GMSD in Focus
12.11.23
Happy Holidays from GMSD: Only Five Days Left in the First Semester
There are only a few more days until the end of the semester and the beginning of our Winter Break. Please check out this week's video message for a special treat.
This weekend, our students and community came together to create an impressive parade float that got the crowd singing and dancing. The float featured murals inspired by the "Yellow Submarine," painted by our talented Houston High School AP art students. Thanks to MetroBuilders, Commercial and Residential Roofing Experts, for sponsoring the float and helping our students with the framing. The parade also hosted great performances from members of The Houston Band and Falcon Footlights' "Matilda Jr." cast along with many other young performers. A special mention to our own GMSD Beatles, Dream of Gardens. It was a great display of our students' skills and talents.
Just a gentle reminder that this Friday students have a half day of school. Dismissal times for each school can be found below:
Houston High School: 11:15
Houston Middle School: 11:30
Farmington Elementary School: 12:00
Riverdale K-8 School: 12:00
Dogwood Elementary School: 12:15
Forest Hill Elementary: 12:15
Jason Manuel,
Superintendent
Germantown Board of Education December Work Session & Board Meeting
The Board will hold its December 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
Rising ninth grade (and current high school) GMSD students--take advantage of EARLY ACTION APPLICATION WEEK
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.
Sarah Hochman recieves the Tennessee School Board Association's State Student Excellence Award
We are thrilled to announce that Germantown Municipal School District's very own Sarah Hochman has achieved remarkable success in the Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) Student Excellence Award. Initially nominated by GMSD for this prestigious award, Sarah's outstanding achievements led her to be named the Regional Delta TSBA Student Excellence Award winner. Her journey of excellence didn't stop there – Sarah has now been honored as the top student in the state, earning the title of Tennessee Student Excellence Award Winner.
This significant accomplishment was celebrated in style at the TSBA convention in Nashville, where Sarah was recognized for her exceptional contributions and also received a college scholarship. A 12th-grade student with a proven track record of leadership, Sarah has held various influential roles in the BBYO organization, including Chapter Mazkirah and Chapter Aym Ha'Chaverot, as well as regional and international positions.
Her involvement extends to numerous school-related activities. She co-founded and co-presided over the Jewish Student Association (JSA) and has been an active member of the Key Club. Her commitment to service is evident through her participation in projects like the Riverdale Raider Theater, Houston SGA Trunk-or-Treat, and Hagal Sheli.
Academically, Sarah is a standout, being part of the Honors Academy with an unweighted GPA of 4.000 and a weighted GPA of 4.548. Her academic prowess is further highlighted by her perfect ACT score, National Merit Semi-Finalist status, and AP exam scores, and her international exposure, including a year of study in France where she achieved Certified French Level C1 and highest honors from the Class Council.
Sarah's blend of leadership, academic excellence, and community commitment truly makes her a distinguished representative of our district's values and aspirations. After school, Sarah also works part-time in the GMSD district office in the student communications department.
Congratulations to GMSD's Principal and Supervisor of the Year
Here We Go A-Caroling: The Houston High Choral Program
The Houston High School choir program has been spreading joy and holiday cheer through their caroling performances across the city. They have brought smiles to faces at local assisted living facilities, elementary schools, and other key locations, even making a special stop at the district office last week. Their recent concert was a beautiful showcase of vocal talents. Last week, the Concert Choir was also diligently rehearsing with the Germantown Symphony Orchestra, preparing for the much-anticipated Germantown Holiday Concert.
Holiday Concert Season is in full swing! Find the livestreams here.
There are still two chances left to catch holiday-themed performances:
December 12th - FarmingTONES and Farmington/Riverdale String Orchestra Winter Concert @ 6:00 – 7:00pm Farmington Gym
December 14th - Fifth Measure Holiday Concert - 7:00 – 8:00pm @ HHS Auditorium
Spring into the Season of Spectacular Musicals in Germantown
As the students of Houston High School wrap on a successful run of their Fall show, The Madwoman of Paris, students across the district are already rehearsing for their spring musicals. This spring, Germantown's stages will come alive with four must-see musicals:
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.
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.
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!
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.
*Our team will continue to update this article as links to purchase tickets become available.
Two students' holiday card designs selected as the official GMSD Holiday Card
Two Houston High School seniors, Sarah Cousyns (left) and Grace Magnini (right), created holiday designs chosen for this year's Germantown Board of Education Holiday Card. Congratulations to the two artists.
Mustangs Scores and Schedules
Winter sports are off to a good start for the Mustangs! Girls varsity basketball got a win over FACS this past Friday night, winning 55-42. Anna Lee Avery and Tre Davis were recognized for each achieving 1,000 career points. Both girls and boys basketball have a busy week ahead. Tomorrow night, they are away at Germantown to take on the Red Devils. JV boys kicks things off at 4:30pm, varsity girls start at 6:00pm, and varsity boys tip-off is at 7:30pm. They are back at home on Thursday where they take on Arlington. Varsity wrestling has had an incredible run in the last few days of their season. Over the weekend at the Memphis City Invitational, nine out of ten HHS wrestlers advanced to the medal rounds, and the Mustangs had four champions. Houston Cheer had a clean sweep at the Nfinity Spirit of 65 competition. Houston Varsity, Houston Junior Varsity Tumbling, Houston Junior Varsity Non-Tumbling, and Houston Middle all brought home first place in their divisions. Congratulations to these Lady Mustangs!
Houston Middle Cheer Fundraiser
HHS Football Celebrated in the Germantown Parade
The Houston Mustangs of Varsity Football were celebrated at the Germantown Parade! With their state championship hats on, and the trophy in tow, they helped lead the charge for all of the floats.
🎁 Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Check out our cozy Houston Mustang State Championship sweatshirts! Not only do they make a stylish and spirited present, but each purchase also supports our school. Order now and get it delivered straight to your doorstep. Spread the holiday cheer and show your #stangstatespirit! 🚚
Purchase your State Championship Gear here:
https://jhacompany.com/collections/houston-high-school-mustangs
Lauren Rickman and Elisa Wiadacz to be celebrated by the City of Germantown
The 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
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.