GMS Family Newsletter

Dear Greene Devil Family,

This time of year brings a renewed sense of focus across GMS, and we are seeing that reflected in our classrooms each day. We are proud to celebrate our students as they transition back into school routines and procedures, showing growth in responsibility and consistency. While this is a busy time of year, we encourage and challenge our students to set their sights on getting better each day while continuing to build and lift others up around them. Classrooms remain active with meaningful learning experiences, and it has been great to see students engaged, making connections, and continuing to build momentum as we move through the final stretch of the school year.

Learning, Leading, Lifting... #RISEasONE,

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

Monday, 3/30

Tuesday, 3/31

• Secondary ESL Family Night at GHS at 5pm

Wednesday, 4/1

Thursday, 4/2

• GMS Band Concert at NPAC at 7pm

Friday, 4/3

• No School - Good Friday

As we prepare for upcoming state testing, we want to share a few important reminders to help our students be successful:

• All student computers and chargers will remain at school from Friday, April 10 through Monday, April 27 to ensure devices are ready for testing each day.
• Cell phones, smart watches, and any personal electronic devices are not allowed in the testing environment.

To help your child do their best, we encourage a good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast, and arriving to school on time each day. We are excited to see our students show what they have learned and take pride in their hard work.

Learning is in full swing at GMS. Students are engaging in hands-on science labs and extending their thinking through opportunities like the GCS Science Alliance. They are also exploring college and career pathways while building strong foundations through routines, procedures, and positive relationships with their teachers. Our staff continues to work hard to ensure all students learn through explicit instruction and thoughtful modifications so every student has access to the content. It is exciting to see students actively engaged, making connections, and growing each day.

We also added photos from our afterschool RISE program, where students made their own homemade pizzas and practiced preparing vegetables they cut themselves. Another photo highlights our March Madness library wall, which has been a fun way to build excitement and encourage student involvement in the library.

Our students continue to demonstrate what it means to lead at GMS, both in and out of the classroom. This spring, our student-athletes are showing leadership through their commitment, teamwork, and sportsmanship across all spring sports, representing GMS with pride and supporting one another as they compete and grow. We are also proud of our students who represented GMS in the All-State Honor Choir, showcasing their dedication, preparation, and talent during this prestigious event.

Across all areas, our students are stepping into leadership roles by encouraging their peers, setting positive examples, and contributing to a strong school culture. Whether on the field, on stage, or throughout our school community, our students continue to lead by example and make a positive impact each day.

Congratulations to Wendy Hansard on being recognized as GMS Teacher of the Year and GCS Middle Grades Teacher of the Year at our recent GCS School Board Meeting! Her leadership, dedication to students, and commitment to excellence make a lasting impact on our school and community. We are proud to celebrate her well-deserved recognition!

A great example of lifting each other up was on display as this group of students led our morning announcements. While some were confident and ready to jump right in, others stepped outside their comfort zones feeling a little nervous, but what stood out most was how they supported one another, encouraging and reassuring each other while working together to ensure everyone was successful. That’s what it means to lift each other at GMS!

Did your child have a GMS staff member who made their 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 week. Your words of encouragement mean so much and help us celebrate the amazing work of our GMS team!

Morgan Dillon, Thinking Win-Win, Morgan always has that positive attitude despite whatever personal challenges she is facing. We appreciate the effort given towards "Sunshine" that brightens all our days! Thank you, Morgan, for doing your best to bring a ray of sunshine to GMS!

Miranda Newman, Seeking First to Understand Then to Be Understood, I would like to praise Ms. Newman because she always takes the time to really listen to my concerns before giving advice. It makes me feel heard and respected in her classroom.

Mrs. Tolley, Being Proactive, Mrs. Tolley provides strong supervision and support during lunch duty and takes a proactive approach to scheduling our team in ways that best support our students.

Chris Reid, Putting First Things First, Chris stayed late on Friday to tidy up areas that needed attention, ensuring our building was presentable and ready for students and staff on Monday.

GMS 6th Grade Team, Thinking Win-Win, Our 6th grade team had an incredible day at the Science Alliance, providing a great opportunity for our students to engage in meaningful learning outside of the classroom.

RISE gives students additional time with teachers in a positive, encouraging environment that blends academic support with creativity, movement, and real world learning. Students may participate in Morning RISE, Afternoon RISE, or both programs, depending on their needs and schedule. Each option is designed to help students grow in confidence, build skills, and experience success. Best of all, the program is completely free for families.

Morning RISE begins at 6:45 am and supports students in building daily habits that lead to academic success. Students receive help with homework, missing assignments, organization, and checking PowerSchool so they can begin the school day focused and prepared.

Students may eat breakfast while working alongside teachers, making Morning RISE a calm, productive way to start the day. Students arriving between 6:45 and 7:00 am should be dropped off at the front of the building. Students arriving after 7:00 am should use the normal car line at the back of the building. To ensure students have time to get settled and begin working, they should plan to arrive before 7:10 am.

Afternoon RISE runs Monday through Thursday until 4:30 pm and offers much more than traditional tutoring. Students receive targeted support in ELA and Math, while also participating in hands on, creative lessons that make learning meaningful and fun.

This week, students measured ingredients to make playdough while learning about fractions and equivalent measures, worked together to solve a STEM engineering challenge using spaghetti and a marshmallow, and practiced personalized ELA and Math skills based on their individual needs. Students also exercised and stayed active through structured PE time, giving them opportunities to move, reset, and build healthy habits alongside their academic learning. These activities help students strengthen academic skills while also building teamwork, problem solving, and critical thinking in a relaxed and supportive setting.

Afternoon RISE is a place where students feel encouraged, supported, and proud of their learning. Students stay active, engaged, and connected while building skills that transfer directly back into the classroom. The program runs Monday through Thursday until 4:30 pm, includes a daily snack, and provides bus transportation for students living in the GCS zone.

Camp NPAC Kids is a summer theatrical day camp for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. Throughout the week, participants will sing, act, dance, design costumes, and help create set and prop pieces for a full week of fun!

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.

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!

Access documents, news updates, and even emergency notifications right from your pocket.

Download for Android https://bit.ly/4bnsixk�

Download for iPhone https://apple.co/49k1WdO

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.