I must begin this week with a heartfelt thank you to the many community volunteers, staff members and students who made this weekend’s GEF 5K Race and Color Run a tremendous success. Thanks to your hard work, we had an incredible turnout of 1,219 runners! The proceeds from this event will assist the Germantown Education Foundation in funding teacher grants. And, it was fun to see everyone this weekend. If you are suffering from FOMO or wish to relive Saturday, checkout the fun student communication interns' coverage on their Instagram page.

A special shoutout to our top sponsors, including Big League Movers, Fleet Feet Memphis, and SFE, who helped make this event possible (check out their logos below). Additionally, a huge thank you to Biggby Coffee for treating our teachers and staff to coffee and donuts at the race.

For those staff members who attended, don’t forget to visit the School Coordinated Health Facebook Page and register for a chance to win a mystery prize!

Your dedication makes all the difference, and we are so grateful for your support.

Jason Manuel,

Superintendent

One of the key responsibilities of our school board members is serving as champions of our district within the community. This week, we caught up with several of our board members and our superintendent as they attended a variety of school and local events. From cheering on our students at sporting events and band competitions to participating in the Germantown Education Foundation's Color Run, our board members are always out supporting our schools.

They were also present at the Leadership Alumni Breakfast Meeting, where discussions about the future and direction of the district took place, led by our superintendent and student ambassadors. Additionally, both board members and student ambassadors participated in the Germantown Neighborhood Summit, alongside representatives from the Germantown Education Foundation.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to announce the upcoming candidate forum, a student-produced event that will provide insight into the candidates running in the upcoming election. Last week, Leadership Germantown Alumni hosted a school board candidate forum, which was televised by our high school students. As we look ahead, our student-produced and led election show coverage begins taping this week, brought to you by GMTV at Houston High School. Students will be producing and covering key topics for both Alderman and School Board position elections, providing insight for voters as we approach November 5th. You can catch the broadcasts on GMTV's YouTube channel or on local television; Comcast 17 and U-Verse 99. This collaboration between students and the community highlights the importance of civic engagement and real-world media production.

Fall is in full swing, and Germantown Municipal School District has three fantastic festivals lined up for families and community members alike. From spooky thrills to carnival games, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Click on any link for more information:

1. Haunted Houston at Houston Middle School – October 5

Start the season with spooky fun at Haunted Houston on Saturday, October 5 at Houston Middle School. Expect haunted hallways, games, and plenty of treats for all ages. It’s the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit!

2. Falcon Fest at Farmington Elementary – October 27

Join us for Falcon Fest on Sunday, October 27 at Farmington Elementary. Enjoy carnival games, bounce houses, and food trucks. The event also features the ever-popular Teacher Features auction, where parents can bid on fun experiences with their child’s favorite teachers, along with silent auction baskets and shopping with local vendors. A night of fun and community spirit awaits!

3. StangFest at Houston High School – November 3 (link coming soon!!)

Mark your calendars for StangFest on Sunday, November 3 at Houston High School. This carnival will include bounce houses and student-led games, especially for our future Mustangs. Proceeds will support Houston High student Gates Mims and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, so your participation helps make a difference.

BONUS: The BIGGEST Game of the Season – Houston vs. Collierville

Don’t miss the highly anticipated showdown between Houston and Collierville on Friday, November 1! In the ultimate Classy vs. Crazies matchup, join us as our towns' two mayors kick off a new, friendly competition, dubbed the Mayor’s Cup. There will be plenty of surprises at the game, so come out and be part of the excitement!

All these events are open to the public, so bring your family and friends for a season filled with fun, games, and community spirit!

Make your voice heard! GMSD has developed goals to address key areas like elementary literacy, middle school math, and high school readiness—and now we need your input! Your feedback is crucial as we shape our district’s Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) funding plan. Review our proposed strategies and share your thoughts to help ensure we’re meeting the needs of our students. Check out the full GMSD TISA Accountability Report Draft for the 24-25 school year and provide your feedback today!

We’re thrilled to celebrate some incredible achievements from our seniors! Houston High School Principal Hallie Ross has proudly announced that Francis Anyanwu, Saajid Hanetite, Jason Le, Lydia Maxwell, Truman May, Matthew McDonald, Elijah Osters, Christina Park, and Zoe Elise Trommel have been named Commended Students in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program!

These talented, young students are among the top 34,000 in the nation, recognized for their academic excellence and potential. While they won’t continue in the scholarship competition, they’ve certainly made their mark by ranking among the top 50,000 students who took the 2023 PSAT/NMSQTⓇ.

Join us in congratulating these outstanding students! Your achievements inspire us all, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.

Houston High School hosted its annual College Fair last week, featuring more than 60 college and military representatives. Students had the opportunity to meet with admissions representatives during their flex and lunch periods, learning more about potential future academic paths. In addition to the College Fair, the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) visited Houston High for Career Chats. THP officers gave students insight into their daily responsibilities, pay, benefits, and what it's like to work for the THP. These events provided valuable opportunities for students to explore both educational and career options.

More than 60 parents attended Germantown Municipal School District’s first Parent Engagement Workshop, IEP 101, making it a huge success. The workshop focused on helping parents better navigate the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process, offering both expert guidance and valuable peer support.

Attendees had the opportunity to hear from in-house special education experts, who provided a comprehensive overview of IEPs and shared practical tips for parents. The keynote speech was particularly insightful, addressing key challenges and offering encouragement to parents navigating their child’s educational journey.

Following the keynote, participants broke into smaller, more intimate groups where they could ask questions, share experiences, and receive more personalized support tailored to their specific needs. The breakout sessions allowed for meaningful discussions and deeper understanding, fostering a sense of community among parents.

In this video, we speak with three of Gates' friends and teammates, who share their reactions to the outpouring of love and support during "Gold for Gates" night. Watch as they reflect on what it means to stand by their friend during this challenging time, and talk about the inspiring show of community support for Gates.

At the Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting on Monday, the Germantown Education Commission proudly honored Joseph Murray, a History and Current Events teacher at Houston High School, with the September 2024 Teacher of the Month award.

Mr. Murray was recognized for his exceptional dedication to education and his ability to bring history and current events to life in the classroom. His engaging teaching style encourages students to think critically and build confidence. Beyond his teaching, Mr. Murray serves as a mentor and leader, having been the Professional Learning Community lead at Houston Middle School and founding student clubs such as the Debate Club, Minecraft Club, and Name That Tune Club. He also volunteers as a DJ for school dances and actively participates in community service, supporting local animal shelters and nursing homes.

Next month, another GMSD teacher will be celebrated, and the Germantown Education Commission invites you to continue nominating your favorite teachers [here]. Congratulations to October 2024 Teacher of the Month, Forest Hill Elementary’s Ashley Rotenberry! Join us for her award presentation at the Monday, October 28 Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting at 6 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 1930 S. Germantown Road.

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!

Join us for the October First Friday Pop-Up, "Look, Mom!"—a multimedia art show featuring incredible works by Houston High School students. This public exhibit showcases the strongest student work we’ve ever seen and promises an evening of creativity and community.

Enjoy live music, complimentary refreshments, and the chance to support emerging artists. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the talent of these young creators!

Look, Mom!
Art Show & Artist Reception
October 4, 2024 | 6-9PM
Saddle Creek Gallery
7615 W. Farmington Blvd., Hammock Courtyard

The Germantown Public Art Program, in partnership with Houston High School, is launching the long-anticipated Creative Crosswalks project, bringing both art and safety to city streets. Advanced art students, guided by renowned artists Kong Wee Pang and Anthony Lee, began working on this initiative two years ago. Since then, students like Morgan Montgomery and John Pera, who have now graduated from HHS, have designed vibrant crosswalks for Wolf River Boulevard.

The project, years in the making, is now coming to life, with Morgan’s design, "Living Between the Lines," being installed at Farmington Boulevard and Wolf River Boulevard in October 2024. John Pera’s "Predators and Prey" is set to follow in June 2025. These crosswalks aim to beautify the city while improving pedestrian safety near schools and access points to Germantown’s trail system. Read more about the project and the two winning artists, here.

Exciting times are ahead for the theater departments across GMSD as cast lists for upcoming productions are popping up around the district! With students eagerly discovering their roles, the stage is set for an unforgettable season of performances.

First up, we’ve got a wild crossover event in the making with multiple GMSD schools involved in High School Musical Jr. over at Falcon Footlights. It's safe to say that we're all in this together as students from various schools join forces to bring this beloved Disney classic to life. Audiences can look forward to seeing the show on stage this winter! See the cast list here.

On the horizon in November, Alice in Wonderland will take the Houston High Theatre stage. With an ensemble cast packed with talent, this timeless tale promises to whisk audiences down the rabbit hole in an imaginative and colorful production. Keep an eye out for more exciting details as the performance date approaches. See the cast list here.

In other thrilling news, Riverdale Theater has made a big announcement: Mary Helen McCord is the new Raider Theatre Director! Having assisted the program during her high school years, Mary Helen’s return to lead the department is truly a full-circle moment. A Belmont University graduate with a rich background in theater performance, Broadway casting, and local productions, she has already made her mark in the Memphis theater community. From playing Elle Woods in Legally Blonde to Betty in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, she brings extensive experience and passion to the role. Mary Helen is excited to dive in and work with the Riverdale students—big things are in store!

The Houston Mustangs have reached midseason for fall sports. Varsity football is now halfway through the regular season, and this week they are away at Bartlett. This Friday at 7:00pm, come out and show your support! It is senior night for varsity volleyball! Tonight they are at home vs. St. George’s, and at 5:00pm, we will be celebrating their seniors! We are also celebrating that your Lady Mustangs are the regular season District Champs! Tomorrow they are away at Lakeland High Preparatory School, but they are back at home vs. Cordova at 4:30pm on Wednesday. Girls varsity soccer is continuing their success! They had a huge 3-0 win over Arlington this past week, and tonight is senior night! As they take on Kingsbury at 6:00pm at the HMS Soccer Complex, be sure to get there early as we recognize our seniors in their final regular season home game. This Wednesday, they continue the regular season away at Collierville at 7:00pm. Boys varsity golf and girls varsity golf were both named runner-up for regionals, and this year, two Mustangs are going to State: Erin McDonald, and John Gavin. Congratulations! Varsity cross country is gearing up for the Frank Horton Invitational this weekend! Go Mustangs!

Your GMSD Athletes of the Month for September are Kenley Henderson, and Lily Brownd! Congratulations to these two athletes. Read what their coaches had to say about them!

Kenley Henderson - Senior, Volleyball

“Kenley has the best attitude and represents what Houston volleyball is all about. Doing all things with a smile on her face, she excels in the classroom and is not only a great player but an even better teammate. ” - Coach Becky Pendleton, HHS Varsity Volleyball

Lily Brownd - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Volleyball

“Lily works hard at her craft and her effort has helped propel her team to a 9-2 record halfway through the season. She has excelled as our setter (think quarterback), directing our offense with efficiency and racking up 142 assists and 29 aces through 11 matches. Lily is a leader, both on and off the floor, and is co-captain of the team. We are very proud of her and all the remarkable student athletes on the Mustang volleyball team.” - Coach Kenny Grass, HMS Volleyball

Houston High School girls varsity basketball is hosting a two-day camp over fall break! This camp is sure to prepare students that are headed into their basketball season. Registration is now open.

HHS Baseball is hosting their 21st annual golf tournament! This event is on Friday, November 8 with an 11:00 a.m. start time, and there are multiple ways to get involved. To register for this event and for any questions, contact mustangbullpenclub@gmail.com. Pay for your team or company's entrance here.

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

Click here to view a digital copy of our ALUMNI magazine.

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.