Welcome back, GMSD family! We hope you all had a restful and enjoyable Fall Break. As we dive into Quarter 2, we’re excited for the opportunities ahead and the great things still to come this school year. Let’s start strong, keep inspiring personal excellence, and make this quarter even better than the last!

Lastly, a special thank you to Rowan Williamson, who stepped into the role of Superintendent for the Day right before Fall Break! Rowan made the rounds, visiting each department at the district office and even bringing cookies to her "staffers"—a sweet touch that was much appreciated. She also helped film our weekly video message, toured some of our exciting new programs, and celebrated a few lucky teachers after a stop by the GMSD swag closet. Rowan capped off her busy day with a working lunch alongside our cabinet members, where she offered her valuable insight and enthusiasm. Thank you, Rowan, for your hard work and leadership—you left a positive mark on our district office!

Let's continue making GMSD a World of Our Own,

Jason Manuel,

Superintendent

Mark your calendars for an upcoming event on Wednesday, December 11, 2024—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. With Michael DeLeon, a renowned speaker on substance abuse prevention, leading the discussion, this session will provide you with the tools to navigate tough conversations with your children about vaping, nicotine, marijuana and the opioid crisis. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how you can prevent vaping in your family and build stronger connections. Let’s work together to keep our students safe and informed—see you there! (Poster Artwork by HHS Student Addie Smith).

>>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!

Before Fall Break, excitement filled each of our schools! Across the district, our elementary schools celebrated Walk-to-School Wednesday. Over at Farmington Elementary, students enjoyed a visit from a cute puppy at the front desk, a Chick-fil-A Spirit Day fundraiser is also on the horizon (TOMORROW night), and the faculty created incredible pumpkin designs to raise funds for hurricane victims in East Tennessee. The fourth grade snuggled up to a cozy book reading day. Congratulations to Susan Eaton and Amy Odom for being named Teacher and Faculty Member of the Month--and to THIRD grade for wining the pumpkin decorating contest.

At Dogwood Elementary, the PTO surprised teachers with energy teas, giving them a mid-week boost before the break. Second-grade students explored STEM with Lego SPIKE Essentials Kits, learning coding and problem-solving skills. Fun fact: the LEGO Education team was so enchanted by the activity that they reached out to the DES team via Instagram! The school also celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with colorful art projects as part of their Dolphins B.E.L.O.N.G. initiative. The Dolphins also opened the door to its grandparents for their annual "Games With Grandparents" for a spooky themed celebration!

There were dogs sighted all across the district the week before last! At Riverdale School, Suzanne Cantwell from the Memphis Humane Society visited with a special guest, Grasshopper (the dog), ahead of the Art of Rescue art show. Fifth graders are gearing up for this event, where they will showcase art to support local shelters. Students are also looking forward to the Beetlejuice Halloween-themed middle school dance this weekend, and all GMSD families are invited to the Art of Rescue Literacy Night, combining storytelling, a book fair, and community service tomorrow night!

Over at Houston Middle School, students and teachers swapped roles for a hilarious School Swap Day, dressing up as each other for a fun twist on school life. The school also hosted a Pink Out - Barbie Beats Cancer event, showing support for breast cancer awareness with pink outfits from head to toe. Students auditioned for the middle school musical The Little Mermaid Jr., and some even worked on a creative script for a building tour video, full of humor and school spirit.

At Houston High, the school community rallied behind student Gates Mims, who is battling cancer, with a shoutout of strength from alum Commander Taylor Hesse, flying an F-18. Houston High’s volleyball team celebrated big milestones, with Ella Seeger, Sydnee Carter, and Syndi Vice achieving major career stats, while the team was successful at their Sub State Match and are headed to the state championship later today! The girls' cross country team won the Frank Horton Classic for the fourth year in a row, and Lana Jabasse, a recent graduate, was named a National Merit Semifinalist.

Finally, at Forest Hill Elementary, teachers were treated to seasonal drinks from a local coffee company as a sweet start to their Fall Break. Two classes, Ms. Howard’s and Mrs. Bennett’s, celebrated with pizza parties for having the largest GEF Run teams. Over the break, the Forest Hill Farmer's Club made a special appearance at the Germantown Farm Park's Harvest Moon Fall Festival--selling homemade pickles, flowers and baked goods sourced from their very own garden! Students also had fun on newly stenciled Four Square courts, and excitement is building for the addition of two new pickleball courts to the playground, shared with Houston High’s Pickleball Club. The week ended with an unforgettable pep rally for outgoing principal Zac Percoski, making it a memorable farewell celebration.

Farmington Elementary transformed PE class into a magical Spooky Gym this October, filled with Halloween decor and fun, themed activities. Students eagerly dressed in Halloween outfits and participated in creative games like "Boo-ling" and the "Haunted House" scooter maze, all while spooky music set the mood. Created by first-year teachers Maggie Carkeet and Jessica King, the event was a huge hit, sparking excitement and smiles throughout the school. Principal Ashley Brasfield even noted that she’s never seen students so enthusiastic about PE! The teachers are already planning future seasonal adaptations, with a winter-themed version in the works. Read more about the Spooky Gym on our website: Farmington's Spooky Gym.

Houston High’s Mr. Joseph Murray is making history lessons an unforgettable experience by channeling his love for Elvis into the classroom. Known for his Vegas-style, interactive teaching approach, Mr. Murray has transformed his room into a vibrant space where students feel like rock stars, especially during his famous Ultimate Review Game. With dark lighting, blinking lights and a lot of Elvis flair, his lessons keep students engaged and excited to learn. “It’s like a casino in here,” he jokes, but the results are serious—students are leaning in and loving history. Read more about Mr. Murray’s creative classroom on our website: The Ultimate Review Game.

Houston High School ambassadors recently attended two community breakfasts, building relationships with local leaders. At the Leadership Germantown Alumni Association breakfast, students shared their experiences in student government, arts and activities. Senior Michaela Johnson emphasized how the event expanded her understanding of leadership and community service. At the Germantown Kiwanis Club, ambassadors spoke about collaboration, education and community improvement, highlighting the value of civic engagement. Senior Bryan Jegier reflected on the importance of connecting with service-minded individuals, while Brianna Carr was honored to represent her school. These events reinforced the strong partnerships between Houston High and the local community, inspiring students to continue making a positive impact. Read more on our website.

Farmington Elementary made waves last week with their exciting Shark Week, transforming classrooms into an underwater paradise thanks to the creativity of third-grade parents. Superintendent Jason Manuel joined the fun, learning shark facts from enthusiastic students as part of the district’s marine life reading module. From glowing sharks to toothy trivia, the week blended learning with fun in a way only GMSD could! Read more about Shark Week on our website: Shark Week at Farmington Elementary.

TOMORROW NIGHT, October 22! The Art of Rescue at Riverdale K-8 School

Riverdale Literacy Night, "The Art of Rescue," celebrates creativity and literacy with an evening of read-aloud sessions, storytelling, a scavenger hunt, a book fair and more. The event on Tuesday, October 22 will also feature a school-wide art show highlighting rescue animals and a donation drive for local shelters.

Falcon Fest at Farmington Elementary – Sunday, 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!

StangFest at Houston High School – Sunday, 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 - Friday, November 1

Don’t miss the highly anticipated showdown between Houston and Collierville on Friday, Nov. 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!

Houston High sophomore Maddie Oldham recently surprised everyone by winning the Miss Midsouth Fair Teen Volunteer Pageant, securing her place in the upcoming Miss Tennessee Teen Volunteer competition. A competitive dancer with Dance Dynamics, Maddie also mentors younger students through her platform, Me & You - Mentoring to Empower Youth, offering support and helping them build confidence. Inspired by Houston High alum Lydia Waldrop, who won the adult Miss Midsouth Fair Volunteer Pageant, Maddie is excited to continue her journey in pageantry. She hopes to inspire and support even more young students as she moves forward.

Read more about Maddie’s win and her mentoring platform on our website: From Dance Floor to Crown.

Watch this spotlight on the dedicated team members from Southwest Foodservice Excellence (SFE) who ensure that students at GMSD receive delicious and nutritious meals every day. In this video, we talk to Patrick White, the Cafeteria Manager at Houston Middle School, and Tony McCray, the District Chef. Filmed in the newly updated cafeteria space at Houston Middle School, they share their passion for providing high-quality food and their commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of the students they serve. From creating healthy menu options to building connections with the kids, hear how Patrick and Tony bring excellence to the table every day.

We are excited to welcome Michael Ruiz back to GMSD as our new Human Resources Supervisor! Known for his innovative and outside-the-box ideas, Michael has a strong track record of building relationships and driving positive change. During his time as principal at Collierville Elementary, he successfully implemented the Ron Clark House System, leading to a culture shift that boosted the school’s academic performance from a level 3 to a level 5. Michael is eager to bring his passion for talent development to GMSD, focusing on recruiting, retaining, and supporting top educators and staff. We’re confident his leadership will make a lasting impact as he transitions into this role. Read more on our website!

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!

It’s an incredible season for fine arts across Germantown Municipal School District, and we’re thrilled to share a few highlights! This weekend, the Houston High Band will be doing a special live recording of their Fall Show. We can’t wait to hear the polished production and share the recording with you soon!

We’re also excited to announce a special visit from Atticus Hensley, Tennessee Department of Education Fine Arts Manager, on Wednesday, October 23. Mr. Hensley will tour several of our schools to see firsthand the amazing work happening in GMSD fine arts. His stops include the Houston High Band Room and an orchestra class, the new addition at Houston Middle School, and a visit to Forest Hill Elementary to observe a fine arts classes. It’s a casual visit, but one we’re excited about as we showcase the fantastic growth in our programs.

In theater news, Houston Middle School has officially cast their production of The Little Mermaid Jr., and rehearsals are underway as they prepare to set sail on their first practice this week. Meanwhile, the Riverdale Raiders Theater is gearing up for auditions for Madagascar Jr., adding even more excitement to the fine arts calendar.

The Houston High Theater Department is gearing up for an enchanting fall production of “Alice in Wonderland,” and they are excited to invite both students and the general public to experience this whimsical adventure. Directed by Kell Christie, the production features fantastic masks, puppets and lively music, making it a perfect show for audiences of all ages—from kindergarteners to adults.

Performances will be held for the general public and for elementary schools Friday, November 8 through Monday, November 11. Bring your family and friends and get ready to follow Alice down the rabbit hole for an unforgettable performance.

Additionally, something that’s been catching our eye lately is the Mustang Theatre’s Word of the Day. Not only is it a fun learning tool (because who doesn’t love a bit of education?), but it also offers a nostalgic look back at some of Houston High’s past performances, providing a daily dose of theater fun.

For many of our Mustangs, they have moved into the postseason and fall sports are winding down. For varsity golf, senior John Gavin shot a 74 to tie for 28th at the Class AA State tournament. Congratulations to all of our Mustang golfers on another great season! In Cross Country, it was a great weekend at the Randolph Invitational, with many personal records being set. This week, they are headed to the MYA championship on Wednesday, and this Saturday, it is the freshman and JV championship. Just before fall break, varsity football had a huge victory over Arlington, defeating the Tigers 55-0, and this week they are back at home! This Thursday, October 24 at 7:00 p.m., we need a full house as we take on White Station. After winning the regional championship, varsity volleyball is headed to state! With recent wins over Cordova, Bartlett, Collierville, and Rossview, the Lady Mustangs are headed to middle Tennessee to represent Houston as they compete for state! For varsity girls soccer, they are taking the same path. Following shutout wins over Bartlett, Kingsbury, Collierville and Clarksville, they will be heading to Chattanooga for the next level. They will face Oakland this Wednesday to advance. Go Mustangs!

Meet your October 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! This is one of the closest races we have had, so each vote counts! Voting is set to close Thursday, October 31 at 12:00pm.

October High School nominees:

Lindsey Barnes - Senior, Cross Country

John Gavin - Senior, Golf

Zerina Markovic - Senior, Soccer

Erin McDonald - Senior, Golf

Laila McNamee - Senior, Soccer

Tyler Schmitt - Sophomore, Cross Country

October Middle School nominees:

Kailey Askins - 8th Grade, Riverdale, Soccer

Julia Hight - 6th Grade, Riverdale, Cross Country

Owen Manguso - 8th Grade, Riverdale, Cross Country

Piper Olswing - 7th Grade, Houston Middle School, Soccer

William Pressler - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Cross Country

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.

The Germantown Education Commission is excited to announce the return of the highly anticipated Battle of the Brains, a STEM-focused competition aimed at high school students. This event provides a competitive platform for young minds interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to showcase their talents.

The competition is scheduled for Saturday, November 2, from 9 a.m. to Noon at Houston High School. Eligible participants include students from Germantown High School and Houston High School, as well as high school students living in Germantown but attending school outside the city or participating in homeschooling. All are invited to form teams and take part in this exciting challenge.

During the competition, teams will present their research and findings to university professors who specialize in the relevant fields. The top team members will each receive $300 in cash prizes, and their names will be inscribed on the prestigious Einstein Trophy, which has been a symbol of STEM excellence since the competition’s inception in 2009.

Space is limited, and applications, along with abstracts, must be submitted by October 23. More details and registration forms are available online at Germantown-TN.gov/BattleoftheBrains.

For additional information, interested students can contact Stacey Crockett, the Education Commission staff liaison, at SCrockett@Germantown-TN.gov or by phone at (901) 751-7559.

Don't miss this opportunity to compete, learn and earn recognition in the exciting world of STEM!

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.