GMSD in Focus
2.20.24
Welcome back to your weekly dose of GMSD in Focus!
This week, we're thrilled to share a additional peeks into the Houston High School Plan, a visionary project years in the making. Dive into culinary adventures with our virtual learners, who are bringing the Roving Chef series right into their homes. Our Spring musicals promise to entertain, featuring favorites like 'SpongeBob', 'Into the Woods,' 'Matilda', and 'Urinetown', alongside a special spotlight on Houston Middle's first play in a decade.
In an unexpected twist, Alec Baldwin will Zoom into Mr. Hamilton's AV media class at Houston High, following a student project that caught his eye. Celebrate CTE Month with our compelling 'Why You Should Take Computer Science' video, and applaud our athletes for their outstanding achievements, including recognition by the Daily Memphian.
As we search for next year's top teaching talent, our schools begin showcasing their unique cultures through immersive experiences next week. Lastly, a huge shoutout to our staff for another successful District Learning Day.
Let's all continue to stay focused on what truly matters – our students.
Jason Manuel,
Superintendent
Important Public Notice: February Work Session & Business Meeting have been combined
Germantown Board of Education February Work Session & Business Meeting
The Board will hold its February Work Session on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 5:30 followed by its Business Meeting at 6:00pm.
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, Feb 27, 2024, 05:30 PM
3350 Forest Hill Irene Road, Germantown, TN, USA
Houston High School Master Plan: An exclusive interview with Deputy Superintendent Josh Cathey
The Houston High School Master Plan is not just a blueprint for educational innovation; it's a comprehensive strategy addressing the heartbeat of the campus. In a detailed discussion with Josh Cathey, Deputy Superintendent and Chief of Operations at Germantown Municipal School District (GMSD), further layers of this ambitious project are unveiled.
Cathey sheds light on aspects that, while perhaps less glamorous, are crucial to the campus's daily life. A significant operational improvement is the addition of over 300 parking spaces, addressing a long-standing need for more parking. This enhancement, coupled with plans for a more connected campus where both vehicular and pedestrian traffic flows more smoothly, offers meticulous attention to the logistical inner workings of a modern-day high school.
The visual and communal identity of Houston High School is also set for a transformation. Through strategic branding and the introduction of abundant natural light, the project aims to foster a strong sense of pride among students and staff. Note, the picture above is the school’s ambition for a new cafeteria space for students. The vision extends to a courtyard that will serve as a central point of pride.
Beyond the physical upgrades, Cathey acknowledges the operational challenges inherent in renovating and expanding a bustling campus. Drawing on past experiences, such as the addition to Riverdale K-8 School, the team is prepared for a phased approach to construction. This method ensures that school life continues with minimal disruption, prioritizing the safety and well-being of students and staff. Operational challenges will be tackled with careful planning, including scheduling certain works during the summer and implementing protective measures during construction phases.
With an initial rough cost estimate of $170 million, the project's ambition is matched by its scale. Yet, detailed timelines with project phasing, beginning and completion dates for construction, and other pertinent details remain fluid as discussions with the City of Germantown regarding funding and collaborative planning are underway.
As the Houston High School Master Plan progresses, it's clear that every facet, from the fine arts wing to operational efficiencies, is being crafted with an eye towards the future. This project, as Cathey passionately outlines, is a holistic endeavor to elevate every aspect of Houston High School, with over 95% of the existing campus receiving much needed upgrades. This project will improve Houston High School from an academics, athletics, arts, and operational standpoint, solidifying Houston High School as a premier high school for many years to come.
Why take computer science in GMSD? This week's CTE Month Spotlight
During CTE Month, we're shining a spotlight on the dynamic world of Computer Science, a field celebrated for its profound impact on problem-solving and innovation in real-life scenarios.
Highlighted in our latest feature, the allure of computer science is unmistakable, offering not just appealing career opportunities and competitive salaries post-graduation, but also a platform for creativity and self-expression. Through programming, individuals can craft games, engage in groundbreaking projects, and develop solutions that resonate on a personal level. The field's diversity paves the way for tackling significant challenges, using computer science as a universal language to navigate and shape the future of technology.
Furthermore, the establishment of a computer science club underscores our commitment to fostering a community of learning and exploration, where students delve into topics like AI and cybersecurity. At Houston High School, a spectrum of courses awaits, from introductory coding to advanced principles, all under the guidance of our expert educators.
Discovery Days in GMSD: Mark Your Calendars for Preview Events!
There are several upcoming opportunities to visit our schools during our GMSD Discovery Days. Please mark your calendar to visit our schools during these community events:
What? Houston Middle School (Rising Seventh & Eighth Graders) Preview Night
Who? Rising Seventh and Eighth Graders & Parents
When? Feb 26 from 5:30-6:30
What? Houston Middle School (Rising Sixth Graders) Preview Night
Who? Rising Sixth Graders & Parents
When? Mar 19 from 5:30-6:30
What? 5th Grade Preview Day at Houston Middle School
Who? Rising Sixth Grade Students from FES, DES, and FHES
When? During the school day, Mar 19, 21, and 22
What? Kindergarten Preview Nights (at each elementary school)
Who? Rising Kindergarteners & Parents
When? March 26 from 6:00 - 7:00pm
What? Riverdale Middle School (Rising Sixth Graders) Preview Night
Who? Rising Sixth Graders & Parents
When? April 8 from 6:00 - 7:00pm
What? Houston High School Mustang 7th Grade Preview Day will explore course offerings
Who? Rising Eighth Grade Students
When? During the school day, May 15
Germantown parents are also invited to join us for GMSD Discovery Days to see firsthand why each one of our schools are a top choice for families. School day tours are available for the 2024-2025 school year. Find out more about school tours here. Our school teams are hard at work to reschedule all tours scheduled during the snow days!
HMS Presents "Into The Woods"
Step behind the curtain of Houston Middle School's production of "Into the Woods Jr." and witness the dedication and talent of the students as they bring the enchanting world to life. Watch this behind-the-scenes look into the school's first-ever musical production. The HMS production of "Into the Woods Jr." will take place February 28, 2024 - March 1, 2024 and March 7-9, 2024. All evening shows will take place at 7:00pm, and matinees are at 2:00pm. To purchase tickets, click here. Produced by film and video intern, Benjamin Pickett.
Germantown Students Impress Hollywood: When Alec Baldwin calls your film class!
This week, students from our Audio/Visual Production 2 class at Houston High School caught the attention of Hollywood! The students embarked on a challenging project, remaking a famous scene from a well-known film, showcasing not only their technical skills, but also their cinematic storytelling.
The class assignment took an exciting turn when one of the students attended a media convention in Atlanta and had the opportunity to meet the star of the original scene. The student shared a snippet of their project with Alec Baldwin. In a gesture of support and recognition, the star reached out to congratulate the students in the class on their remarkable work. But the excitement didn't end there! He also proposed a Zoom call to serve as a guest speaker later this school year, offering our students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn directly from a seasoned professional.
Congratulations to these film students, Bennett Netschi, Ella Attaway, Grayson Youman, and Ricardo Aguirre!
District Learning Day 2024!
District Learning Day 2024 was a success! While students were out, GMSD teachers gathered together at HHS to learn best practices for helping our students along every stage of their GMSD journey. The focus for this year’s session was “Teaching with Clarity: A Focus on Growth,” and it fell directly in line with GMSD’s overall theme for the year of remaining focused on our students. The day kicked off with keynote speaker and renowned educational author Mike Schmoker. Schmoker spoke about prioritizing reading, writing, active teaching, and re-teaching, and he prompted teachers to discuss best practices with one another throughout his session. The day was full of teacher to teacher discussions that were geared toward keeping students engaged and new and innovative tools that teachers can use in their classrooms.
Teachers attended two sessions following Mr. Schmoker’s presentation, and they had a wide variety of options to choose from. AI 101 turned out to be a more popular session of the day, as well as Implementing Accommodations using Technology, and these sessions, along with a few others, discussed best tips and tricks for using technology to further our students' education. Other sessions piggybacked directly off of Mr. Schmoker’s key talking point of more reading and writing for students, but with a creative twist, such as Publishing a Class Book - Tips & Tricks to Publishing Success. From there, PLCs were able to meet to bring together all of the new information they had picked up throughout the day and brainstorm what it means for them moving forward into the spring. Each District Learning Day provides our teachers with the chance to learn from one another, and this year showcased a commitment to ongoing professional development and collaboration.
As your local schools gear up for prime teacher recruitment season, YOU can help!
Did you know the top reason most of our new hires chose to join our schools was through word of mouth? That's right—your conversations matter. As we gear up for hiring season, I encourage you to spread the word. Tell a friend, a neighbor, that GMSD is the place to be.
And, our premier teacher recruitment series is back, offering a glimpse into employment within our schools. We also have to give shoutouts to each individual school, as they premiere their themes this year!
Please share these registration links with any prospective teachers you know:
Forest Hill: Brewing Something Good!
☕️ Perk up your career! #TeachGMSD is on the hunt for teachers who have a latte to offer! 🍎 Join us at Forest Hill Elementary's "Brewing Something Good" event and espresso yourself as the next great educator in our district. Let's mocha difference together!
🎓✨ Test your wits and find out about why it is wonderful to teach at Houston Middle School! ✨🎓 Are you the next great mind to join our Mustang family? Find out at our lively "Are You Smarter Than a HMS Mustang?" event for prospective teachers. It’s not just about the trivia—it’s where your teaching passion meets our vibrant community.
Help GMSD recruit the BEST teachers for the 24-25 School Year!
Stay tuned for next week as we premiere the themes of Farmington Elementary School and Dogwood Elementary School!
What is School Snapshots?
School Snapshots is GMSD's unique approach to a job fair experience. Snapshots gives prospective teachers a chance to visit our GMSD schools to meet administrators/teachers and explore the resources our schools have available for teaching. It’s a great opportunity for applicants to get a feel for the different schools’ cultures, which will help them in determining where they want to apply for a teaching position in GMSD. Note the events below and make sure to register, here.
- Forest Hill Elementary: February 28th from 5:00pm-6:30pm
- Houston Middle School: February 29th from 4:30pm-6:00pm
- Riverdale Elementary: March 19th from 4:30pm-6:00pm
- Farmington Elementary: March 20th from 4:30pm-6:00pm
- Dogwood Elementary: March 21st from 5:00pm-6:30pm
- Houston High School: March 26th from 3:30pm-5:00pm
Please share this with your friends and neighbors!
Artist Feature: Ceramics at Riverdale K-8 School
Guided by their imagination and skilled hands, the 5th-grade students at Riverdale have transformed simple clay into magnificent ceramic castles, showcasing their talents.
Falcon Footlights at Farmington Elementary Presents: Matilda Jr.
February 21st - February 25th
Witness the magical story of Matilda, a little girl with extraordinary wit, intelligence, and psychokinetic powers. This adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic is a heartwarming tribute to the power of imagination.
Purchase your tickets here: https://www.showtix4u.com/events/falconfootlights
Houston Middle School Showcases: Into the Woods Jr.
February 29th - March 9th
Embark on a whimsical journey where fairy tales intertwine in unexpected ways. This enchanting musical explores the intersecting paths of beloved storybook characters.
Purchase your tickets here: https://gmsd.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/3208/370/False/True
Houston High School Mustang Theatre Presents: Urinetown
February 23rd - March 2nd
Explore a satirical tale of love through this theatrical classic. Urinetown offers a blend of humor, social commentary, and catchy tunes.
Purchase your tickets here: https://gofan.co/app/school/TN8765?activity=Performing%20Arts
Riverdale Raider Theater Presents: SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical
February 29th - March 2nd
Dive into an undersea adventure with SpongeBob, Patrick, and friends. It's a bubbly journey filled with humor, friendship, and infectious music, perfect for fans of all ages!
Purchase your tickets here: https://gmsd.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/3235/370/False/True
Calling all GMSD Poets! The City of Germantown is hosting its second annual Word Travel Sidewalk Poetry Contest
Are you ready to let your words wander and weave through the streets of Germantown? The 2024 Word Travels Sidewalk Poetry Contest is back, inviting poets of all ages and backgrounds to showcase their creativity and talent. Organized by the city of Germantown, this contest promises not only the chance to have your poetry immortalized on the city's sidewalks but also the opportunity to win a cash prize of $100. And, there's a special division just for students. Read more about the opportunity, here.
See HHS 11th grader, Niyantha Kaushik's winning entry from last year (pictured).
Mustangs Scores and Schedules
After a successful season, winter sports are in their final days, and spring sports are gearing up. Boys varsity basketball had a big win over Collierville last week, defeating the Dragons 80-66. Next up, the Mustangs face Southwind tonight at 6:00pm. Girls varsity basketball also added a couple Ws to their overall record with wins over Cordova and Arlington last week, finishing third in the district tournament. Elementary, Middle School, and HHS varsity wrestling teams are giving us something to celebrate! GMSD’s elementary and middle school wrestling clubs had a huge weekend with five wrestlers qualifying for the state tournament. Steve Anderson qualified in just his second year of wrestling with third place. Meanwhile, varsity wrestling won the TSSAA Section 4 wrestling championships this past weekend!! With a huge 15.5 point margin of victory over the other top teams, Houston dominated. These athletes also qualified 10 out of 14 weight classes for the state tournament this coming weekend! Let’s Go Mustangs!
Varsity girls lacrosse started their season off with a win! Last week the girls kicked off the season with a 16-10 win over St. Agnes. Next up, they face Briarcrest, this Thursday at 6:00pm. Meanwhile, boys varsity lacrosse begins their season tonight! The HHS Mustangs will face the MUS Owls at 5:30pm. After being named 2nd in the world for large varsity hip-hop, varsity pom is already preparing for next year. A tryout clinic will be held tomorrow, February 21, from 4:15-5:30pm in the FHES cafeteria, while tryouts are set for March 25, 26, and 28. March 25+26 will be held from 4:15-5:45pm, and March 28 will begin at 4:15pm. For more information, check out @hhs_pom on Instagram.
February’s GMSD Athlete of the Month - Voting is Open!
Voting for February’s GMSD Athlete of the Month is open for one last week! Check out the nominees below, and click here to learn more about these student athletes and cast your vote. Voting is set to close on February 26 at noon.
Here are the February High School nominees:
Colby Baltz - Senior, Wrestling
June Battles - Senior, Bowling
Kinsley Crews - Senior, Basketball
Cole D’Entremont - Senior, Bowling
Jacob Geiser - Senior, Wrestling
Jordan Myles - Freshman, Basketball
Here are the February Middle School nominees:
Kiara Anderson - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Pom
Rylan Askins - 8th Grade, Riverdale, Basketball
Annie Beasy - 6th Grade, Houston Middle School, Pom
Brody Cowan - 8th Grade, Riverdale, Basketball
Helen Donlon - 7th Grade, Houston Middle School, Basketball
Kolby Shaw - 7th Grade, Houston Middle School, Basketball
Houston athletes receive Daily Memphian recognitions as Athletes of the Year
Sophie Christopher, Zoe Marsh, and Ellett Smith were celebrated recently for being named as members of the roster for the Daily Memphian’s Athletes of the Year. Senior Sophie Christopher took home 2023 Girls Golfer of the Year after having not only an incredible season, but an incredible overall high school career as a part of the HHS golf team. Sophie has committed to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville to continue her career as a golfer. Zoe Marsh, also a Houston senior, was recognized as the 2023 Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year. Zoe has continued to break records as a Mustang in both Cross Country and Track & Field. She has committed to the University of Arkansas to continue her running career. Junior Ellett Smith was the youngest Mustang to be recognized, winning the award for 2023 Girls Soccer Player of the Year. Although only a junior, Ellett has given a verbal commitment to Vanderbilt University, but we can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next fall in her last year as a Mustang. Congratulations to these athletes!
HMS Tryouts & Spring Clinics
Houston Middle School is preparing for upcoming tryouts and clinics as we head into our next season for spring and fall sports. Pom, Baseball, and Volleyball are all ready to welcome new athletes to the team. For more information, click here.
Encourage your friends and neighbors with incoming Kindergarteners to let us know that they are coming!
Germantown Municipal School District is seeking future kindergarteners and any new students, grades K-11, zoned for GMSD but not currently enrolled, to complete the New Student Intent Form for Fall 2024. Completing an intention form helps your local schools with planning and communication, including readiness tips and event notifications.
Why should you fill out this form?
- It assists the district in planning accurately for the upcoming school year, ensuring adequate staffing and resources.
- It enables the district to communicate effectively with families, providing updates and necessary information.
- It gives families access to resources on kindergarten readiness and notifications about important events like Kindergarten Preview Nights.
Fill out your new student intention form and connect with us here.
Mustang Madness 2024
The Mustang Bullpen Club is hosting a 21+ event to celebrate Mustang Madness 2024. This soiree will kickoff the HHS baseball season and will feature a silent auction, live auction, live music, and hors' d oeuvres. We are currently seeking auction items for the silent auction and live auction.
Location: Windyke Country Club
Date & Time: Friday, February 23, 2024 from 7:00pm-10:00pm
Cost: $50 per person
To purchase tickets, please visit https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/houston-hs-baseball/mustang-madness
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.