GMSD in Focus
2.26.24
Welcome back to your weekly dose of GMSD in Focus!
This week, we spotlight the importance of health sciences, offering a sneak peek into the rigorous and hands-on curriculum that prepares our students for success. From the enchanting Dogwood Storybook Trail that combines literacy with outdoor fun to the precision and focus cultivated by our new Archery Club, we're helping students to find their passions.
Celebrating Black History Month, our Houston Middle Schoolers are getting a lively education on hip-hop's cultural roots and rhythm. Plus, thanks to the generosity of our HHS PTSO volunteers, our teachers are enjoying newly upgraded lounges, enhancing their daily environment. Don't miss the theatrical talents on display at Houston High with 'Urinetown' and 'Into the Woods Jr.' at Houston Middle School.
Looking ahead, we're excited for the Spring signing day at Houston High School, where we'll celebrate our athletes moving on to compete in college sports. Mark your calendars for March 5.
Let's continue to stay focused on what truly matters – our students.
Jason Manuel,
Superintendent
Join us on Tuesday for the February Business Meeting as we celebrate our All-State Musicians
On Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the Germantown Municipal School District Board Room at 3350 Forest Hill Irene Rd., Germantown, TN 38138, we are planning to recognize the following students:
Symphony Orchestra
- Lucy Uh (Violin, Houston High School)
- Christina Park (Violin, Houston High School)
- Pearlie Wang (Viola, Houston High School)
- Kyfong Dai (Double Bass, Houston High School)
- Wesley Lim (Flute, Houston High School)
- Ethan Assad (Bass, Houston High School) - Also in Modern Band
- Elia Garcia (Violin, Houston High School)*
- Daniel Joo (Cello, Houston High School)*
- Haytham Faddah (Double Bass, Houston High School)*
- Noelle Middleton (Flute, Houston High School)*
- Caiden Ross (Bassoon, Houston High School)*
- Lucas Lumsden (French Horn, Houston High School)*
String Orchestra
- Myles Martin (Viola, Houston High School)
- Ashton Carter (Viola, Houston High School)
- Madelyn Harrington (Cello, Houston High School)
- Noah Mahintorabi (Double Bass, Houston High School)
- Wendy Ouyang (Viola, Houston High School)*
- Betsy Rivas (Viola, Houston High School)*
- Zachary Randall (Cello, Houston High School)*
- Willis Bowman (Double Bass, Houston High School)*
- Caroline Miller (Double Bass, Houston High School)*
9/10 Band
- Lucy McCarrens (Clarinet, Houston High School)
- Dinith Wijeratne (Clarinet, Houston High School)
- Tim Zhu (Clarinet, Houston High School)*
11/12 Band
- Vicent Yao (Clarinet, Houston High School)
- Andrew Hofmann (Bass Clarinet, Houston High School)
- Roari Lopez-conover (Bari Sax, Houston High School)
- Samuel Gillbert (Bass Clarinet, Houston High School)*
- Harrison Ferguson (Trumpet, Houston High School)*
- Nathaniel Clark (Trombone, Houston High School)*
- Upamanyu Shanker (Percussion, Houston High School)*
Choir
- Abigail Connell (Soprano I, Houston High School)
- Jacob Rozier (Tenor I, Houston High School)
- Colin Brooks (Bass I, Houston High School)
Modern Band
- Drew Coffey (Percussion, Houston High School)
- Ava Tignor (Female Vocal, Houston High School)
- Ethan Assad (Bass, Houston High School) - Also in Symphony Orchestra
Treble Choir
- Savannah Krueger (Farmington)
- Libby McKay (Farmington)
- Louisa Summy (Farmington)
- Jack Crider (Farmington)
- Autumn Watson (Farmington)
- Brooklyn Irwin (Farmington)
- Lily Altomar (Forest Hill)
- Blakely Dowdle (Forest Hill)
- Lilly Conway (Forest Hill)
- Piper Hughes (Forest Hill)
- Mary Mosteller (Forest Hill)
- Jean Paris (Forest Hill)
- Kate Weaver (Forest Hill)
Gold Key Art Scholastic Winners
- Addie Smith (Houston High School)
- Renee Wang (Houston High School)
- Grayson Auger (Houston High School)
*Denotes Alternates
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
If you are interested in reviewing our Family Life Curriculum, the link above provides that information. If you have questions or need more information our Coordinated School Health Supervisor Andy Martin will be available to meet with you. Just stop by the District Office, 3350 S Forest Hill Irene, at the times posted above.
Houston High School Master Plan: Behind the Scenes with the Fine Arts Subcommittee Members
Alumnus and student contributor, Emma Leigh Stanford, highlights the current limitations during a student feedback session, noting, "The space for dance [pom or studio] currently provided does not meet the needs of our dance team," underlining the necessity for dedicated spaces to nurture talent.
Similarly, alumnus Adam Eoff emphasized the importance of a new auditorium for the performing arts, stating it "could ensure that in addition to improved opportunities for learning in acting and directing, additional opportunities in lighting design and production sound design and mixing would be provided," showcasing the comprehensive approach to arts education that the vision seeks to achieve.
These and many other testimonials from our former students reflect the need for an industry-standard facility that could host everything from a theatrical play or a middle school band concert. "It would be nice to have our own space that the band or orchestra could all fit on the stage and parents and community members could comfortably watch us," said band alumnus Sarah D'Souza.
Is your child a future medical professional? Check out our spotlight on the Health Sciences Program
The curriculum spans introductory courses like Health Sciences and Diagnostic Medicine to more specialized classes such as Medical Therapeutics, emphasizing the business side of healthcare. Moreover, practical skills training—taking blood pressure, monitoring heart rhythms, nutritional assessments, and developing personalized care plans—equip students with the tools to provide exceptional patient care. Beyond the classroom, these skills prove invaluable, offering the ability to administer crucial first aid, CPR, and concussion care. Explore the world of Health Sciences at HHS, where education meets real-world impact.
Houston Middle students celebrate Black History Month
This Black History Month, Houston Middle School students enjoyed a fascinating journey into the world of hip-hop music and its significant impact on American culture. They explored how hip-hop is much more than just music; it's a powerful part of history that tells stories about people, places, and experiences. Through this unique exploration, led by a professional traveling education artist, students learned about the ways in which this music genre has shaped, and been shaped by history. It was a fun opportunity to help bring history alive for students.
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 Kindergarten 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!
Dogwood Elementary's Storybook Trail
Learn about the enchanting journey through Dogwood Elementary's Storybook Trail in this captivating spotlight. Join Dogwood Librarian Hilary McIntyre as she explains the immersive literary adventure she created. Experience the magic of reading outdoors as students explore the pages of stories and engaging activities along the trail, fostering a love for literature and the great outdoors.
GMSD Students share what makes their school special at monthly Chamber of Commerce meeting
Special thanks to our student ambassadors and the talented small jazz ensemble who graced GMSD's annual Chamber of Commerce luncheon. Our students passionately shared their love for GMSD, while the jazz band captivated the audience with their stunning performance. Mr. Manuel took the opportunity to engage with business leaders, discussing how they can support our schools and help maintain our focus on what truly matters—our students. Additionally, the event provided a platform to delve into the exciting features of the HHS Master Plan, showcasing our vision for the future.
Transforming Spaces, Uplifting Spirits: The Remarkable Makeover of Houston High's Teacher Lounges
This week, Houston High School's teachers' lounges received a significant makeover, all thanks to a generous $10,000 donation from Landers Ford, awarded during this year's GMSDinFocus Kickoff party for their second-place finish. Their unforgettable entrance, featuring a second-line style drum core of HHS teachers dressed as John Hughes high school characters, captured everyone's attention. With the funds earmarked for staff morale, the challenge was to rejuvenate not one, but SIX lounges. Following staff surveys highlighting desires for ice makers and modern coffee devices, the makeover addressed these wishes alongside much-needed furniture updates. Since 1989, the lounges had seen little change, but with the prize money and additional support from the HHS PTSO— who also contributed design input and hands-on sprucing up—the lounges have been transformed. This week's reveal has been a testament to community support and the value placed on teacher morale. For those looking to contribute further to this fantastic initiative, donations to the HHS PTSO are welcome.
Your local schools are gearing up for prime teacher recruitment season--and 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 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!
Students from Houston Middle School will offer Germantown an amusingly different way to think about everyone's favorite fairy tale characters through their production of Into the Woods Jr. The show, featuring nearly 50 HMS students, grades 6-8, premieres on February 29th.
“From the first rehearsal, our students have brought this story to life in a new way, as we prepare for the first main-stage theatre production at Houston Middle in over a decade,” says TJ Timmerman, HMS Choir Director and the Musical Director for Into the Woods, Jr. “We invite you to join us in applauding the unique ways that each student has contributed to the show, from performing to designing props, lights and scenery to assistant directing and working backstage,” he adds.
Houston Middle School will present Into the Woods Jr. on February 29-March 2nd, and March 7-8 at 7:00 p.m. There will also be a Saturday Matinee on March 9th, beginning at 2:00 p.m. All shows will be in the Houston Middle School Cafeteria (9400 Wolf River Blvd). Tickets are $10, and are available on the Houston Middle School website, hms.gmsdk12.org.
With a book by James Lapine and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Into the Woods Jr. is based on the Broadway production which won several Tony Awards, including Best Score, Best Book, and Best Actress in a Musical. The musical follows a Baker and his Wife who learn they've been cursed with childlessness by the Witch next door. The couple embarks on a quest – swindling, deceiving and stealing from such already-victimized characters as Cinderella, Little Red Ridding Hood, Rapunzel and Jack (fresh off the beanstalk!) – to get the special objects required to break the spell. However, the story doesn’t simply end “happily ever after” as each character must now face the consequences of his/her decision.
Artist Feature: The Cast and Crew of Matilda Jr.
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! City of Germantown hosts 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 $100 cash prize. And, there's a special division just for students. Read more about the opportunity here.
Pictured: HHS 11th grader Niyantha Kaushik's winning entry from last year
Mustangs Scores and Schedules
Spring sports are gearing up as winter sports showcase their last victories! In one final celebration for girls varsity basketball, they are celebrating two of their standout team members as Anna Lee Avery was invited to the BCAT Senior All Star Game, and McKenzie Percoski was named to the 15-AAAA All District Tournament Team. Varsity wrestling placed 13th out of 60 teams this past weekend at the state tournament, and two seniors represented the program exceptionally well with Colby Baltz placing 4th and Jacob Geiser placing 6th in their respective weight classes. Congratulations to our winter athletes for all of their hard work this past season!
Lacrosse season is picking up with two games tomorrow night: Varsity girls lacrosse faces ECS at 6:30 p.m., and varsity boys lacrosse takes on Bartlett at 6:00 p.m. Varsity track & field competed at indoor state at Vanderbilt this weekend, and they are having a strong start to this season! We can’t wait to see what these athletes accomplish this spring. Varsity pom is already preparing for next year - 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. Let's Go Stangs!
HHS Spring Signing Day
Houston High School is hosting a spring signing day celebration for our varsity athletes! From record setting runners, to football state champions, this is a signing day that you don’t want to miss. This event will take place in the varsity gym at Houston High School on March 5 at 3:00 p.m. Students, families, friends and faculty are invited to come as we recognize these athletes for their incredible accomplishments at Houston as they take the next step in their athletic careers.
Athlete of the Month February - last day to vote!
Voting for February’s GMSD Athlete of the Month will close today at Noon! Check out the nominees below, and click here to learn more about these student athletes and cast your vote.
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
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 is hosting clinics at our elementary schools:
Farmington today at 3:45 p.m., followed by Dogwood on February 29 at 3:45 p.m.
Volleyball is ready to welcome new athletes to the team. Click here for more information.
Second Phase of Dogwood Road Reclamation Project to Begin
Beginning on Monday, February 26, the City’s contractor will begin the second phase of the pavement reclamation project along Dogwood Road, from Birchton Drive to Elm Row Drive. The process involves milling away and recycling the existing asphalt, pulverizing and adding a cementitious material to the depth of 10 inches, then using large compaction equipment to create a base layer to ensure a stable road bed. After a seven day cure time, a layer of base asphalt will be installed then finished with a layer of surface asphalt.
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. The portion of Dogwood Road from Birchton Drive to Elm Row Drive, is the second of four phases of reclamation that will be completed along Dogwood Road. A third and fourth phase of the reclamation project is planned to cover the remainder of Dogwood Road to Forest Hill Irene Road.
This 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 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 while this project is underway.
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.
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.