will be maintained. Solid waste, recycling and yard waste collections will also continue as scheduled for residents along the project site.

Motorists are encouraged to choose an alternate route, if they are able to, throughout the extent of this project.