GMSD in Focus
10.30.23
November is right around the corner--it's time to pay tribute to our American veterans
Over the weekend our elementary and middle school cross country teams experienced tremendous successes at the state championship. But, for me, the photo in our title slide exemplifies why we do what we do. Those athletes are both focused and connected to one another with greater purpose!
Tomorrow is Halloween, and we wish each of you a safe and happy evening! As the weather begins to turn colder, my thoughts turn to the importance of celebrating Veterans Day in our schools.
>>GMSD, we need your help! Make sure the United States veterans in your life are connecting with our elementary schools and are plugged into one of our celebrations listed below. By inviting our veterans into schools, we allow our young students to connect with real-life American heroes and gain a deeper appreciation for their sacrifices. It provides a unique opportunity for students to hear firsthand accounts of bravery and service, fostering a sense of patriotism and gratitude. Moreover, this interaction can help instill values like honor, respect, and freedom in the next generation.
Veterans Day Programs on Friday, November 10:
- Forest Hill Elementary School: Reception, 8:30 a.m.; Parade, 9:00 a.m.; Program, 9:30 a.m. REGISTER HERE
- Farmington Elementary School: Parade & Program begin at 1:30 p.m.; REGISTER HERE
- Dogwood Elementary School: Program 9:30 a.m.; REGISTER HERE
- Riverdale K-8 School: Coffee & Donuts will be served at 9:30AM in our Multipurpose Room. Program; 10:30 a.m.; Parade of States, 1:00 p.m.; RSVP to (901) 756-2300 or Katherine.Caudle@gmsdk12.org
Jason Manuel,
Superintendent
Houston High SGA invites YOU to Trunk or Treat TOMORROW
Attention: Houston High School is hosting their annual Trunk-or-Treat event on October 31st from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at Houston High in the main parking lot. Join us for a hair-raising Halloween adventure as HHS main lot will transform into a supernatural spectacle, featuring a spine-tingling lineup of creatively decorated trunks, a costume contest for all ages, and a cornucopia of sweet treats that will make your taste buds scream with delight. Pick out your most enchanting costumes and gather with your fellow ghouls for an evening of unforgettable fun. Houston High School welcomes families from near and far to come together, celebrate the spooky season, and create cherished memories. Be prepared for a wickedly good time, as we enchant you with laughter, candy, and a memorable Halloween experience. Don't miss this ghostly gathering -- we can't wait to celebrate with you!
Germantown Board of Education November Board Meeting
The Board will hold its November Work Session on Tuesday, November 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.
Tuesday, Nov 14, 2023, 05:30 PM
3350 Forest Hill Irene Road, Germantown, TN, USA
The Germantown Board of Education approves the 2024-2025 Instructional Calendar
During the October 24 business meeting, the GMSD Board approved the 2024-2025 Instructional Calendar. You can view the calendar here.
- Fall Break is Oct. 14-18, and aligns with Arlington, Bartlett, and Lakeland
- Spring Break is March 17-21, and aligns with Arlington Bartlett, Lakeland, and Collierville
November GMSD Board Meeting Dates:
Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 5:30 p.m. - Work Session
Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 6:00 p.m. - Business Meeting
Riverdale Helps Raise $2,414 Towards Diabetes Research
On Saturday morning, October 21st, the Riverdale K8 School community came together at the Memphis Zoo to participate in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) One Walk. This event brought students, parents, and staff together for a day of fun, support, and advocacy for those living with juvenile diabetes. Riverdale Cheer, the Raider Mascot, and dedicated members of Riverdale's Junior Honors Society and Student Government Council raised an impressive $2,414 towards diabetes research!
Riverdale Cheerleaders, led by their enthusiastic sponsors, Mrs. Faught, and Mrs. Shuster, added an extra layer of spirit and energy to the event. The NEW Raider Mascot also provided smiles to onlookers.
Riverdale's Junior Honors Society and Student Government Council played a pivotal role in making the JDRF One Walk a successful fundraiser. Students from both organizations took on various responsibilities, from fundraising efforts to coordinating logistics on the day of the event.
Hand Jive the Day Away with the Dogwood Dolphins
Third graders celebrated 50s day with a sock hop, learning, and treats.
The girls swished their poodle skirts as they walked down the halls, and the boys looked cool and slick with their pompadours and leather jackets. Everyone was wearing their favorite 50s-inspired accessories, from scarves and bobby socks to sunglasses and fedoras.
In class, the third graders learned all about the 1950s. They created timelines of key events, researched specific years in the decade, and even made their own "Hope Floats" with ice cream and soda. Outside, they learned to hula hoop.
Yet the big event of the day was the sock hop. Parents were invited to come and watch their children dance to the tunes of the 1950s. The students had been practicing their moves all week in PE class, and they were ready to show off their new skills.
The gym was transformed into a 50s setting. Mr. Smith played classic hits like "Hound Dog," "Rock Around the Clock," and "Twist and Shout," and the students danced the hour away.
They twirled and stomped to the Twist, did the Hokey Pokey, and limboed under a low bar. They even tried their hand at the Hand Jive, a complex dance that required a lot of coordination.
Students learned a lot about the 1950s, made some delicious treats, and learned some new dances. It was a truly unforgettable day.
Local Steamfitters Union hosts a fun field trip where students explore careers in needed trades
Approximately 40 students from Houston High School embarked on a field trip to the Steamfitters facility in Arlington, where they were immersed in the intricacies of HVAC, pipe fitting, and welding. The experience was a particular favorite among the school's college and career ready programming activities, thanks to the numerous hands-on opportunities it afforded the students. Notably, the visit also shed light on the lucrative prospects within the field, with information revealing that Steamfitters apprentices currently working at Blue Oval are earning nearly $2,500 weekly. What's more, these apprenticeships come at no cost, and students have the opportunity to apply for them immediately upon graduation.
Forest Hill Elementary's First Graders Delight in Green Eggs and Ham Adventure
The cafeteria staff at Forest Hill Elementary School recently whipped up a delightful surprise for the first graders, who eagerly devoured their meal of green eggs and ham. Dr. Seuss' classic book, "Green Eggs and Ham," came to life in the school cafeteria as the talented kitchen team concocted a colorful and tasty feast. The children's faces lit up with excitement as they received their trays filled with vibrant green scrambled eggs and a side of crispy, savory ham.
Farmington Elementary hosts its Falcon Fest over the weekend
Farmington Elementary School celebrated its 10th annual Falcon Fest over the weekend. Participants had the chance to engage in playful traditions like silly stringing their teachers, pie-tossing at Falcon staffers, and enjoying hayrides to a pumpkin patch. The event's success was made possible by the tremendous support from attendees, the Farmington PTO, and room parents who curated fantastic baskets for the silent auction, dedicated vendors, sponsors, and everyone who contributed in various ways. The event raised more than $20,000 for the school!
Special thanks go to Falcon Fest Chairs, Samantha Sadler and Krista Walker, Allison Long, who chaired the silent auction, and the FES PTO Executive team for their exceptional effort, meticulous organization, and creative contributions, which were instrumental in ensuring this year's Falcon Fest.
Roving Chef series has our GOALIES cooking in the kitchen
GOAL students were able to tour the kitchen at Forest Hill and learn from SFE (GMSD)'s Chef Ladarius as a part of their roving chef series. While donning chef hats, students were taught the best tips and tricks in the kitchen, how to spice up some mundane meals, and even got to make their own pizzas.
This week, our virtual students will meet up during the day for some special sessions in music at Germantown's Music Box. Over the weekend, GOAL made a special appearance at the annual India Fest. These Eagles are on the move!
Student Spotlight: Kori Dixon, Young Entrepreneur
Germantown Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) student Kori Dixon has created her own skin care line. In this video, learn what inspired her to start a business and how she uses our virtual school to balance school and work in the video link above.
Like trivia? Cheer on some of GMSD's top minds on the November 4th broadcast
Houston High School's Knowledge Bowl team recently won a quiz show at WREG Channel 3 studios. In a decisive victory, Houston outperformed their first-round adversary, Millington Central, with a commanding score of 380 to 145. The television program, featuring this intellectual showdown, is scheduled to be broadcast on the morning of Saturday, November 4 on WREG News Channel 3.
Schools name their Teachers of the Year (TOY)--Congratulations to the TOY Class of 2023!
In accordance with the category guidelines provided by the Tennessee Department of Education, each school proudly names its own Teacher(s) of the Year. These dedicated educators are typically chosen through a process involving their peers, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the school community. Once selected, these Building-Level Teachers of the Year advance to the district-wide competition, where district winners are chosen by a committee of former Germantown Municipal School District Teachers of the Year.
It is with great pride and admiration that we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the School-Level Teachers of the Year, whose exceptional teaching has earned them this prestigious recognition: Madison McKinstry, Elizabeth Stuart, Anna Brignole, Shelli Gibbs, Molly Sanford, Jordan McLaughlin, Sharon Taylor, Michelle Dlabaj, Elizabeth Hume, Tammy Mitchell, and Jerica Ross.
On November 13th, the City will recognize its Teacher of the Month and Student Excellence Award Winners
Congratulations to both Adam "Hughes" Putnam and to Forest Hill’s Kelsey Holland who have been selected as November’s Youth Excellence Award Winner and Germantown’s Teacher of the Month. They will be celebrated by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen on November 13th.
Differentiated PD mini sessions in place of traditional faculty meetings at Dogwood Elementary School
During the inaugural mini-Dolphin Learning Sessions, teachers were presented with a variety of options. Try Something NEW. Beat the Quarter 2 BLUES offered insights into using Kagan structures to enhance engagement, hosted in Room 409 by Ms. Britcliffe and Ms. Berry. In Room 308, Ms. Cunningham and Ms. Stuart led a session on Defined Learning, empowering students with project-based, interest-driven learning. Vertical Alignment: Writing Edition in Room 304, conducted by Ms. Whitsell, delved into writing expectations from K-5, aligning with state rubrics, standards, and district expectations. Finally, All things Intervention in Room 300, led by Ms. Jones and Ms. Moak, provided answers to questions regarding intervention resources, student selection, and teacher support. These tailored learning experiences are fostering a culture of continuous improvement among Dogwood Elementary's educators.
Featured Student Artwork: HHS Honors Art II Urban Sketches in Ink and Gouache
Mustangs Scores and Schedules
We are officially in the final days for fall sports 23-24, and winter sports are on deck. Varsity golf and varsity volleyball have both completed another successful season. Girls varsity soccer wrapped up their season this past week with a phenomenal final record of 19-1-2, following an incredible matchup with Bearden. Varsity football crushed Collierville on Friday, winning 42-28, and they are now the No. 2 seed for the Class 6A playoffs. Meaning, their first playoff game will be at home! This Friday, November 3 at 7:00pm at Landers Ford Stadium, the Mustangs take on Dickson County, and we need the fan support that comes with a home field advantage! As Coach Thomas says, come out, be loud, be proud, and go Mustangs! Cross Country had huge success at Regionals. Girls varsity won Regionals for the 30th year in a row! All seven of the Lady Mustangs finished their run in the top 13 for the Division 1 Regionals, and they have moved on to State. Boys varsity had another successful season as well, with three runners advancing to State. These Mustangs will compete at State on Thursday, November 2 at Sanders Ferry Park in Hendersonville, TN. Varsity Cheer began their competition season this past weekend and were successful with their routine earning them the title of Super Varsity Mid-South Regional Champions! Congratulations to all of our teams that are moving forward in their season’s success.
Eva and Roos Rottink at the U.S. Olympic Training Center
Houston High School Varsity swimmers Eva and Roos Rottink were invited to the USA Swimming National Select Camp. This past weekend they were in Colorado Springs at the U.S. Olympic Training Center. We are so proud of Eva and Roos, and we cannot wait to see what these two, along with their teammates, achieve this season.
Elementary and Middle School Cross Country Competes at the State Level
GMSD’s middle school and elementary level cross country teams competed at State this past weekend, and the results are phenomenal! Farmington’s boys varsity team placed 5th in the state, and Dogwood’s boys varsity team placed 3rd. Houston Middle School’s boys varsity team and the girls varsity team both placed 2nd in the state! The big win for the elementary school level was Dogwood’s girls varsity team who were named State Champions once again! Congratulations to all of these athletes for their hard work this season.
October's GMSD Athletes of the Month
Voting for October’s GMSD Athlete of the Month, sponsored by Alisha Dumas with State Farm, has officially closed, and our winners are Emma Thweatt and Walt Summy! Read more about these two dedicated student athletes below, and be on the lookout for the next round of voting.
Emma Thweatt- Senior, Cross Country
Emma started her running career at Dogwood Elementary, and she is set to continue her career on the collegiate level at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She is known as a team leader and is always encouraging her teammates. Emma is a hard worker, and she is dedicated to her team and her sport. She has been on the varsity cross country team all four years of her time as a Mustang, and this year she is a team captain. Emma volunteers her time with Memphis Youth Athletics and Camp Conquest, and she is also a Communications intern and an ambassador for GMSD.
Walt Summy- 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Cross Country
Walt finished in the Top 20 of the Twilight Classic and the Top 10 of the TMSAA West Tennessee Sectionals Championship in 2023, in only his 2nd year as a Cross Country runner. From year 1 to year 2, he improved his 2 mile personal record by almost 3 minutes! Walt works hard during season and during the off season to continue his athletic success. That same drive and work ethic has helped Walt to succeed in the classroom. Walt is known as a team leader, and he is always encouraging his teammates as well. He is always making his teammates laugh! He pursues excellence in all that he does, as an athlete, as a friend, as a student, as an artist and illustrator, and as someone with a servant heart.
Does your group, club, or school want to march in the Germantown Holiday Parade?
(From the City of Germantown)
It’s that time of year again! Time to start planning for the 2023 Germantown Holiday Parade happening on Saturday, December 9 at 2 p.m. The rain date is Sunday, December 10.
Lining the City streets, residents watch as decorated floats, horses, school groups, clubs, and booming marching bands slowly make their way along the parade route and wave to their neighbors. Be sure to stay until the end to get a glimpse of Santa aboard a Germantown fire truck. The parade begins at the corner of Kimbrough Road and Farmington Boulevard, proceeds west on Farmington Boulevard to Exeter Road, turns north on Exeter Road, and ends at Germantown Athletic Club.
Please include your school's abbreviation (i.e. FES, DES) or GMSD in the title of your entry so that they can group our district together!
Again this year, we are doing a paperless entry form for a smoother process. To sign up please go to the following link: https://forms.gle/Q8xb4aA2dieUJojt5
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!
Nominate a Teacher for Germantown Education Commission's Teacher of the Month!
The commission continues to accept nominations for Teacher of the Month. Nominees are scored monthly and remain eligible for the award throughout the school year. The nomination form has been digitized and is available online at https://forms.gle/mrrYPkZ6hXmR1Wgz5.
Germantown Education Commission Youth Excellence Award Nominations Are Open
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.