GMS Family Newsletter

Dear Greene Devil Family,

There is a great deal of positive energy in our building right now as we prepare for state testing. Our students have spent the year learning, growing, and building skills, and this is their opportunity to put that on display. We are truly excited to see what they can do, and we hope our families share in that excitement as we get ready for our students to shine in the coming weeks.

Teachers have used this final week to reinforce key skills, provide encouragement, and ensure students feel confident heading into testing. The focus has been on preparation, but also on helping students feel supported and ready to do their best.

We encourage our students to stay consistent in their effort and routines during this time. Being present, engaged, and well-rested will go a long way in helping them feel successful. These habits matter, not only for testing, but as we continue moving toward the end of the school year.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students each day!

Learning, Leading, Lifting... #RISEasONE,

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

Monday, 4/13

• TCAP Testing: Science(1)

Wednesday, 4/15

• TCAP Testing: Math(1)

Thursday, 4/16

• TCAP Testing: ELA Writing(1)

Friday, 4/17

• TCAP Testing: Social Studies(1)
• Interim Period Ends

Tuesday April 14 - Tuesday April 28

• TCAP Testing

Tuesday, May 5

• GCS Professional Learning Day- Election Day - No School
• GMS 8th Grade Leaves for Washington DC

Thursday, May 7

• 5th Grade Visit to GMS
  

Friday, May 8

• Greene County Field Day- 6th Grade
• GMS 8th Grade Returns from Washington DC

Tuesday, May 12

• TENTATIVE GHS Seniors Walk the Halls
• GMS Upcoming 6th Grade Family Night 5:30-7:00

Friday, May 15

• 6th, 7th, & LRE Field Trip to Dollywood

Monday, May 18

• GMS 8th Grade Awards @ NPAC @ 10:00
• GMS 8th Grade Dance @ GMS 6:00-9:00

Tuesday, May 19

• 7th Grade Awards in GMS Commons @ 8:15
• 6th Grade Awards in GMS Commons @ 9:30

Wednesday, May 20

• Last Full Day of School

As we prepare for upcoming state testing, please review the important reminders below to help ensure a smooth and successful testing experience for all students:

• All student computers and chargers will remain at school from Friday, April 10 through Monday, April 27. This allows us to ensure devices are fully charged, updated, and ready for testing each day.
• Cell phones, smart watches, smart glasses, and all personal electronic devices are strictly prohibited in the testing environment.

To support your child’s success, please help ensure they get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive to school on time each day.

We are excited to see our students demonstrate what they have learned and take pride in their hard work!

Learning is taking place across every corner of GMS as our classrooms remain active, engaging, and focused on student growth. From our math classes where students are working through problem-solving and building critical thinking skills, to PE where students are actively participating in Quickball and developing teamwork and fitness, to our career classes where students are exploring the GHS course catalog and beginning to think about their future pathways, it is clear that meaningful learning is happening each day. These experiences reflect the dedication of our teachers to create engaging environments that challenge and support every student as they continue to grow.

Leading continues to shine at GMS as our students step into opportunities to represent and inspire others. This week, we are proud to highlight our student superlatives, recognizing individuals who exemplify leadership, character, and a positive impact on our school community. In addition, students have taken ownership of our morning announcements, confidently communicating with their peers and helping start each day on a strong and positive note. These moments reflect how our students are growing as leaders by building confidence, taking initiative, and setting the tone for excellence across our building.

Our GMS chorus students truly rose to the moment during their concert performance assessment in Knoxville last week! Their dedication, discipline, and heart for music were on full display, and they represented Greeneville Middle School with excellence.

We are so proud of the way they supported one another, performed with confidence, and showcased the results of their hard work. What a powerful example of lifting each other up through the arts!

What a weekend for our GMS Band at Carowinds! From a strong performance to a day full of fun, our students represented Greeneville Middle with pride.

There will be a mandatory parent meeting for the Washington, D.C. trip on Wednesday, April 22 at 6:00 PM in the GMS Commons. We will be sharing important information related to the trip, so we ask that at least one parent or guardian attend if your student is going to DC.

This meeting will also serve as an opportunity to turn in the medical form that was sent home earlier last month. We appreciate those who have already submitted this form. For your convenience, we will also be available to make copies of insurance cards during the meeting.

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Jones at jonesr234@gcschools.net.

We are seeing an increase in gum at Greeneville Middle School. As a reminder, gum is not allowed at GMS. This is outlined in our discipline policy as a Level 1 violation under code 1.6. We appreciate your support in reminding your student not to bring gum to school.

Greeneville City Schools does not endorse any specific vendor that may attend this event.

Students are invited to audition for the GHS Marching Band Colorguard. No experience is necessary! This is a great opportunity to get involved, learn new skills, and take the next step toward new experiences in the years ahead!

Students interested should come to the GHS Band room in athletic gear, ready to learn and make memories!

Greeneville High School will be hosting their annual sports physical clinic in the GHS gymnasium. Physicals will begin at 5:30 PM, and the cost is $15. This is a great opportunity for our student athletes to complete their required physicals in a convenient setting.

Logan Taylor, Thinking Win-Win, Mr. Taylor always thinks about us and how we could do better or how we can all improve and he always helps us do it. He is funny and he makes all of his lessons as interesting as possible. Overall Mr. Taylor is one of the greatest teachers I have ever had!

Anna Burge, Putting First Things First, Anna puts the students first above her own needs both personally and professionally. Next, she prioritizes the special education staff and gives attention to detail for each special educator. Her work ethic and professionalism are outstanding.

Alex Standridge, Beginning with the End in Mind, Alex is very organized. This benefits her students and other members of the special education team. Considering what she must do to comply with GCS, GMS, and TN Department of Education expectations, Alex shares strategies and focus areas for ways to assist her IEP students with others.

Jeremy Simerly, Thinking Win-Win, Jeremy has a positive mindset in sharing purchased and teacher-made materials. He is organized and forward-thinking in preparing for each new school year before the present school year is completed. His win-win outlook benefits his own students as well as other special educators' students.

Megan Wilson, Seeking First to Understand then to be Understood, Mrs. Megan has done an outstanding job in her new role. She is patient and kind as well as highly skilled and knowledgeable. She works well with students and staff alike. She quietly listens to the situation or problem and then offers her recommendation and solution. It has been a pleasure getting to know her. Mrs. Megan is an asset to GMS.

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

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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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.