I hope everyone had a relaxing Labor Day. As we return to our routines, I want to take a moment to honor the hard work of our dedicated educators and staff who make our schools exceptional.

In GMSD, our staff is invested in preparing for emergencies. We want to make our schools safe places for students to learn. Read below for some inspiring students and staff that are putting those plans into action.

Don’t forget to send a digital GMSD Gratitude Gram to show your appreciation for our team members, and nominate our non-teaching Staff on the RISE for recognition. Let’s make this another fantastic week in #GMSDaWorldofOurOwn.

Jason Manuel,

Superintendent

Houston Hearts Club Vice President Annie Phillips and the GMSD Coordinated School Health team have collaborated to enhance CPR and AED preparedness for our athletes and coaching staff. This year, they produced a training video featuring the Houston football team, led by Coach James Thomas, to help staff and athletes review life-saving skills before their required simulations. The video, which highlights the steps for responding to a cardiac emergency, serves as a vital resource to ensure everyone is ready to act when it matters most. Read about the new safety video series here.

AEDs are crucial devices used during cardiac emergencies, specifically when someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). They are portable, user-friendly machines that can analyze the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock (defibrillation) to help the heart re-establish a normal rhythm. The timely use of an AED, often within the first few minutes of SCA, significantly increases the chances of survival, making them an essential tool in public places, schools, and athletic facilities.

GMSD is proud to be a leader in safety, with 32 AEDs across our district, including 8 portable units that travel with our athletic teams, putting us in an extra safe spot. As a certified Project ADAM school district with Gold Star status through the TN Safe Star Act, we are committed to ensuring the safety of our students, staff, and community. What makes us especially proud is that our very own students are actively involved in these efforts. Through the upcoming GMSD Heartbeat Tour, Houston Hearts Club members are not only participating but also assisting in CPR and AED training across the district. These student volunteers are helping to demonstrate life-saving techniques, ensuring that all staff members feel confident and prepared in case of an emergency.

GMSD continues to strengthen its partnerships with the Germantown Police Department and Germantown Fire Department to ensure that our staff is fully prepared for emergencies. Last week, our principals gathered to work on life-saving techniques with the local fire department, focusing on the application of tourniquets and other emergency first aid measures. Houston Middle School Principal ShaMira Davis shared a powerful example of how these skills were crucial during a student accident last year, proving the importance of being equipped to act swiftly in crisis situations. Applying a tourniquet can be a vital life-saving skill, especially in situations involving severe bleeding, as it can help prevent blood loss until professional medical help arrives. To ensure our staff is prepared, GMSD has supplied these emergency devices in all classroom emergency bags.

In this exclusive spotlight, we take you behind the scenes of The Houston Band's 2024 field show, "Pale Blue Dot." Inspired by Carl Sagan's famous reflection on Earth's small place in the universe, this performance is a journey through sound, movement, and meaning. Join us as we dive into the creative process that brought this show to life — from the initial spark of inspiration, to the technology used to build a field show.

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Houston High School's real-life hero, Digital Arts teacher Craig Juneau. Last week, while on cafeteria monitoring duty, Mr. Juneau noticed a student choking and immediately sprang into action. With quick thinking and swift execution, he performed the Heimlich maneuver, successfully dislodging the food and saving the student. The student and his parents expressed their deep gratitude for Mr. Juneau’s prompt response and life-saving actions. We are incredibly proud to have such dedicated and vigilant staff members at GMSD.

Our GMSD Gratitude Grams are now live! We've made it easy to send shoutouts 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. You can choose to leave your name or remain anonymous. Once your Gratitude Gram is approved, the recipient will receive an email with your message and an attached, easily printable graphic they can proudly display on a bulletin board or wall. Take a moment to spread some appreciation today!

Houston Varsity Pom is inviting all Mini Mustang Dancers to join them on the sideline for a home football game! On September 20, we want to celebrate all of our Future Mustang dancers, so be sure to register!

**It’s Time to Shine, Wildcats!**

Auditions for *High School Musical Jr.* are NOW OPEN!

Whether you’re a Troy, a Gabriella or ready to bring your own unique flair, we want YOU to take the stage! Auditions are open to Farmington, Dogwood, Forest Hill and Houston Middle students.

https://sites.google.com/gmsdk12.org/falconfootlights

GMSD Athletics is hosting a tune-up clinic for middle school boys ahead of basketball tryouts. Join Coach Marvis Davis at Houston Middle School gym A to gear up for the season! This camp will focus on key skills, and it will also highlight team work. Registration is now open.

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.

Germantown Education Foundation

5k and Family Fun Color Run

Saturday, September 28, 2024
Wolf River @ Kimbrough

Bounce Houses & Food Trucks

Opens at 8:00 am
Certified 5k at 9:00 am
Color Run at 10:30 am

New this year: School teams will have their own school color shirts. $10 from each school registration goes to your school in unrestricted donation. Any donation to your school team are designated for your school’s grant funds.

If you want to Guarantee your School Color Race Shirt, then you must register by Midnight September 15th! Registrations after that will receive a shirt, but in the color available in your size.

REGISTER TODAY!

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, you'll 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.