GMSD in Focus
9.25.23
It's Homecoming Week
Wow, what a weekend! It was a tour de force of community connectivity. Dogwood hosted their annual movie night on Friday, Forest Hill hosted their annual Run Fox Fun walk/run event and our Houston High School SGA hosted their Stang Fest Carnival which entertained future Mustangs of all ages! Iβd like to personally thank all of the individuals that invested their time in creating these wonderful events for our students and families.
Last week, GMSD celebrated College Week. College Fairs, dress up days, and special guest speakers brought hundreds of guests to Houston High Schoolβall in pursuit of helping our students explore their post secondary options. A special thanks goes out to our College and Career Counseling Department.
One important factor in the college admission process? Extra-curricular activities. Houston High School boasts more than 85 student organizations and offers plenty of ways for students to plug in and to show leadership initiative on their resume for college applications. Everything from Chem Club to Fashion Club offers students a way to discover their talents and leadership abilities! Each school offers fun ways for students to engage in school culture and posts the club opportunities on their websites under the Student Life tab.
Lastly, it's Homecoming Week in GMSD. Make sure to Rep the H on Friday, September 29th!
Stay focused on what truly mattersβour students,
Jason Manuel,
Superintendent
Germantown Board of Education September Work Session
The Board will hold its September Work Session on Tuesday, September 19, 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, Sep 19, 2023, 05:30 PM
3350 Forest Hill Irene Road, Germantown, TN, USA
On the Agenda for the September Board of Education Meeting
The school district is revising some policies, mainly due to changes in state laws and to make them easier to understand. These revisions cover topics like charter schools, class size ratios, public virtual schools, employee complaints, attendance, and zero tolerance offenses. Some policies are being removed because they overlap with others.
Recognitions: National Merit SemiFinalists; Eleanor (Ellie Claire) Warren, George Liu, Eric Yang, Abhinav Pande, Kate Wiggins, Sarah Hochman, Charlotte Glenn, Owen Johnsen, Niall Manganar, Kai Powis-Dow, Ravindu Wijeratne, Benjamin Pennington, Upi Shanker, Jackson Carver, and Aida Xue.
View the Agenda or watch the Work Session below:
StangFest Success: A Spectacular Day of Fun, Community, and School Spirit
Winner of the Stang Fest School Spirit Competiton: FARMINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL!!
Over the weekend, the Houston High School Student Government Association (SGA) brought together hundreds of families, friends, and students for a day of carnival games and community building. The inaugural StangFest proved to be an unforgettable event that set the tone for a week of celebration leading up to the HHS Homecoming.
The heart of StangFest lay in the spirit of community, celebration, and teamwork. The event showed what can be achieved when students take initiative and come together with a common goal. Traci Spain, the SGA sponsor, expressed her pride in the students who turned their carnival dream into a reality. She commended their planning, organization, dedication, and unwavering positivity throughout the event.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated group of volunteers played a pivotal role alongside the student organizers in making StangFest a resounding success. From setup to takedown, they worked tirelessly to ensure everything ran smoothly. The support of individuals and organizations like the Houston Band, Houston Mustang Football, and many others contributed to the event's seamless execution. Traci Spain said it best, "It's great to work with such amazing people."
Meet Our GMSD Ambassadors!
In Germantown Municipal School District, students aren't just learners; they are also ambassadors for their schools and the community at large. The GMSD Student Ambassador Program empowers students to be the bridge between their district and the Germantown community. These young advocates play a pivotal role in enhancing the connection between the district and the residents, and they are making a significant impact.
Last week, three of our ambassadors presented to Leadership Germantown Alumni Association alongside our Superintendent. Email kathleen.crowder@gmsdk12.org if you would like to invite our ambassadors to your next club or organization meeting.
Bridging the Gap
The ambassadors have a range of responsibilities, including active participation in local government events and representing their respective schools at various community gatherings. Additionally, some may even find themselves in the spotlight as part of the Student Spotlight series, showcasing their talents and contributions to their schools and the community.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Ambassadors in this program are organized into teams, each led by the Ambassador Executive Council. These executive leaders exemplify qualities such as leadership, attentive listening, and advocacy. The teams for the 2023-2024 academic year are divided into four areas: Academics, Athletics, Student Life, and the Arts. Each ambassador has the opportunity to align themselves with the team that best suits their interests and school involvement.
Meet the Ambassadors for the 2023-2024 School Year:
The GMSD Student Ambassadors are a diverse and talented group, each bringing their unique strengths and passions to the program. Let's take a moment to spotlight each of these exceptional individuals:
Carter Yeargan (Executive Council): An award-winning playwright and active participant in roller coasters, Model UN, and theatre clubs, Carter's creative drive fuels his dedication to promoting the arts within the community.
Felix Lam: As a clarinet-playing band co-captain, Felix consistently seeks advancement in musical talents and leadership roles across clubs.
Aida Xue: President of the French club and co-founder of the mahjong club, Aida radiates authenticity. Her true passion for dance, music, and the arts comes alive through her multiple roles.
Lucas De Freitas: Thriving in both academics and sports, Lucas excels in the Honors Academy and tennis while making a mark as a stop-motion animator and filmmaker.
Greer McGaughey: Greer's passion for theatre and the arts fuels her roles in drama, choirs, and managing theatre social media, aligning with her aspiration of becoming a future drama teacher.
Jack Boccher (Executive Council): Jack embodies balance, excelling in soccer and leading the Houston High School Community Service Club, showcasing his versatility.
Ayat Kanan: Ayat dedicates herself to law through participation in mock trial, speech and debate, and Model UN, along with experience shadowing attorneys and debate competitions.
Stephen Sessler: His nature shines through umpiring, concessions, and his role as a first-year ambassador, alongside his time on the Mustang Baseball Team.
Hudson Myatt: Hudson's school spirit is evident in his engagement across clubs, sports, and community service. His affection for Memphis and Houston is inspiring.
Kyra Coletta: Her leadership in the Guitar Club, dedication to volunteering with the Germantown International Festival, and responsibilities at City Silo showcase her trustworthy character.
Zachary Butterfield: He enjoys badminton and has future aspirations in nuclear engineering.
Izzy Marshall: Her innovative spark and active participation in drama, poetry, and theater highlight her dedication to raising awareness about type one diabetes and her drive for positive change.
Isabela Fernandez: Isabela shines through her involvement in clubs and volunteering. Her fluency in Spanish and connection to Hispanic culture enrich her experiences and interactions.
Nikhila Manickavasagam: Her involvement across STEM clubs reflects her diverse experiences, including climbing St. Peter's Basilica, contributing to her well-rounded perspective.
Camryn Beard: She plays softball and is passionate about advocacy for student representation and sports beyond the usual.
Eva Fischer (Executive Council/Student School Board Representative): She plays varsity women's lacrosse, leads Women in STEM, and is interested in the future of policy initiatives.
Andrew Grooms: From Film Club to roller coaster enthusiasts, Andrew's many extra-curricular activities mirror his multifaceted personality.
Angela Hernandez: Her participation in clubs, commitment to research, volunteering, and leadership roles showcase her dependable character.
Soraya Norris (Executive Council): Her participation in multiple clubs and her impactful capstone project, along with her love for dogs and future aspirations as a veterinarian.
Jemlah Jaber: As a member of HOSA, student government, and her commitment to healthcare and community service.
Bridget Flaherty: Her passion for volleyball, volunteer work, and enjoyment of collaborative interactions with diverse individuals.
Esha Aslam: Her participation in clubs like Key Club and HOSA, where she actively contributes to community service and celebrates the achievements of others.
Ansh Khiraya: His commitment to community service, aspirations in marketing, and his enjoyment of working harmoniously with others.
Jacob Geiser (Executive Council): Jacob boasts a perfect score on the ACT and is a representative member of the Houston High Honors Academy.
Lauren Sanders: As the executive board class representative for SGA, a Leadership Academy member, a captain of the basketball cheer team, and an active member of the STAX Music Academy, Lauren is skilled at leading.
Applications for the GMSD Ambassador Program are released each Spring. Applying requires a resume and a panel interview. GMSD accepts juniors and seniors into these volunteer positions.
HHS STEM Students Shine Bright at Christian Brothers University Competition
Last week, the STEM students of Houston High School (HHS) showcased their innovation at the highly anticipated Christian Brothers University STEM competition. The Houston Mustangs secured three victories.
Among the remarkable accomplishments, HHS claimed the top spot in the Geo Wall Competition. But what exactly is a Geo Wall? It's a challenging competition that tasks teams with designing and constructing a small-scale retaining wall using only geotechnical engineering principles. This requires students to apply their knowledge of soil mechanics, structural engineering, and construction techniques. The Houston Mustangs not only built an impressive Geo Wall but also demonstrated their expertise in this field, earning them the coveted first-place title.
In addition to their Geo Wall triumph, HHS also dominated the K'NEX Bridge competition, securing both first and second place. This competition demands exceptional creativity and engineering prowess as students design and build bridges using K'NEX construction sets.
Eva Fischer, one of the HHS competitors, shared her thoughts on the competition, saying, "The best thing about the day was getting to collaborate with my team; we really enjoyed exceeding the expectations of the competition."
But the achievements of the HHS STEM students didn't stop at the competition itself. The entire day was documented and shared on the Germantown Municipal School District's (GMSD) Instagram Page as part of a special student takeover series. This not only allowed the HHS community to witness the students' journey in real-time but also served as an inspiration to budding STEM enthusiasts everywhere.
GOAL and GEF partner with Music Box for exciting new music series
In an exciting partnership, the Germantown Education Foundation has recently awarded the virtual school three $500 mini grants. These grants are set to unlock a world of musical exploration and creative growth, benefitting students from Kindergarten through to high school.
Elementary Adventure in Music
The K-5 age group are set to participate in a captivating series of five monthly workshops hosted at Germantown's local Music Box. These workshops will immerse the virtual learners in music improvisation, provide the thrill of karaoke, and take a closer look at various musical instruments.
Middle School and High School Exploration
For the middle school (6-8) and high school (9-12) students, the opportunities are equally exciting. They will embark on their own series of five monthly workshops at Germantown's Music Box, where the focus will shift towards understanding music as a potential career path. The workshops will delve into the exciting world of podcasting, the art of building a personal brand, and the intricacies of songwriting. These workshops will provide valuable insights into the music industry and equip students with skills that can open doors to creative careers.
Houston High School Secures 2nd Place at MUS Knowledge Bowl Tournament
On Saturday, September 23, 2023, Houston High School students shone brightly as they clinched a remarkable 2nd place finish at the Memphis University School Knowledge Bowl Tournament. Out of approximately 30 competitive teams, the Houston team's showed that Mustangs are up for the challenge.
Representing Houston High were five exceptional students: Ravindu Wijeratne, Owen Johnsen, Kai Powis-Dow, Kyle Jolly, and Christian Santopuoli. These bright minds demonstrated their academic excellence and teamwork throughout the tournament.
This victory is also a vivid example of the incredible community support garnered through the Germantown Education Foundation (GEF) and the annual Run for Education. The Knowledge Bowl team at Houston High received a generous grant of $6,000 from the GEF. This grant was instrumental in acquiring essential equipment and supplies that have greatly enhanced the learning environment for these students and bolstered their competitive opportunities.
A Celebration of Heritage: Angela Hernandez's QuinceaΓ±era Exhibition at the Dixon Art Gallery
As GMSD continues to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th to the 30th, we shine a spotlight on Angela Hernandez, a student at Houston High School. Angela's connection to her Hispanic heritage has led to a unique partnership with the Dixon Art Gallery. Together, they've curated an exhibition that captures the essence of a QuinceaΓ±era, a significant cultural tradition in many Hispanic communities. A QuinceaΓ±era is a grand celebration marking a young girl's transition into womanhood when she turns 15. It is a time-honored event filled with symbolic rituals, vibrant music, and elegant dances. Angela's passion for her heritage and her contribution to this exhibition offer a meaningful glimpse into the rich tapestry of Hispanic culture during this important month of recognition and celebration.
GOAL student wins annual Florida Python Challenge
The 2023 Florida Python Challenge ended the week before last, announcing its victor. The coveted title went to Dominic Hobbs, a GOAL student, and his father, Paul. Their remarkable feat of removing 20 pythons during the intense 10-day competition earned them the grand prize of $10,000. This triumphant duo was not alone in their quest; they were joined by Dominic's dad, uncle, and grandpa.
The Hobbs family's connection to the Florida Python Challenge runs deep, as Paul, Dominic's father, started competing in this event at a young age alongside his own father, forging a legacy that continues to this day. The competition has spanned generations within their family, making their win all the more special.
The Florida Python Challenge serves a crucial purpose in the conservation efforts of the Florida Everglades. It provides a platform to combat the invasive Burmese python population, with hundreds of these creatures being removed during each competition. These pythons are known to grow to astonishing lengths of up to 20 feet and weigh as much as 200 pounds, posing a significant threat to the native ecosystem.
Dominic is a GOAL studentβhis virtual scheduling allows flexibility for him to participate in this family-snake catching tradition.
Dogwood Kindergarten teachers host a Teddy Bear Tea Party to celebrate the letter T
The Dogwood Kindergarten teachers have once again raised the bar on themed lessons during the day with this timeless and adorable Teddy Bear Tea Party.
The Teddy Bear Tea Party was a culminating activity that followed Dolphin Kindergartners' exploration of the letter T. Each student brought their Teddy Bears, many of which were adorably dressed in tiny ties and tiaras. With furry companions by their side, they gathered for a charming tea party, sipping imaginary tea and nibbling on teddy graham snacks.
Photos by Communications Student Intern Ben Pickett.
City of Germantown to honor Blanche Barron as Teacher of the Month
Congratulations to Blanche Barron of Riverdale, who has been named the first Teacher of the Month winner of the year! The Germantown Education Commission will celebrate Ms. Barron on Monday, October 23rd at their Board of Mayor and Alderman meeting. Mark your calendars, Raiders!
Let's keep those nominations coming!
Nomination Criteria:
- The nominee must demonstrate excellence in teaching and community service.
- The nominee must teach in a Germantown school, public or private.
- The nominee does not need to reside in Germantown.
- Each application must include two letters of recommendation. Letters may be emailed to scrockett@Germantown-TN.gov or mailed to Germantown City Hall, Attn: Stacey Crockett, 1930 S. Germantown Road, Germantown, TN 38138.
Teacher of the month winners receive a $100 cash prize and a small trophy to display in their classroom.
Congrats to all our thespians on a fantastic weekend of Student Directed One Act plays. Everything about these productions was done by our talented students. Thanks also for the audiences and volunteers who came out to support our students!
Here's some photos from The Houston Band's big costumed-debut of Western Skysketches at the Houston vs. Tupelo football game last Friday.
GMSD Theater is gearing up for a fabulous season--be on the lookout for ticket sales and audition information
Matilda, Jr. Audition Interest Workshops:
- Dates: October 24th & October 26th
- Time: 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
- Location: Farmington Elementary cafeteria
- Open to 1st-8th graders from FES, DES, FHES, or HMS
- Workshop Details: Meet the creative team, practice audition material, and get your questions answered!
- Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080849AEAD22ABFA7-falcon#/
Houston Middle School Spring Production: Into the Woods Jr.:
- Upcoming interest meeting for its musical on the new stage on September 18th at 5:30pm in Room 510.
- Auditions will take place the first week of October.
Student Art Highlights: Mixed Media at Houston High School
The Comprehensive Art: Advanced Mixed Media Studio Accelerated course at Houston High is designed for advanced art students. It offers in-depth exploration of various art forms using multiple media, including print and papermaking, fibers, textiles, and three-dimensional materials. Enjoy this sampling of their first projects:
Mustang Scores and Schedules
Highlights from HHS vs. Tupelo--An exciting victory for the Mustangs
September Athlete of the Month Nominees!
The September Athlete of the Month nominees are here! The State Farm GMSD Athlete of the Month, sponsored by Alisha Dumas, is moving into the next round. Congratulations to each athlete for this nomination! Be sure to share this voting link with family and friends. Cast your vote here. Voting is set to close September 27 at 12:00pm.
Here are the September High School nominees:
Thomas Dickinson - Senior, Cross Country
Abbey Johnson - Senior, Volleyball
Zoe Marsh - Senior, Cross Country
Keegan Pilant - Senior, Soccer
Kylan Sharp - Senior, Volleyball
Lucy Smith - Senior, Soccer
Here are the September Middle School nominees:
Rand Clawson - 8th Grade, Riverdale, Cross Country
Scarlett Dykes - 8th Grade, Riverdale, Volleyball
Rhetta Lammi - 6th Grade, Houston Middle School, Cross Country
Ansley Pardue - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Volleyball
Angelie Reuer - 7th Grade, Houston Middle School, Soccer
Reagan Stumph - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Soccer
Super Mario Bros. Makes For a Super Evening at Dogwood while FHES Foxes run in annual Fox Trot
Dogwood PTO hosted Family Movie night, and it was good family fun.
On Friday, September 22, the Dogwood Elementary School PTO hosted a fun-filled Family Movie Night. Families gathered to watch the Super Mario Bros. Movie on a blow-up screen, play games, and enjoy food from local food trucks.
The event was a great success, with hundreds of people attending. Children of all ages ran around playing games while their parents relaxed and enjoyed the food trucks.
When it was time for the movie, everyone gathered around the blow-up screen. The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a classic family favorite, and everyone had a great time watching it.
Overall, Family Movie Night at Dogwood was a huge success. It was a great opportunity for families to come together and enjoy a fun-filled evening.
Forest Hill PTO hosted their Fox Trot Fun Run on Sunday afternoon.
The annual fun run included the Fox Trot Run/Walk, Flash face painting, the Ninja Gym, Music, food trucks and sponsored tents.
Hot off the presses, Where are they now? Our new alumni magazine is coming in October!
Germantown and nearby area subscribers to Memphis Magazine will receive a copy of the GMSD 2023 Magazine in the mail.
GMSD 2023: Inspiring Personal Excellence Magazine
Read some of the extraordinary stories and achievements of our former students. Here's a quick peek at what's in this issue:
π« Elementary, Middle, and High Schools: A glimpse into our schools
π Faculty Achievements: Celebrating the incredible accomplishments of teachers who go above and beyond for our students.
π How Alum like Antonio Scott and Dr. Andrew Boucher are making a difference in the world.
π¨ Arts: Immerse yourself in the world of creativity, where our students and alumni like Savannah Jewel White and Justin Moore shine with their artistic talents.
π Sports: The thrill of victory, and the dedication of our athletes who make us proud, along with some notable alumnus, including Matt Cain!
π Special Programs: A spotlight on the innovative and specialized programs that set GMSD apart.
π¨ββοΈ Alum Judge Mary L. Wagner: The story of an alum who has risen to the heights of the legal profession.
π The Future: A look forward to what lies ahead, the aspirations and dreams that shape the next generation of Houston High Students.
And, MUCH MORE!
Not a subscriber? No problem! The first 100 alumni portal registrations will also receive a preview copy by mail. Register now until Friday for a chance to win a coffee mug or your copy. It's free and simple to register.
Germantown Education Commission Youth Excellence Award Nominations Are Open
The Germantown Education Commission is accepting nominations for the monthly Youth Excellence Award. This year, in an effort to make the process easier for you, we are offering this online form to collect nominations. Questions or comments? Email Stacey Crockett at SCrockett@Germantown-TN.gov.
Purpose:
The purpose of this award is to recognize a high school senior who has made a significant difference in their own life, the lives of others, the school they attend and/or the Germantown community.
Nomination Criteria:
- The nominee must be a Germantown resident and a high school senior.
- The nominee may attend school outside of Germantown.
- The nominee must demonstrate academic achievement, volunteer effort, community service or exemplary activities.
- The nominee must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 and a satisfactory attendance record.
- The nominee must have two letters of recommendation describing how the nominee is going the extra mile. Is there any characteristic that differentiates this student from others? What sets this applicant apart? Letters may be emailed to scrockett@Germantown-TN.gov or mailed to Germantown City Hall, Attn: Stacey Crockett, 1930 S. Germantown Road, Germantown, TN 38138.
Nominations are accepted August 1 through March 13. Nominees remain eligible until chosen for the award or until the end of the current school year. Youth Excellence Award winners receive a $100 cash prize and a small trophy. Monthly winners are invited to apply for the Germantown Youth Excellence Scholarship to be announced at the Annual Education Celebration in April. For more information, contact Education Commission staff liaison Stacey Crockett at SCrockett@Germantown-TN.gov or (901) 751-7559.
A Message from Troop 48 (6th-12th graders)
Children and teens in 6th grade and up, are you looking for some outdoor adventures? Interested in learning new skills to prepare you for life? Join Troop 48 for a Scout Expo on September 23 to see if Scouts BSA is right for you! Scouts BSA is the traditional Scouting experience for youth in the sixth grade through high school. Service, community engagement, and leadership development become increasingly important parts of the program as youth lead their own activities. At the Expo, Scouts will be demonstrating Scout skills including knot tying, first aid, and Dutch oven cooking. To learn more visit Troop48.org.
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.