GMS Family Newsletter

Dear Greene Devil Family,

Each new week brings another opportunity to grow, improve, and build on the success we have already created together. Staying focused on goals, giving our best effort, and celebrating the small victories along the way helps us maintain positive momentum. Whether it is completing assignments, showing kindness, or simply giving a little extra effort, those consistent actions add up and move us closer to where we want to be. This week, we challenge our students to take one extra action that makes a difference. Complete every assignment, study a little longer, or lend a helping hand to a classmate. Small steps like these help build lasting habits and positive momentum.

As we move forward, let’s continue to lead with our actions and be a positive influence on others. True leadership shines through respect, responsibility, and a willingness to lift others up. When we keep our goals in sight and encourage those around us to do the same, we create a community that learns, leads, and lifts together, one step, one smile, and one success at a time.

Learning, Leading, Lifting... #RISEasONE,

Dr. Rachel Adams, Principal
Mr. Bryan Everhart, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Nancy Philbeck, Assistant Principal

Monday, 10/27

Tuesday, 10/28

Wednesday, 10/29

Thursday, 10/30

• Rivalry Thursday: Elizabethton @ GHS

Friday, 10/31

• Dress up day - see information below

GMS Students are allowed to dress up on Friday, October 31st! Please make sure your student follows these guidelines if they choose to celebrate and have a little fun.

Students May Wear:

-Costumes are allowed within GMS Dress Code

-Hats and wigs are allowed. (Yes, this is considered a hat day even if they don't dress up)

-Shoes must be worn.

You may not wear:

-Masks or anything else that covers the face

-Face Paint

-No toy knives, toy guns, or other tow weapons

-Capes, chains, and accessories (such as weapons, belts, etc.) that could potentially hurt you or another student

-Blow up costumes

Don't forget to "fall back" and change your clocks next Sunday, November 2nd at 2:00 AM!

Does your child need extra support completing assignments or catching up on classwork? Morning R.I.S.E. is the perfect opportunity.

Students can get help from GMS teachers beginning at 6:45 a.m. Monday through Thursday. If they arrive before 7:00, they should enter through the front door. Breakfast is available, and students can eat while they work.

Morning R.I.S.E. runs until 7:30 a.m., and students must arrive by 7:10 to participate. No advance application is needed. If your student attends, we will register them for the program.

Students will meet in Mrs. Young’s classroom in the 7th grade hallway.

For more information, please contact Mrs. Andrea Tolley (tolleya@gcschools.net), Dr. Adams, Mrs. Philbeck, or Mr. Everhart.

Students were actively involved in hands-on learning this week as they explored new concepts through interactive review and discussion. From graphing on whiteboards to analyzing maps from ancient civilizations, classrooms were filled with curiosity, focus, and collaboration. It was great to see students leading their own Learning and connecting ideas in meaningful ways.

GMS Families,

We want to keep our dismissal process safe and efficient for everyone. Local law enforcement has asked us to remind families that blocking the roadway during afternoon pickup is not permitted.

Officers have issued and will continue to issue tickets to motorists who stop in the road, especially before carline begins moving.

To help us keep dismissal running smoothly, please keep these reminders in mind:

• CarRider Pro will not start reading until 2:00 PM, and parents/guardians cannot begin lining up until 2:00 PM.

• Dismissal begins at 2:40 PM. Arriving too early causes traffic backups.

• Always have your car tag visible.

• Follow staff directions at all times during dismissal.

• Pull all the way forward when directed.

• If your student is delayed, please use the designated waiting area so traffic can continue to flow.

• Carline remains open until 3:10 PM, and there is often little to no wait toward the end of carline.

Thank you for your cooperation and support in making dismissal safe and efficient for everyone.

Help Greeneville High School Band by taking a minute to vote for their band! Use the QR code or the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdfhE94w3GiXwprLaeWYj4rH4PIlhnbjOViKuml5vx9nv4Cyg/viewform?pli=1

Each week, we will shine a spotlight on the incredible individuals who make Greeneville Middle School such a special place. Our "GMS Staff Highlight" section will feature one or two staff members who go above and beyond in supporting our students, school community, and each other. Stay tuned to learn more about the passionate and dedicated team that helps make GMS thrive!

We want to take a moment to address a recent trend involving paper “darts.” These items have become a distraction and, in some cases, a safety concern. Please remind your student that possession of a paper dart, whether they made it, accepted it, or were simply holding it, will result in an automatic Level 2 consequence under our school discipline policy. Our goal is to maintain a safe and focused learning environment for all students, and we appreciate your support in reinforcing this message at home. For your convenience, the GMS Discipline Policy is attached for reference.

Students demonstrated leadership this week by taking initiative, working collaboratively, and setting the tone for success. From taking responsibility for their space to presenting to a group of classmates and grade-level peers, they showed that Leadership is about actions as much as words. It was inspiring to see students stepping up, modeling responsibility, and contributing to a positive and productive school environment.

Students and staff shared uplifting moments across campus this week. In music, students brought smiles all around as they performed an impressive and heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday” for a teacher, spreading joy through song. Meanwhile, in writing, students continued to lift their skills and confidence as they refined their essays and strengthened their craft. It was a great reminder that Lifting others and striving for growth go hand in hand at GMS.

All of our students should have their GMS laptop and will use them daily in most classes. Please help us by reminding your student to:

• Charge their computer nightly
• Bring their computer & charger to school each morning.

Any tech issues? Reach out to Mrs. Loewenkamp via HELPDESK.

We are incredibly proud of each of you for demonstrating excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and character.

A very special thank you to our NJHS Officers for leading a meaningful and memorable induction ceremony. Your commitment to service and your dedication to our school community truly shine!

Technology is incorporated into the curriculum and is for student use under teacher supervision. Any destruction of the technology equipment or misuse of software or internet capabilities will result in strict disciplinary action. All families must sign and agree to the Responsible Use Policy before students will be permitted access to the internet at school. This policy is updated every year and includes detailed information about proper internet use and the care of student computers. This document is posted on the GMS website.

Afternoon R.I.S.E. offers a well-rounded approach to supporting students beyond the school day. Each session includes a balance of physical activity, enrichment opportunities, and targeted reading and math support provided by GMS teachers.

Students can build academic skills, stay active, and explore new interests in a safe and encouraging environment.

The program runs Monday through Thursday from 2:40 to 4:30 p.m. Students who live within the city limits of Greeneville are eligible for bus transportation home, and all participants receive a daily snack.

Registration is required so that transportation plans can be arranged. Use the link below to register or contact Mrs. Tolley directly (tolleya@gcschools.net).

Mrs. Anderson, Being Proactive, It is very evident that Mrs. Anderson is utilizing a variety of tools from the behavior toolkit to effectively reach all students, and as a result, she is seeing the benefits of this approach through the success of all learners!

Derek Beach, Synergizing, Student quote "he is awesome! and the best SS teacher ever!".

Rustin Jones, Being Proactive, Mr. Jones consistently delivers engaging and relevant lessons that capture students’ attention from start to finish.

Tara Disalvo, Being Proactive, Ms. Disalvo demonstrates relentless effort and patience each day, supporting students with care and determination as they work toward achieving their goals.

Did your child have a GMS staff member who made their first week special? We would love for you to share your appreciation by completing the FORMS link below to send them a GMS Staff Shout-Out. It only takes a minute and is a wonderful way to let our staff know the positive impact they had on your child’s first week. Your words of encouragement mean so much and help us celebrate the amazing work of our GMS team!

For the safety of all students and to ensure a smooth dismissal, student checkouts are not permitted between 2:00–3:00 p.m. During this time, students are engaged in their final classes of the day, and our office staff is focused on preparing for afternoon dismissal. Please plan all afterschool appointments at a time that allows for checkout before 2:00 or after 3:00. If you do not have a car rider tag, please park and come into the office after 3pm to sign-out your student. Thank you for you help as this helps us maintain a safe and efficient process so that all students get home safely.

Bus Transportation- Want to know exactly when the bus will pick-up or drop-off your child? It's easy using the My Ride k-12 App! Additional information on the My Ride k-12 app can be found here: https://www4.gcschools.net/page/transportation . If your student will be riding the bus please verify transportation questions with our transportation department (423-525-4793).

Please note, unexcused morning tardies count toward GCS truancy and GMS discipline and are cumulative for the entire school year. As outlined in the student handbook each combination of 3 unexcused morning tardies = 1 infraction on the progressive discipline policy (beginning at level 1). In addition, any combination of 5 unexcused morning tardies/early check-outs will result in one-full day unexcused absence toward truancy.

Please remember to notify the school anytime your student is absent. Parents may submit a parent note to excuse up to three days per semester. The easiest way to submit notes, whether parent or doctor, is through the online absentee reporting form found on our school website or the email/text link you receive when an absence is recorded as unexcused. Students may also turn in physical notes to the office; however, they often forget and fail to do so within the required two-day window (resulting in unexcused absence toward truancy).

All notes, parent or physician, must be submitted within two days of returning to school.

There has been a lot of discussion on social media regarding school attendance and notes. Good school attendance is essential for student success, as missing more than eight days in a semester, including illness or doctor-excused absences, is considered chronic absenteeism. Regular attendance helps students stay on track with their learning and is directly linked to higher achievement and an increased likelihood of graduation. Please reach out to GMS admin if you have any questions or need support.

Greeneville City Schools only offers free breakfast and lunch for elementary school students. Greeneville Middle School and Greeneville High School students are charged for breakfast and lunch daily. Many families are eligible for Free & Reduced meals by competing the Free & Reduced Lunch Application. Also, families must submit an application yearly. Apply now!

The Free & Reduced-Price Lunch Application for the 2025–2026 school year is now open!

We encourage all families to apply — even if you believe you may not qualify. Completing the application helps ensure access to important funding and opportunities for:

✅ Student Education
✅ Technology & Internet Access
✅ College Application Fee Discounts
✅ Scholarships

Please note: If your student qualified for free or reduced-price meals last school year, you must complete a new application for the 2025–2026 school year. Eligibility does not roll over from year to year — a current application must be submitted and processed for benefits to continue.

You can apply quickly and easily by scanning the QR code below or clicking this link:
🔗 https://frapps.horizonsolana.com/GREC01

If you have questions, please email Brianna Holt at holtb@gcschools.net.

Thank you for taking a moment to complete this important application and helping us better support all students!

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