GMSD in Focus
12.4.23
It's a Season of Giving in GMSD: Telling the stories of those who are committed to service over self
I hope everyone enjoyed a restful Thanksgiving holiday and time with their families. As we move into the winter holiday season, we will be GMSDinFocus on the stories of students and staff who are giving back.
In our schools, community service stands as a cornerstone for nurturing personal excellence. Besides the positive effects on the community, students often discover their passions. By integrating community service into our curriculum, GMSD strengthens the bond between academic learning and civic engagement, encouraging students to remain focused on what truly matters – making a positive impact in their community and developing their individual strengths.
Also, at the November Germantown Board of Education Meeting, I took time to go over many of the post secondary opportunities available at Houston High School along with special guest student ambassadors. If you are wondering what AP classes are available, how high school students can earn certifications, or how many college credits you can earn for a Dual Enrollment course option–I encourage you to explore or watch the presentation.
And, last but not least, GMSD needs your help. Governor Bill Lee's recent announcement of the Education Freedom Scholarship Act marks a significant shift towards universal school choice in Tennessee, starting in the 2024-25 school year. This latest voucher initiative, while aimed at expanding educational options, raises important concerns about its impact on public schools. Research shows negative effects on students and a lack of accountability.
In my past ten years as superintendent, our legislature has passed hundreds of laws that are crushing the way we run our schools. None of these laws will apply to the schools accepting this taxpayer money. Will they have to retain students based on a third grade test, will they be required to stop instruction to provide universal screeners three times a year, will they be required to spend thousands of hours on state mandated evaluation systems, will they be allowed to hire non certificated teachers? Will they be required to follow strict state standards and curriculum?
The burdens are endless. I have heard lawmakers say education competition is good to increase student achievement. Fair competition is dependent on an even playing field. Either these schools have to follow all the same laws we do or our legislators need to take all the restraints off of our schools and let us get back to the way we have always served our children. It's crucial for our community to understand these implications and engage with policymakers to ensure the best outcomes for our local Germantown school system.
Here are some ways you can help:
More Information About Education Freedom Scholarship Act / Find Your Local Legislator
Raise awareness by sharing this video on social media: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / TikTok
Thank you,
Jason Manuel,
Superintendent
Germantown Board of Education December Work Session & Board Meeting
The Board will hold its November Work Session on Thursday, December 14, 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.
Thursday, Dec 14, 2023, 05:30 PM
3350 Forest Hill Irene Road, Germantown, TN, USA
Germantown Board of Education November Business Meeting Recap
Significant agenda items included a revision of several policies, both for second and first readings. These revisions encompassed various policies, including employment, staff rights, ethics, and numerous administrative and financial processes. A Board Action Item made important changes to Policy 6.2061 regarding Inter-District Open Enrollment, which will now require students (with some exceptions) who live outside of Germantown's attendance zones to pay an annual tuition fee.
GMSD also celebrated our TSTA nominated science teachers, Danna Lane and Sabrina Martin.
For the first time in history--our football team has returned home with the 6A State Championship
Congratulations to the Houston High Mustangs on clinching their first state championship in a stunning victory over Murfreesboro Oakland! The team showcased remarkable skill and determination, triumphing 24-9 at the BlueCross Bowl. MVP Damon Sisa led the charge with an impressive performance, including a touchdown and an interception. The Mustangs' defense was a force to be reckoned with, limiting Oakland to just nine points. This historic win, capping a 13-2 season and a 12-game winning streak, marks a significant milestone for the team and the school. Well done, Mustangs, for setting a new standard in Class 6A football and bringing pride to our community.
Seeking musician, dancers, and marchers for our GMSD Float on Saturday!
We're excited to invite our staff and students to be a part of GMSD's float entry in the Germantown Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 9. This year, the float, graciously sponsored by Metro Builders Commercial and Residential Roofing Experts, will bring GMSDinFocus alive with a student band and colorful Beatles' imagery. We've set up a website with all the details you need, including a sign-up Genius to reserve you or your child's spot. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to march with us. Let's show Germantown the spirit of GMSD!
Link for more information HERE.
Here are the other GMSD-related entries in this year's parade in order of appearance:
01 Houston Mustang Football--The WALK OF CHAMPIONS to lead the parade
42 Germantown Municipal School District & Metro Builders Residential & Commercial Roofing
43 Houston Middle Pom Team
44 Houston Middle School cheerleaders
45 Germantown Composite Mountain Bike Team
46 Houston High School Varsity Pom
47 Houston High School Stang Gang
49 City of Germantown Education Commission/Teacher of the Year
73 The Houston Band
Reading comes alive for GMSD elementary students from dissections to square dances
At Farmington Elementary School, a unique fusion of science and literature captivated the minds of third-grade reading students as they embarked on an extraordinary learning adventure. By dissecting squids, these young explorers delved into the depths of marine biology, connecting the tactile experience of science with the vivid stories they read in class. This hands-on approach brought their reading material to life, transforming words on pages into tangible, memorable experiences. In a similar spirit of interactive learning, second-grade students at Forest Hill and Dogwood Elementary Schools were whisked away on a cultural journey through square dancing lessons and a lively Pioneer Day. These activities not only enriched their understanding of historical and cultural concepts but also demonstrated the joy of learning beyond traditional reading methods. In the Germantown Municipal School District (GMSD), these innovative approaches highlight a refreshing truth: reading and learning can indeed be a fun and engaging adventure for students.
The Applications for both the Houston High Honors Academy and Houston High Leadership Academy are now LIVE for current GMSD students
We're thrilled to announce that enrollment for the Houston High School Honors and Leadership Academies is now open for current GMSD students during two special early action weeks in December! This is a unique opportunity for your rising 9th-11th grader to join a small, specialized cohort of over 450 students in our Honors Academy, where they will embark on a rigorous academic journey, including Honors, AP, and Dual Enrollment courses. Or, they may become part of the dynamic Leadership Academy, fostering core values, organizational skills, personal responsibility, and of course, leadership.
The application process is detailed, offering students a chance to showcase their academic backgrounds, personal stories, and future aspirations. From the Honors Academy's essay to the Leadership Academy's innovative 60-second video prompt, applicants will engage in reflective and creative exercises that highlight their potential. With a focus on community service, leadership, and academic excellence, these academies prepare students not just for college, but for life.
For more details about the academies and to apply today, visit our website.
In this week’s student spotlight, we are shining a light on Elisa Wiadacz. An accomplished pianist, she routinely plays for the residents of Paige Robbins and other facilities that assist those with memory loss. Hear about what keeps her coming back to provide this incredible service.
Hughes Putnam named November's Germantown Youth Excellence Award
Houston High School senior Adam “Hughes” Putnam won the commission’s Youth Excellence Award. Putnam has earned the status of AP Scholar With Distinction and has taken 17 AP courses throughout high school. He is extremely involved in Houston High School, both in and out of the classroom. He is a member of the Varsity Trap Team, Golf Team, Key Club, Beta Club, Latin Club, Rho Kappa Club and the service organization Mustang Mentors. He was also recently elected as the Tennessee Junior Classical League First Vice President.
Additionally, Putnam participated in the Florida Youth Institute, where he was later selected to advance to the Global Youth Institute. He was one of six representatives chosen from the University of Florida to work with a team of six international students to develop solutions to Somalia’s food insecurity and civil instability issues.
Putnam is active in many service activities at Houston High School, along with participating in volunteer work outside of school, such as Ducks Unlimited Volunteers and Florida Citrus Crop Economic Forecasting Events.
Congratulations to GMSD's Teachers of the Year
Congratulations to Anna Brignole (Farmington Elementary School), Elizabeth Hume (Houston Middle School), and Jerica Ross (Houston High School). Look for profiles on this year's Teachers of the Year in next week's newsletter.
Kelsey Holland honored as November's Germantown Teacher of the Month
Kelsey Holland, a fifth-grade teacher at Forest Hill Elementary School, won the Teacher of the Month award. A founding staff member of the school, Holland was applauded for the passion and dedication with which she has shaped the school’s climate, culture, traditions and community relationships.
Among many other accomplishments, Holland has started quarterly pep rallies for Forest Hill students, giving them a special time to celebrate their successes and school pride. She volunteers to tutor students before and after school on her own time. She also serves as a Professional Learning Community lead, helping other teachers develop plans for meeting the needs of their students.
Spotlight: ESE Teacher, Alissa Betchick rises to the challenge
Practical Mathematics: The "Dollar Up" Method
In mathematics, Mrs. Betchick introduces the innovative "dollar up" method to teach addition and subtraction of money. Acknowledging the challenges traditional math instruction may pose, she focuses on practical applications. Students learn to round prices to the nearest dollar, transforming abstract concepts into tangible, real-world scenarios. Complemented by visual aids, peer collaboration, and individualized practice, this approach cultivates a comprehensive understanding of essential mathematical skills.
Scientific Inquiry for All
When it comes to scientific research, Mrs. Betchick seamlessly adapts her teaching to suit various learning preferences. Tactile learners explore through hands-on experiments, auditory learners engage in collaborative research projects involving discussion and presentation, and visual learners are supported with detailed visual aids. This adaptability ensures all students grasp core scientific concepts, regardless of their distinct learning styles.
The Boston Tea Party
Understanding the diverse learning styles in her class, Mrs. Betchick transforms this historical event into an immersive learning experience. Visual learners are engaged with historical images and diagrams, auditory learners take part in dynamic discussions, and kinesthetic learners reenact key events. This multisensory approach guarantees that each student comprehends the historical content in a manner that taps into their individual strengths
One more chance tonight to see 'The Madwoman of Paris' at Houston High School
Experience the captivating tale of 'The Madwoman of Paris,' at Houston High School. Join the Countess Aurelia and her band of eccentric friends in a whimsical fight for joy, in a world where even pigeons take flight once more. You have ONE last chance to see it tonight (Monday, December 4) at 7pm. Tickets are available at the door or online.
Last week, Riverdale kicked off the holiday musical concert season, and the next two weeks will bring several more concerts:
3rd - Fifth Measure Caroling at Kimbrough Woods - Sunday - 6:00 – 6:30pm
5th - Houston High School Orchestra Concert - 6 PM @ GPAC; LIVESTREAM LINK
6th - Houston High School Band Concert - 7 PM @ GPAC; LIVESTREAM LINK
7th - Houston Choir Concert - Thursday, 6:00 - 7:00 @ Germantown United Methodist
7th - HMS Band Concert in GYM A - 7:00 – 8:00pm
9th - Germantown Holiday Parade
9th - Concert Choir with GSO, Germantown Holiday Concert - 7:00 PM @ GPAC; LIVESTREAM LINK
12th - FarmingTONES and Farmington/Riverdale String Orchestra Winter Concert @ 6:00 – 7:00pm Farmington Gym
14th - Fifth Measure Holiday Concert - 7:00 – 8:00pm @ HHS Auditorium
Looking for a student-created holiday card or decorative mini-canvas?
Exciting news for art enthusiasts and supporters of local student talent! Houston High School's art students have crafted an exquisite collection of holiday cards and mini-canvases, inspired by holiday traditions and enchanting fairy tale themes, available for sale. These unique creations can be purchased from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm all week in the front lobby of Houston High School. Visitors are welcome to browse and shop during normal school hours, provided they check in at the front office upon arrival. This is a wonderful opportunity to own a piece of our students' creativity while finding perfect, artistic additions for your holiday celebrations. Don't miss out on these beautiful, handcrafted treasures that showcase the talents of our young artists!
Mustangs Scores and Schedules
YOUR HOUSTON MUSTANGS ARE STATE CHAMPIONS! For the first time in school history, Houston High School varsity football won the Division 1 Class 6A State Championship. These Mustangs have worked so hard all season, and we could not be more proud of them. Up next is varsity winter sports, and these Mustangs are off to a good start! Varsity wrestling had a huge weekend hosting the Blackhorse Tournament, and today they are back at it at Collierville at 4:00pm. Boys and girls varsity basketball have their first home game this Friday. Varsity games start at 6:00pm, so come out and show your support. Varsity swim is preparing for the state qualifying meet on December 16 at St. George’s, while girls varsity bowling is gearing up to take on Bartlett this Wednesday at the Cordova Bowling Alley. It is our turn to cheer on Varsity cheer as they head to the NFINITY Spirit of 65 in Nashville tomorrow. Go Mustangs!
It's a Mustang Domination: Houston cross country runner Thomas Dickinson wins the St. Jude 5K over the weekend
In our latest triumph, Thomas Dickinson, a dedicated runner from Houston High School, clinched the title at the St. Jude 5K on Saturday. His victory adds to the string of impressive achievements for our district, hot on the heels of our state championship in football. Stay tuned for professional photos and a video of Thomas's remarkable performance, capturing another moment of pride for our community. #GMSDinFocus #InspiringPersonalExcellence #TeachGMSD
Two Mustangs reach career 1,000 points
On November 17, just before Thanksgiving break, two Mustangs celebrated a huge feat in their basketball careers. In their games against MHEA, seniors Tre Davis and Anna Lee Avery both hit the mark of 1,000 career points. We are so proud of these Mustangs, and we can’t wait to cheer them on as they continue creating their legacy at Houston!
GMSD's November Athlete of the Month Winners Announced!
GMSD’s November Athletes of the Month are Alison Roth and Jiles Bryant! These two athletes are known for their dedication to their sport and their teammates. Read more about them below. Athlete of the Month will be back in January!
Alison Roth - Senior, Swim
Alison started swimming at age 10 and is now a year round swimmer. She has qualified for South Regions, and she has made the high school state team every year. She has won first place for Southeastern swimming, and she is known for being determined and persistent to be her very best. She's become a mentor to a lot of her teammates, and they can count on her to be a positive voice in the swimming competitions. She's a great teammate, friend, and works hard at that every day.
Jiles Bryant - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Football
Jiles is a multi sport athlete. He plays baseball, football, and basketball at a competitive level. In baseball Jiles plays for Easley Base Club/EBC 14u and was recently rewarded Most Valuable Player. Jiles is driven and inspired to be such in sports and in the classroom by giving his best work. He strives to be, live, and think beyond other’s expectations. He believes that his best is yet to come. Jiles is really known as a gentle giant. He has several nicknames that his coaches refer to him, most notably from football, his coach calls him “Jelly” because of his smile. Being a multi sport athlete, Jiles has learned to balance his time to all of his endeavors.
Lauren Rickman and Elisa Wiadacz to be celebrated by the City of Germantown
he Germantown Education Commission has selected Houston High senior Elisa Wiadacz as the December Youth Excellence Award winner and Riverdale's Lauren Rickman as the December Teacher of the Month. Awards will be presented during the December 11 Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting which begins at 6 p.m. in council chambers at Germantown City Hall, 1930 S. Germantown Road.
Nominations for the GEC Youth Excellence Award and Teacher of the Month continue to be accepted online.
Youth Excellence Award nomination form - https://forms.gle/Fu257F2FBsGdHQDT9
Teacher of the Month nomination form - https://forms.gle/UdNv42PRJpwUAE6A6
Hot off the presses, Where are they now? Our new alumni magazine is here!
Not a subscriber to Memphis Magazine? No problem! Those who register in our alumni portal registrations will also receive a preview copy by mail. This week is your LAST chance to register and receive your copy!
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.
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.