As we reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy this week, his words resonate deeply: "Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’" We see the answer in the incredible kindness and service displayed across our district every day. Whether it's Dogwood students taking part in the Kids Heart Challenge, student school board member Jack Boccher committing to serve at a U.S. service academy, or Farmington students celebrating Special Education Awareness Week, our students, staff, and families continue to find meaningful ways to give back and care for others.

We are so proud of the compassion and innovation happening in our schools, and we know that small acts of kindness can lead to lasting change. Thank you for being a part of a community that makes service a priority.

Thank you,

Jason Manuel,

Superintendent

At last night's Germantown Municipal School District Board of Education meeting, the board took time to celebrate the district’s Teachers of the Year: Julie McMinn, Samuel Andereck, and Seulah Ku Lee, as well as Principal of the Year, Joseph Bond, and Supervisor of the Year, Megan Gaschler.

Key reports included legislative updates as Tennessee lawmakers head into session, with discussions on potential impacts for the district. In his report, the superintendent shared positive trends in winter benchmark data, highlighting encouraging academic progress across GMSD schools.

All agenda items were approved during the meeting. For more details, the full agenda can be viewed here.

At Dogwood Elementary, students are making waves in their efforts to support the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge. The school has a strong legacy in fundraising, and students are eager to maintain their leadership status. Additionally, congratulations go to Adelyn Winer, who secured first place in CodeWizards HQ’s Logic Challenge, demonstrating that critical thinking is a true superpower. Her inspiring journey is featured in this month’s Student Spotlight section of the newsletter.

Meanwhile, at Farmington Elementary, Special Education Awareness Week brought students, staff, and families together, fostering a stronger sense of belonging and unity within the school community. Their new gym teachers are also participating in the Kids Heart Challenge this year too!

Over at Houston Middle School (HMS), students had the opportunity to connect with nature during a visit from a state park ranger. The interactive experience sparked curiosity about zoology and conservation careers among students. The school is also excited to introduce the Mustang Makers Market, a platform for students to showcase their creativity and handmade goods. With spaces filling up quickly, the event promises to highlight the talents of young creators across the district.

At Forest Hill Elementary, fourth graders embarked on an unforgettable journey to Discovery Park of America, where they explored exhibits focused on innovation, history, and hands-on learning experiences. Additionally, the district's GOAL students continued their culinary adventures through the recurring Roving Chef series, giving them valuable hands-on kitchen experience.

Houston High School (HHS) is celebrating remarkable student accomplishments. Senior Carter Yeargan is preparing to debut his original play, Let a Little Light In, while fellow senior Jack Boccher has earned nominations to all three U.S. service academies—Army, Navy, and Air Force—an incredible honor reflecting his hard work and potential for leadership. The City of Germantown also released its Winter/Spring Germantown Magazine, featuring HHS's Houston Hearts Club on the cover!

During the week of January 13, all GMSD third-grade families will receive a letter summarizing the key details of the Third Grade Promotion Law and outlining the various supports available to help students succeed. The letter provides a clear overview of the law’s requirements, including assessment expectations and intervention opportunities for students who may need additional support.

GMSD remains committed to ensuring every third-grade student has the resources they need to thrive, and we encourage families to review the information carefully.

For further details and personalized support options, please contact your child’s school.

The Germantown Municipal School District’s (GMSD) Open Enrollment application window for the 2025-2026 school year is officially open! Families have until February 7, 2025, at 11:59 pm CST to apply for a School Choice transfer. Additionally, applications for Preschool Positive Peer Models are open now through January 19, 2025.

What is School Choice?
School Choice, also known as Open Enrollment, allows families to apply for school transfers. Space is extremely limited, and availability is based on grade-specific enrollment projections.

Who Should Apply?

• Families living outside Germantown: All non-residents, including new children of GMSD employees, must apply.
• Currently enrolled transfer students in an exit year: Transfer students transitioning to a new school must reapply to maintain their placement.
• Germantown residents requesting intra-district transfers: Families wishing to transfer their child to another GMSD school must also submit an application.

How to Apply
Visit the Open Enrollment page or Preschool page to access the application forms and detailed instructions.

Join us at Discover Houston to experience what makes Houston High School a top choice for students in our community! This event is designed to give prospective families - with students of any grade level - an inside look at all that our school has to offer, from academics and extracurriculars to student support services and more. Discover Houston is your chance to see firsthand how our school empowers students to define their horsepower and achieve their personal and academic goals.

Thursday, January 23, 2025

6 - 8 p.m.

HHS Auditorium

Meet Adelyn Winer, a remarkable student from Dogwood Elementary School who claimed the Supreme Wizard title in the CodeWizardsHQ Fall 2024 Logic Challenge! This national competition tests students' logic and problem-solving skills, and Adelyn emerged as the best of the best! Her achievement earned her not only the highest honors but also a brand-new set of AirPods.

Watch to hear from the Supreme Wizard herself about the competition!

Three talented Germantown Municipal School District (GMSD) students recently took center stage at FedExForum, performing both pregame and halftime at the Memphis Grizzlies game on Thursday, January 9, as members of the Germantown School of Rock House Band. Congratulations to Chloe Altomar from Houston Middle School and Alan Brenneman and Luke Ehrhardt from Houston High School. The high-energy performance was a thrilling debut for the band, which started rehearsing together in December.

The House Band, comprised of middle and high school students, is a highly competitive program that requires students to audition each year for a coveted spot. The audition process is rigorous, involving memorization, performance evaluations, and music theory assessments—all within a tight timeline. Despite the challenges, Chloe, the youngest member at just 13, embraced the experience with enthusiasm and determination. “It was very nerve-racking performing for the Grizzlies, but I am honored to be part of the House Band and really like my friends there,” she shared.

Chloe has been part of the School of Rock program for two years as a singer and credits her instructor, Mrs. Morgan, for inspiring her to take the leap and audition. “She has always been supportive and very kind about learning music,” Chloe said. Although she doesn’t have a favorite song to perform, she enjoys tackling different genres and is eager for the upcoming spring shows and summer tour. “Being the youngest member is complicated, but everyone has been nothing but nice to me, and I feel very lucky to have this experience.”

For Chloe and her fellow bandmates, the thrill of hearing from friends and teachers who saw their performance live or on TV made the experience even more special. With more shows lined up at popular Memphis venues and a multi-city summer tour ahead, the future looks bright for these young rockstars.

Germantown Municipal School District (GMSD) is on the lookout for outstanding educators to join our family, and we need your help! If you know passionate, dedicated teachers looking for a rewarding career, encourage them to attend our GMSD Snapshots: Career Fair.

Unlike traditional job fairs, GMSD Snapshots are personalized, school-specific events that allow prospective teachers to experience the heart and soul of each of our six schools. From meeting administrators and teachers to interacting with our amazing students, attendees will get a firsthand look at the culture and opportunities that make each school special.

Each Snapshot event is designed to showcase what makes GMSD an exceptional place to work.

Encourage those interested to sign up and learn more about the event at GMSD Snapshots: Career Fair.

Help us spread the word and bring the best educators to GMSD—because when great teachers thrive, our students do too!

At Dogwood Elementary, staff wellness takes center stage with the introduction of a Staff Fitness Room, a dedicated space equipped with treadmills, free weights and more. Thanks to the leadership of Principal Jessica Woody, the fitness room provides educators with an accessible way to prioritize their health—before school, during planning periods and after hours.

“We value our staff not just as educators, but as individuals,” says Woody. “Education can be overwhelming and having a space to focus on wellness is crucial.”

Teachers and staff are embracing the opportunity. Occupational therapist Becky Borgman appreciates the convenience, saying, “It’s great to have this available during my lunch break, especially in the winter, to meet my step goals.” Pre-K teacher Katherine Brown adds, “Having it so close means no excuses for skipping workouts!”

Dogwood’s investment in wellness is more than just fitness—it’s about fostering a supportive and healthy school culture.

Read more about this story here.

GMSD employees now have a new resource to help them stay healthy and motivated—The Pulse Point, a podcast designed specifically for staff, hosted by Andy Martin, Supervisor of School Coordinated Health. This exciting new series offers quick, actionable fitness and wellness tips tailored for busy educators looking to prioritize their well-being.

Whether you're setting new health goals, looking to de-stress, or hoping to build healthier habits, The Pulse Point covers it all with practical advice and expert insights. Each episode is short, engaging, and packed with useful takeaways that fit seamlessly into the daily lives of GMSD staff.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the first episodes:

• Episode 1: New Year’s Resolutions Watch Now - Start the year strong with strategies for setting and sticking to realistic health and wellness goals.

• Episode 2: Community Engagement Watch Now - Discover how staying active in the community can boost overall well-being and connection.

• Episode 3: Starting a Fitness Routine Watch Now - Tips on creating and maintaining a sustainable fitness routine that fits into a busy schedule.

GMSD staff can tune in to The Pulse Point on Spotify or their favorite podcast streaming platforms—just search for “The Pulse Point” and start your journey to better health today!

Send a shoutout to your favorite GMSD staffers with four ready-made templates: The MVP, You Are Appreciated, Top Notch Customer Service, and Someone Wants to Celebrate You! Simply select the staff member you want to recognize, type your positive feedback in the text box, and be specific about what they did that impressed you or made a difference. Choose to leave your name or remain anonymous. Once your Gratitude Gram is approved, the recipient receives an email with your message and an attached, easily printable graphic they can proudly display. Take a moment to spread some appreciation today!

Send a GMSD Gratitude Gram

Germantown Municipal School District (GMSD) students showcased their musical excellence at the recent All-West Band competition, with a total of 32 middle school and 43 high school students earning the highest regional honors. Their dedication and hard work have once again put GMSD at the forefront of musical achievement.

Houston Middle School and Riverdale Middle School had an outstanding showing, with students excelling across a variety of instruments, including:

At Houston High School, 43 students received top honors, with 8 students earning All-State eligibility and 4 being named Principal Chairs, highlighting the exceptional talent within the district.

Special congratulations to our All-State eligible students and Principal Chair musicians for their remarkable achievements!

GMSD Bands offer students a unique opportunity to receive world-class instruction from an experienced staff with over a century of combined professional music and education expertise. Our bands consistently earn superior ratings at competitions and boast an impressive 50-65% participation rate in regional honors ensembles. Beyond musical excellence, students develop a strong work ethic and a passion for continual improvement, skills that stay with them for life. Our instructors create a growth-minded, supportive environment, helping students of all skill levels build confidence and artistry.

Band is more than just music—it's about community, creativity, and fun! Whether performing at local events, school board meetings, or pep rallies, our students take pride in representing GMSD and connecting with the community. With opportunities ranging from concert and marching band to jazz ensembles and music theory courses, there’s truly something for everyone. Interested in learning more? Click here to explore all the exciting opportunities GMSD Bands have to offer!

Houston High School senior Carter Yeargan is stepping into the spotlight with his original play, Let a Little Light In, premiering January 25 at 2:30 and 7:00 PM, and January 26 at 7:00 PM in the Houston High auditorium. Inspired by his experience at the prestigious Iowa Young Writers Studio, the play explores a dystopian world shaped by misinformation and propaganda. Styled in “epic theater,” the production keeps audiences actively engaged, with an intimate “in the round” stage setup.

As the writer, director, and producer, Carter has poured his heart into every aspect of the production. His theater teacher, Kell Christie, describes him as a fearless artist who takes risks and thrives on sharing his passion with others. Carter’s journey began with a 10-page script as a freshman and has grown through experiences with Playhouse on the Square and writing academies. With college applications underway, he sees Let a Little Light In as his proudest achievement yet.

Read more about Carter and his play here.

GMSD’s talented students are bringing theater magic to life this spring, and you won’t want to miss these incredible performances:

High School Musical Jr. – Falcon Footlights

📅 February 19-23
🎭 Students from Farmington, Forest Hill, and Dogwood will sing and dance their way through the hit Disney classic. Join Troy, Gabriella, and the Wildcats as they learn to balance sports, studies, and their love for the stage.

Madagascar Jr. – Riverdale Raider Theater

📅 February 26-March 1
🦁 Get ready to “Move It, Move It!” as Alex, Marty, Gloria, and Melman escape the zoo and embark on a wild adventure to Madagascar in this vibrant and hilarious show.

The Little Mermaid Jr. – Houston Middle School

📅 March 12-15
🌊 Journey “Under the Sea” with Ariel and friends as they navigate love, adventure, and the quest to be part of another world. A timeless tale for all ages.

Mean Girls (The Musical) – Houston High School Mustang Theater

📅 March 28-April 4 at 7 PM
📅 March 30 & April 6 at 2:30 PM
🎟️ Adult Tickets: $15 | Student Tickets: $10
It’s “so fetch!” Watch Cady Heron navigate the jungle of high school cliques in this hilarious and heartfelt adaptation of the hit film. Packed with catchy songs and witty humor, it’s a must-see.

Get ready for a season of unforgettable performances as our students showcase their talent and passion. Save the dates and come support the arts in GMSD!

Houston’s winter athletes are picking up wins left and right! This past week both boys and girls varsity basketball picked up wins over Cordova, and boys varsity basketball also picked up a huge win over Collierville defeating the Dragons 85-69. Both teams play at home tonight vs. Southwind with girls starting at 6:00pm and boys at 7:30pm. Next up, they are both away at Germantown this Friday night. Varsity wrestling has had a great season, and this weekend they have their region duals at Collierville. Following regionals, they will head to section duals this Saturday. Varsity swimming is preparing for the Shelby County High School Championship meet this Saturday as well. Let’s go Mustangs!

Celebrate the Houston Mustangs' varsity girls' soccer state championship with exclusive merch! Show your Mustang pride and rep the team’s undefeated season with this limited-edition gear.

Purchase Houston's State Champs Gear!

On graduation night, our HHS PTSO sponsors a PROJECT GRADUATION LOCK-IN for our graduating seniors at Main Event in Bartlett. The cost per student is offset by donations received to our PTSO. So, please consider donating so we can celebrate our seniors! Students will receive unlimited game cards, food, drinks, and many, many door prizes...all because of your donations! Thank you for helping us celebrate the Class of 2025!

Donate Now!

Make sure that your senior registers with a non-GMSD email address in our Alumni Portal!

View a digital copy of our ALUMNI magazine

Register as a GMSD Alumni

Visit our Calendars Page & Select Your Schools

The GERMANTOWN MSD app – Our school district in your pocket. Sync our calendar seamlessly across all your devices. Access student information, attendance, assignments, grades and more – all in one convenient place. Get a personalized feed tailored to your preferences. Choose your schools and news sources for a streamlined experience. Stay informed, stay connected – with the GERMANTOWN MSD app.

You can quickly download the NEW GMSD app to access all of these features. First, search for 'Germantown MSD' in your preferred app store (iOS or Google). As a parent or caregiver, you'll select 'App Login' to access your child's information. The login process includes a one-time passcode that connects to the cell phone or email you have listed in Skyward--so there's no passwords to learn or memorize! If you need assistance logging in, we are standing by to help.

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.