GMSD in Focus
10.23.23
Track your students' progress through report cards and benchmark reports
We want to remind families about some important dates–first, on Wednesday, October 25th, the 1st Quarter Report Cards will go live in the Skyward Family Portal. Simultaneously, GMSD has received its results from the first benchmark assessment (a predictor on how students will perform on end of year state assessments). Families should have already received or will SOON be receiving those results.
I’d like to thank Mrs. Storm Schoonover who invited me to visit her American Sign Language class at Houston Middle School. Our team had a great time learning how to sign breakfast foods with your class. It’s special that our HMS students are offered 35 elective choices each semester. From ASL to TV production to Greek mythology–there’s an impressive menu to choose from! Check that out in this week’s spotlight! Does your class or organization have something coming up that our leadership team could visit?
Jason Manuel,
Superintendent
What is MVPA? Who takes the Benchmark Assessment and how often?
- Mastery View Predictive Assessment's standards-based benchmarking tool is designed to provide a comprehensive and accurate measure of a student's academic proficiency and growth, enabling educators to make data-driven decisions to enhance learning outcomes.
- Students enrolled in the following state-assessed courses completed their first Mastery View Predictive Assessment (MVPA, formerly known as CASE) during the week of Sept. 18:
- 2nd-8th Grade ELA and Math
- 6th-8th Grade Science
- Algebra I & II, Geometry, and English I & II
- Note: 6th-8th Social Studies, US History, and Biology do not complete the 1st benchmark
- The fall benchmark assessment was designed using GMSD standards pacing for math and science. Since the ELA standards overlap and are used throughout the year, each ELA assessment is cumulative.
- The next MVPA Benchmark testing window opens the week of Nov. 27 and runs through Dec. 5, and the final window opens Feb. 26 and runs through March 5. These testing dates are strategically selected to receive data as we begin the 2nd semester, and to receive the final data after spring break to assist with final instructional planning and interventions prior to TCAP/EOC testing.
What information will families find on the individualized reports?
The Individual Student Reports are a valuable resource for teachers, students, and parents, distributed after every benchmark assessment period. These reports use a + or - notation to signal when a student is near the threshold of moving up or down a proficiency level. Additionally, students receive detailed scores by standard, providing precise, individualized insights. The reports also include information on text complexity level and Depth of Knowledge (DoK), enhancing the depth of feedback and understanding for all stakeholders.
Germantown Board of Education October Board Meeting
The Board will hold its October Board Meeting on Tuesday, October 24, 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, Oct 24, 2023, 06:00 PM
3350 Forest Hill Irene Road, Germantown, TN, USA
Germantown Board of Education: October Business Meeting on Tuesday
Tuesday's Agenda includes the following items: Recognition of our GMSD Principals, Approval of meeting minutes, Second Reading of policy revisions, First Reading of policy revisions, Budget amendments for FY 23-24, Approval of LEA Compliance Report, Approval of the 2023-24 GMSD TISA District Accountability Report, and various Board Action Items, such as approving Houston High School Club Fees and GMSD Instructional Calendars for 2024-25 and 2025-26. Please click here to view the full Agenda or watch the work session detailing each item below.
Haunted Houston Spooks Up a Weekend of Fun and Fundraising at Houston Middle School
Houston Middle School ushered in the spooky season with another thrilling community event, Haunted Houston, over the weekend, providing an action-packed, family-friendly experience for all.
Participants also had the chance to embark on a chilling haunted tour of the middle school, which showcased the eerie talents of both students and staff, bringing spine-tingling surprises at every corner.
But the fun didn't stop there – an array of carnival style games, food kiosks, dunk tanks, and inflatable slides added to the excitement, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy.
The week leading up to the event was just as engaging, starting with an online silent auction that allowed participants to bid on exciting items and experiences. The festivities continued with daily activities tailored to students, providing entertainment and enjoyment in the lead-up to the main event.
One of the highlights of the week was the first-ever Monster Mash dance held on Friday, where students danced the night away in celebration of the upcoming Halloween season.
Haunted Houston had another important goal – raising funds for Houston Middle School. Through sponsorships, the dance, the silent auction, and the event itself, the HMS Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) managed to raise more than $40,000. These funds will be invaluable in supporting various initiatives and activities that benefit the school and its students.
Dolphins Around the World: A Celebration of Culture and Community at Dogwood Elementary School
Last week, Dogwood Elementary School (DES) embarked on a journey that sent Dolphins Around the World. As part of their new effort, Dolphins Belong, DES welcomed students and their families to an unforgettable evening that showcased the backgrounds and unity among the school's young learners.
The heart of the event unfolded in the school's cafeteria, where an array of delectable dishes from various cultural backgrounds was served. Families eagerly prepared and shared their favorite cuisines, creating an delicious, flavorful smorgasbord that represented the global origins of the school's student body.
Students from DES, along with members of the Houston High German Folk-dancing Club and International Club, took center stage to deliver captivating performances. From traditional dances to musical showcases, the audience cheered while they snacked on their meals.
Nabiha Huda, one of the key organizers of the event, expressed the sentiment that echoed throughout the evening. "Every table here helps to showcase the family of a child here at Dogwood. We want everyone to come together to learn about each other's cultures and backgrounds," Huda said. "It was an amazing turnout, and we cannot wait to do it again next year."
Three GMSD students recognized for life-saving skills and actions this month!
Riverdale students Beckham Clark and Weston Sloan received special recognition for their quick thinking and heroic actions, as they skillfully performed the Heimlich maneuver to assist a fellow classmate in need. Just before the break, the school held a special ceremony to celebrate them. Additionally, Houston High School student London Griffin has received an award from the Mayor of Memphis for his extraordinary act of heroism in saving a child's life at a local pool. We applaud these young individuals for their remarkable bravery and their commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. Way to go, gentlemen!
Twelve Students join the ranks of nationally recognized Commended Scholars
A National Merit Commended Scholar is a student in the United States who has been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) for their outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). While they don't advance to the Finalist level of the National Merit Scholarship Program, Commended Scholars are among the top scorers in the nation. Being named a Commended Scholar is a significant academic achievement and an honor that can enhance a student's college application. It acknowledges their high level of academic achievement and the potential for continued success in their education.
Congratulations to this year's 12 National Merit Commended Scholars: Adam Putnam, Colby Baltz, Daniel Larrabee, Elisa Wiadacz, Ethan Assad, Jacob Geiser, Jared Jobbins, Kyfong Dai, Lucas Saxton, Samuel Hosea, Sean Chung, and Wallace Bell! Their exceptional academic achievements and dedication to excellence have earned them this well-deserved recognition.
HHS student named semi-finalist for Coca-Cola Scholars Program
Houston High School Senior Sarah Hochman has achieved the status of being named a semi-finalist in the prestigious Coca-Cola Scholars Program which selected 1,514 students, representing the top 1.45% from more than 103,800 applicants nationwide. These students are being reviewed by the Program Reading Committee, and from this group, 250 will advance as Regional Finalists, with 150 ultimately becoming Coca-Cola Scholars and receiving a substantial $20,000 college scholarship. This program, a collaboration between Coca-Cola bottlers and The Coca-Cola Company, is the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship program in the United States, having provided more than $84 million in scholarships to more than 6,900 Coke Scholars since 1986. In addition to the financial support, Coca-Cola Scholars join a dynamic community of alumni dedicated to making a positive impact on the world.
Storm Schoonover: Why I Choose to Teach ASL as an Elective
With 35 elective choices, the school administration asked staff at Houston Middle School what they would like to teach. This gave talented teachers, like Storm Schoonover, a chance to explore American Sign Language with her students. Watch the full video below to learn more:
Did you know that October is National Principal's Month?
Consider sending your child's principal a GMSD Gratitude Gram! It's easy and completely free! What's better is that positive messages have a positive effect on both the recipient AND the sender. It can foster a sense of connection, brighten someone's day, improve the moods of those around you, and strengthen the professional bonds between coworkers. It's a simple way to spread kindness and positivity in your school, creating a ripple effect where the recipient may be inspired to do the same for others.
Houston Transition Academy highlighted across the state
Congratulations to our Exceptional Education Teachers at Houston High School for being featured in the Transition Tennessee Newsletter!
Houston Choirs perform in their first concert of the season
The Houston Choirs set the stage ablaze with their much-anticipated season opener. The event featured stellar performances from all the choirs, including the renowned Fifth Measure, the premier a cappella group known for their harmonious and reimagined hits, created solely with the power of their voices.
While each performance brought its own unique charm, the standout moment of the evening was undoubtedly the vocal percussion solo, delivered with jaw-dropping expertise by HHS student Topher Green. The beatboxing virtuoso left the crowd in awe, proving that music knows no boundaries, even when it's all about rhythm and beats.
The Houston Choirs are also hosting a meat raffle this month (details below).
If you find yourself regretting that you missed the season opener, you're in luck. The Houston Choir Fall Fest is just around the corner, scheduled for Friday, November 3rd, in the park behind the high school.
Mustang Scores and Schedules
The fall sports season is coming to a close, but our varsity football team is still picking up wins and has a big game ahead. Just before fall break, the freshman/jv team was victorious over Whitehaven, winning 28-0, and the varsity team won over Arlington 48-7. Most recently, this past Friday, the varsity Mustangs were successful again defeating White Station 37-0. Up next is Collierville. This Friday, October 27, at 7:00pm, the Mustangs take on the Dragons away. The season for varsity golf has officially come to an end, and senior Sophie Christopher finished 2nd place in the state. Sophie will continue her career at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, but Houston has given her so many lasting memories. Varsity volleyball’s season has come to an end, and some of their top athletes have received multiple recognitions for their hard work this season. At the Regional level, Teri Brooks and Sydnee Carter were named to the All Regional Team, and Sydnee Carter was also recognized on the State level by the Daily Memphian for her incredible performance in their game vs. Maryville. After being selected to train at the U.S. Olympic Training Center, Sydni Vice was then selected as the Max Preps AVCA Player of the Week last week. We are so proud of our Lady Mustangs volleyball and their hard work this season.
Varsity Girls' Cross Country and Soccer Success
The Lady Mustangs of varsity cross country and varsity soccer are bringing home the W’s! The girls varsity cross country team has had a phenomenal last few weeks. They won the Randolph invitational last weekend in Huntsville by one point in a stacked field. Senior Zoe Marsh continues to have the fastest high school girls’ time for a 5k this season, running an 18:35. They also dominated at the Frank horton invitational a few weeks back. Girls varsity soccer were named Regional champions for the Region 8-AAA championship game. They defeated Collierville 2-1 on Wednesday, October 18. In Sectionals, they went on to defeat Clarksville 9-0 on Saturday October 21. Next up, they face Bearden this Wednesday, October 25.
Varsity Girls' Basketball Team is Season Ready
Varsity girls’ basketball had a successful media day that showcases they are ready to take on their fall schedule. To view their full schedule, visit https://www.thehoustonathletics.com/sport/basketball/girls/.
September Athlete of the Month Winners!
Vote for Athlete of the Month for October! This Friday, October 27, at noon, voting for October’s Athlete of the Month is set to close, so be sure to cast your vote! Congratulations to all of our nominees. To read more about each athlete and cast your vote, click here.
Houston High SGA invites YOU to Trunk or Treat next week
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 Education Foundation Awards Mini Grants
Uplifting Students by Supporting Teachers
The Germantown Education Foundation raises and distributes funds each year for Germantown Municipal School District (GMSD) support. These funds may be used for specific needs of educational programs.
They recently shared their new Mini-Grant for Teachers program.
For a mini-grant proposal to receive consideration, the Request for Funding may be submitted anytime in the 2023-2024 academic year. The applicant must receive application approval by their school Principal prior to submission to GEF.
Mini-Grants have a maximum distribution of $500 per grantee. This is a financially capped funding program, and the requests are restricted to educational supplies and/or training for faculty of the GMSD. To receive an application email the foundation by clicking here.
September 2023 Mini-Grants Awarded:
1. Dogwood Elementary
Katherine Brown, Preschool
Sensory Hideaway for DES Sensory Room for Exceptional Students - $500
2. Dogwood Elementary
Joelle Dodge, Instructional Technology Coach
Two Lego Educational STEAM Park Kits for Kindergarten and Pre-K- $420
3. Farmington Elementary
Third Grade Language Arts Teachers
Squids for Wit and Wisdom, Exploration of the Sea: $485
4. Farmington Elementary
Susan Eaton, First Grade
Three IKEA Trofast Storage Units: $350
5. GOAL K-5
Dr. Heather Fisher
Elementary Adventure in Music: $500
Middle School Music Exploration: $500
High School Music Exploration: $500
8. Houston High School
Chad Uhiren, Criminal Justice
Future of Education Technology, January 2024: $500
Hot off the presses, Where are they now? Our new alumni magazine is coming in October!
Not a subscriber to Memphis Magazine? No problem! The first 100 alumni portal registrations will also receive a preview copy by mail. Register now until Friday for a chance to win a coffee mug or your copy. It's free and simple to register.
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.