As Superintendent, I’m thankful for the one-in-a-million community that makes GMSD a special place. From our talented students showcasing their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, to our dedicated teachers and staff who inspire excellence every day, and the supportive families and partnerships that uplift our schools—it’s a privilege to witness the magic of education in action.

This season, I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to celebrate our students’ achievements, honor the service of outgoing leaders, and continue building strong connections across our district. I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving! As a reminder, students and most staff are out next week. Check our calendar for details.

In gratitude,

Jason Manuel,

Superintendent

Join us on Thursday, November 21, at 6 p.m. as GMSD honors some incredible achievements and transitions within our district. We will recognize our National Merit Scholars—both semifinalists and commended students—for their academic excellence, as well as Houston High School’s Girls Soccer Team for their impressive state championship win.

The evening will also include a special celebration for Amy Eoff, Vice Chairman of the School Board, as she concludes her service to GMSD. Amy’s dedication over the years has made a significant impact, and we’ll send her off with heartfelt surprises as we welcome newly elected board member Andy Ellis to her position.

Additionally, we want our GMSD community to be aware of Dr. Daniel Chatham’s resignation from the school board, effective January 1, 2025. Dr. Chatham’s thoughtful leadership and advocacy for students and families will be greatly missed. Learn more about his contributions and the process for filling his position.

Ms. Daugherty's Kindergarten class hosted a "Rat Party" at Farmington Elementary School. The Falcons have hosted Pioneer Day adventures, a Smokey & Woodsy Poster Contest, and the K-Kids’ Sock Drive. They celebrated Mrs. Susan Eaton as Germantown's Teacher of the Month, cheered on their Terrific Kids, and transformed the kindergarten hallway into a magical farm. This week they are hosting their Book Fair and a Rock N Roll Sushi fundraiser on November 19th.

The Dolphins at Dogwood Elementary are shining bright with the spirit of giving this season! This week, student leaders in K-Kids Club, Student Ambassadors, and the Principal Advisory Committee rolled up their sleeves to support the Mid-South Food Bank, making a real difference in our community. And tonight, the Dolphins are hosting the BEST book fair ever at Novel Memphis, complete with fun activities like face painting, themed costumes, and engaging displays.

It’s been a fantastic week at Houston Middle School! Our 7th graders stepped into the world of Alice in Wonderland during a field trip to Houston High School, where they were captivated by the talent of HHS Theatre. Meanwhile, the HMS Library launched its Virtual Book Fair, allowing students to create wishlists for easy holiday shopping. HMS 6th graders enjoyed an adventurous field trip to Lone Oaks Farm, where they explored nature and strengthened teamwork through fun challenges.

Our GOAL students may learn virtually, but they’re all about building real-world connections! This week, they enjoyed a dynamic music session with our partners at Music Box in Germantown and gathered for a fun-filled game night at Eggs Up Grill, where they shared laughs over breakfast-for-dinner and board games.

Author Julia Cook brought her inspiring energy to Forest Hill Elementary, engaging students with creative storytelling sessions centered around her beloved books like My Mouth is a Volcano. Students were thrilled to learn firsthand from a professional author, sparking their imaginations and encouraging a love for reading. Families are also in for a treat tonight at a special "Parent Night Talk," where Julia will share her insights and tips on fostering positivity and resilience. They also received some mini-grants from the Germantown Education Foundation!

At Houston High School, AP Literature classes attended a performance of Macbeth at the Tennessee Shakespeare Company, continuing their tradition of bringing literature to life, while AP European History students hosted an Enlightenment-era salon, debating big ideas in character and enjoying French-themed snacks. Meanwhile, the school plans to come together for ‘Shining Luke’s Light’ Spirit Night at Mellow Mushroom in support of senior Luke Caver on Tuesday.

The award-winning band dazzled with a filmed performance of Pale Blue Dot, and students explored career options with visits from SSG Justin Root and alum Anna Mullins Ellis. This week, students can also hear from guest speakers Sehrab Bagha, a medical student and HHS alumnus, and Chris Schmidt and Ann Parker, experts in architecture and design. Ninth graders learned CPR with Methodist Hospital and Germantown Fire Department, Amanda Freeman led a morning yoga session, and Mustangs filmed a basketball hype video to tip off the season.

Houston High School is proud to partner with the University of Memphis for their dual enrollment program, offering students the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school. Recently, students explored the university's campus during a special open house event, where they attended sessions in chemistry labs, engineering classrooms, and more, connecting their high school studies to future academic opportunities.

The University of Memphis boasts the largest dual enrollment program in Tennessee, and many HHS students are taking full advantage, potentially earning up to 30 college credits tuition-free. With extra scholarships and resources available, this program is a fantastic step toward college success.

To learn more about the program, see some of our Houston Mustangs thoughts on a recent visit to the campus, and how it prepares students for a bright future, visit The Daily Memphian article.

Experience the magic of The Wizard of Oz at Playhouse on the Square, running now through December 22nd! Three GMSD students—Roper Oswald (5th grade, Dogwood Elementary), Rainorah Pare (7th grade, Houston Middle School), and Roman Pare (3rd grade, Farmington Elementary)—are among the talented cast bringing this nostalgic and magical story to life. Join Dorothy and her friends as they journey through the enchanting land of Oz, discovering the true magic of friendship along the way.

As Memphis's only professional resident theatre company, Playhouse on the Square offers a unique opportunity for young performers to work alongside seasoned actors, participate in daily rehearsals, and perform in both school matinees and evening shows for the public. Roper shared his excitement, saying, "I love being in Munchkinland! The choreography is really fun. But, my favorite scene in the musical to watch is Jitterbug because it’s my favorite song."

For showtimes and ticket information, visit playhouseonthesquare.org.

Several GMSD students showcased their entrepreneurial talents at the Collierville Children's Business Fair this past weekend, wowing attendees with their creativity and business savvy. These young entrepreneurs dedicated time to crafting unique products, developing business and marketing plans, and culminating their efforts in a live sale. Among the standout businesses were "8bit-Art," led by Dogwood Elementary’s Miller Guthrie, featuring nostalgic pixelated magnets and ornaments, and "Beadz 4 Life," run by fellow Dogwood student Bess Phipps, offering colorful handmade bead jewelry.

The castle-themed "Dream Scales Forge," created by Lydia and Annabelle Sheffield (Farmington Elementary) and Robin Crowder (Forest Hill Elementary), sold intricate 3D-printed dragons and earned the "Highest Business Potential for Ages 9-12" award. Houston High’s Matthew McDonald and his sister, Rose McDonald (Dogwood Elementary), impressed with their beautifully crafted woodwork items. GMSD is incredibly proud of these students for their innovation, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit!

In this spotlight, see how GMSD is committed to promoting the health and safety of our students by taking steps to educate students and their families about the serious risks associated with vaping.

Mark your calendars for an upcoming event on Wednesday, Dec. 11—our GMSD Parent Academy: Vaping Me Crazy! Join us for an evening session designed to equip parents and guardians with actionable solutions to one of today's most pressing issues facing our youth: vaping.

>>Just click the link below to let us know you're coming. We’re asking parents to RSVP so we can plan accordingly for seating and materials. Your response will help us ensure we have everything ready for a successful and informative event!

Congratulations to Farmington Elementary’s first-grade teacher, Susan Eaton, for being named November’s Germantown Education Commission Teacher of the Month! Mrs. Eaton continues to make a lasting impact on her students and the school community. We are so proud to see her hard work and talent to excellence recognized—way to go, Mrs. Eaton! Celebrate her on Monday, November 25 at City Hall, 6:00 p.m.

Do you know an outstanding teacher? Nominate them for Teacher of the Month here: Germantown Education Commission Nomination Form.

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!

This past Saturday, November 16, 25 talented GMSD students showcased their vocal prowess at the All Southwest Jr. and Sr. High Honor Choirs event held at Bellevue. The event featured stunning performances from some of the best young singers across the region, and GMSD was proudly represented by students from Houston High School and Houston Middle School. Benjamin Cathey and Lauryn McHatch, both from Houston High School, also delivered exceptional solos, which is quite the honor!

The program included a range of musical styles, showcasing the students’ versatility and dedication. Participation is by audition only, so these students represented the best of the best.

Additionally, special congratulations to Manya Tyagi, a junior at Houston High School, for receiving a 5-year award—an impressive milestone reflecting years of hard work and excellence.

Here's the full list of GMSD participants:

Houston High School:

Benjamin Cathey (Tenor I, Soloist)
Lauryn McHatch (Alto I, Soloist)
Kelly White (Alto II)
Ainsley Burgess (Alto II)
Savannah Klepko (Alto II)
Eliana Crenshaw (Alto I)
Manya Tyagi (Alto II)
Caleb Ellis (Bass II)
Roland Scott (Bass II)
Abigail Connell (Soprano I)
Cecilia Adkinson (Soprano I)
Adelaide Ranson (Alto I)
Tristan Rogers (Bass I)
Walt Summy (Bass I)
John Woodard (Bass I)
Brant Loper (Tenor II)
Ella McKnight (Alto I)

Houston Middle School:
Addelyn Simpson (Soprano II)
Emily Chow (Alto II)
Maddox Raab (Bass I)
Harper Bobbitt (Tenor II)
Fletcher Horrell (Bass I)
Quincy Hankins (Bass II)
McKinley Doyle (Tenor II)

Congratulations to all participants for representing GMSD so beautifully! 🎵✨

"What a great field show, put on by a fantastic group of young musicians. I can't wait to see how we continue to progress throughout the rest of our year with concert band, winter guard, jazz band, chamber music, and all the other great things we do!" -Artistic Director Kevin Bailey-Carpenter.

Do you love THE Houston Band? Join their Facebook group for updates about public performances and student achievements! GO MUSTANGS!

Attention GMSD students! The Germantown Municipal Council (GMC) PTO is excited to announce that this year's Art and Writing Contest is now officially live! This year’s theme, “What Are Your Big Dreams?”, invites students from all grade levels to showcase their creativity and share their dreams through art and writing.

The contest offers two main categories: Art and Writing. Students can choose to participate in either category, or both, but can only submit one entry per category. Each submission requires a completed entry form attached to the back of the artwork or included with the writing piece. Digital art files must also be emailed to GMCPTOContest@gmail.com. For specific submission locations at each school, refer to the contest flyer or check with your school's designated drop-off area.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CONTEST HERE.

As we head into winter sports, varsity football will have to transition to playing in the cold! After a 17-10 win over Bartlett, we are headed into the quarter finals. This Friday at 7:00 p.m. at home, we face Collierville once again. We need the Mustang Mob to brave the cold and pack the stands!

Bowling is also gearing up for their state qualifying tournament this Saturday. Ahead of that, the girls play Collierville this Wednesday, and the boys play Bartlett this Friday. Varsity wrestling is at home this Saturday for the Black vs. Silver intersquad duals as they continue into the thick of their season. Boys varsity basketball is at home this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. as they take on CBHS for Hall of Fame. Their HOF run continues this weekend with games vs. Pure Academy and ECS on Saturday. Girls varsity basketball is running on a similar schedule for Hall of Fame. First, they take on St. Agnes this Thursday away at 6:30 p.m., and their games continue this Saturday vs. St. George’s and Rossville. Go Mustangs!

Meet your November Athlete of the Month Nominees! Read what coaches have to say about these student athletes and their incredible work ethic both in athletics and in the classroom, and be sure to cast your vote! Voting is set to close Tuesday, November 26 at Noon.

November High School nominees:

Zoe Beard - Senior, Cheer

Natali Carrion - Senior, Swim

Paige Cho - Freshman, Cheer

Alec Fisher - Senior, Swim

Garrett Hagan - Senior, Football

Donnell Yarbrough - Senior, Football

November Middle School nominees:

Corbin Downen - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Football

Dominic Gomez - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Football

Hayleigh Harkness - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Cheer

Lacey Huisman - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Cheer

Dane Pierce - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Football

Makenzie Young - 7th Grade, Riverdale, Cheer

The Germantown Composite Mountain Bike Team finished out their 6th season strong this fall, with particularly notable performances from the seniors on the team. Elijah Osters & Matthew McDonald raced at the varsity level in all five qualifying events around the state, while also both earning the designation of National Merit Commended Scholar. Matthew placed as the sixth varsity rider in the state for the overall season. Charles-Allen Ortiz placed second in the Upper Classmen junior varsity category at the Chickasaw Trace race. The following GMSD students participated on the mountain bike team this fall:

Riverdale

Avi Grisham (7th)

Houston Middle

Landon Davis & Eliot Thomasson (7th)

Houston High

Seniors: Elijah Osters, Matthew McDonald, Charles-Allen Ortiz

Juniors: Izzy Fischer, Thomas Humphrey, Alex Youngblood

Sophomores: Jack Fournier, Cole McKnight

Freshmen: Andrew Camamile, Ben Davis, Christian Davis, Jude Fischer, Lukas Weinmann

The Germantown Composite is a community-based Mountain Bike Team that is part of the state-wide Tennessee Interscholastic Cycling League. The team was founded by GMSD parent John Humphrey, who is also the head coach. Interested in riding with us next year? Contact: gtownmtb@gmail.com.

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

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

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.