GMS Family Newsletter

Dear Greene Devil Family,

Last week was filled with great moments across our classrooms and throughout the building. Students were engaged, teachers were creative and intentional, and there was a strong sense of teamwork and positivity in the air. It’s encouraging to see everyone continuing to build momentum this far into the semester and to watch students take pride in their progress. The energy and effort from last week reflected what it means to live out our pillars of Learning, Leading, and Lifting. Thank you for the continued support that makes this possible!

This week is a perfect opportunity to recenter and refocus as we move into a new month. Whether it’s setting personal goals, reestablishing routines, or simply bringing your best each day, every step forward matters. Let’s use this time to aim for where we want to be—academically, behaviorally, and as a school community. Together, we can keep building on the positives and continue moving forward with purpose, pride, and unity.

Learning, Leading, Lifting... #RISEasONE,

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

Monday, 11/3

• Greeneville City Schools Food Drive
• GMS Yearbook sales now open!

Tuesday, 11/4

Wednesday, 11/5

• Second Harvest Food Distribution 4-6pm

Thursday, 11/6

• Dance Team State Sendoff - 10:23am

Friday, 11/7

• GHS Football - TSSAA 4A Playoffs Round 1

This month, our Student Leadership Team invites us all to Live Like Kaden, a tribute to the kindness, joy, and positivity that Kaden shared so freely with everyone around him. The November calendar reminds us that even the smallest gestures, like a kind word, a shared smile, or a helping hand, can lift others in ways we may never realize.

As we move through the month, let’s embrace each daily challenge as an opportunity to make someone’s day brighter. Whether it’s leaving a note of encouragement, sitting with someone new at lunch, or simply greeting everyone you see, every act of kindness builds a stronger, more connected GMS family.

Let’s lift one another by carrying Kaden’s light forward, living with compassion, spreading positivity, and choosing kindness every single day.

GMS is partnering with TVA to participate in the School Uplift Program! October was Energy Awareness month, and we will continue to focus on energy throughout the month of November! Your family can work together to learn about conversation and to save energy in your home. As the weather cools, the EPA suggests improving your home's insulation, sealing drafty windows and doors, and maintaining heating and cooling systems. Additionally, you can save energy by adjusting your thermostat, using fans, and unplugging electronics when not in use.

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.

Classrooms were full of focus and collaboration this week as students engaged in meaningful discussions and interactive lessons. From using technology to explore new concepts to working together on problem-solving activities, students demonstrated curiosity, effort, and teamwork. It’s exciting to see them taking ownership of their Learning and continuing to grow each day through purposeful classroom experiences.

Second Harvest will be doing a food distribution event: Greeneville/Greene County will be held at the Greene County Fairgrounds- 109 Jeff Woods Memorial Drive.

Recipients must be from Greene County to receive the food distribution at the Greene County Fairgrounds.

Recipients will need to bring their SNAP card and a form of ID. They must also visit the designated pickup locations based on their residence. Anyone picking up food for more than one family must also have the other family's SNAP card and proof of residence.

Our community is preparing for a possible increase in food assistance needs related to the potential suspension of SNAP and WIC benefits. The United Way of Greene County, along with several local partners, including Community Ministries, My Neighbor’s House, and the Northern Greene County Churches United in Love, is mobilizing to provide assistance.

Greeneville City Schools will join this effort by hosting a food drive at each school to support our Family Resource Center and local food pantries. Items collected throughout the week will be delivered on Friday to the Family Resource Center.

Even if SNAP benefits are not suspended, we want to ensure our Family Resource Center is well-stocked to assist families in need during the holidays.

Requested Items:

• Canned meats (chicken, tuna, etc.)
• Canned goods (especially with pull-top lids)
• Noodles and boxed pasta
• Mac and cheese
• Cereal cups
• Fruit cups, pudding cups, and Jell-O cups
• Shelf-stable milk boxes
• Juice boxes
• Plasticware (spoons, forks)

Please note: We do not need toilet paper or non-food items at this time.

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!

Our 6th-grade students had a wonderful opportunity to learn beyond the classroom during their recent field trip. They represented GMS with pride, curiosity, and Leadership as they explored, learned, and connected with one another. Moments like these remind us that leadership happens not only in the classroom, but wherever students show respect, responsibility, and enthusiasm for learning.

Cecilia Hamilton, LCSW, began her clinical career at Frontier Health as a school-based therapist in October 2025. She has over 20 years of experience working with children and adolescents and is dedicated to helping them thrive. Her work history includes the Department of Children's Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, and nine years serving as the Administrator of Residential Services at Free Will Baptist Family Ministries. Cecilia graduated from East Tennessee State University with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in social work. She is currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Tennessee. We’re excited to welcome Mrs. Hamilton to GMS.

We’re excited to share that Greeneville City Schools’ first electric school bus, Bus G-5E, will officially begin its route on Monday, November 3rd. This new addition to our fleet is equipped with seat belts for all passengers. As a reminder, wearing seat belts on the bus is required by board policy. We appreciate your support in reminding your student to buckle up and ride safely.

Because this electric bus is much quieter than traditional diesel buses, students who usually listen for the bus may not hear it approaching. Please encourage your student to be at their stop on time and ready to board. Thank you for helping make this exciting rollout a smooth success for Greeneville City Schools!

Halloween brought more than costumes to our hallways — it brought smiles, laughter, and reminders of what it means to lift others through simple moments of joy. Whether it’s a cheerful greeting, a shared laugh, or just showing up for one another, these small gestures build the sense of belonging that makes GMS feel like family. Every day is a chance to Lift someone higher.

A big thank you to our amazing GSIA for lifting our staff up with last week’s Popcorn Bar! The sweet and salty treats were the perfect pick-me-up to keep our team smiling through the week. We are so grateful for your continued kindness and support that make GMS such a special place to work.

We’re excited to celebrate Mrs.McKay for receiving a Greeneville City Schools Education Foundation grant for an innovative project in her LRE classroom. We appreciate the opportunities and resources made possible through the Foundation that help our teachers bring creative ideas to life for students.

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.

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.

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).

Micheal Bowman, Sharpening the Saw, I love his class and always feel like I learn from any of his lessons. I think he is a great leader, teacher, and a role model. I look up to him and try to learn from anything he does. Everyone is super grateful to have him as a teacher.

Kim Bowers, Team Player, Kim has helped with the front office while also doing her job. She has been helpful with financial facts and policies for us, making sure we get orders in before deadlines, follows up with calls to check in, and sees if we need support with purchases.

Melissa Woolsey, Putting First Things First, Mrs. Woolsey continually lifts others through her genuine heart and the delicate care she gives to our students each day.

Instructional Coaches, Sharpening the Saw, Our instructional coaches share a clear vision centered on collaboration, growth, and purpose. They work alongside teachers and staff each day, supporting instruction and building capacity with a deep understanding of who their efforts ultimately impact—our students. Their partnership reflects a commitment to ensuring every classroom decision leads to stronger learning experiences and brighter futures for all Greene Devils.

Jason Shelton, Seeking First to Understand, then to be Understood, Mr. Shelton demonstrates patience and empathy in every interaction, bringing his best each day for the students of GMS!

Christy Watkins, Synergizing, Mrs. Watkins creates an interactive classroom built on collaboration, discussion, and engaging lessons that lift student interest and inspire learning.

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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