GMS Family Newsletter

Dear Greene Devil Family,

We hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend and was able to enjoy some time to rest and recharge. As we return to school, we are entering an important stretch of the semester with state testing just around the corner. This is a great time for students to begin mentally preparing for the final push, setting goals, and focusing on finishing strong.

As we reflect on this school year, it has been truly insightful to see the growth our students have made academically, socially, and behaviorally. We encourage and challenge our students to stay the course, continue building positive habits, and remain focused as we move through these final weeks.

We also encourage students to begin thinking about how their effort and mindset now will carry forward into the next grade level and, for our 8th graders, into high school. Consistency, responsibility, and a positive attitude will make a meaningful impact during this time. Our classrooms continue to be filled with purposeful learning, and we are confident our students are ready to rise to the challenge.

As we move forward, we ask for your continued support in helping students stay focused, well-rested, and prepared each day. Together, we can ensure they finish the year strong and carry that momentum into what comes next.

Learning, Leading, Lifting... #RISEasONE,

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

Monday, 4/6

Tuesday, 4/7

• GMS Chorus Concert Performance Assessment - Knoxville, TN

Wednesday, 4/8

Thursday, 4/9

Friday, 4/10

• All student computers and chargers remain at school
• GMS Greene Team Meeting

This week, we are celebrating two leaders who make Greeneville Middle School stronger every single day, Mrs. Nancy Philbeck and Mr. Bryan Everhart!

Their dedication to our students, staff, and families is unmatched. From supporting instruction and building relationships to handling the day-to-day challenges with grace and consistency, they truly help our school run smoothly. We are so fortunate to have leaders who always keep what is best for students at the center of their work.

Let’s take time this week to show our appreciation! A kind note, a card, or a small gesture can go a long way in letting them know how much they are valued. If you’d like a few ideas, here are some of their favorites:

• Mr. Everhart: Oreos, popcorn, sweet tea
• Mrs. Philbeck: Reese cups, chips, sweet tea, or coffee drinks
  

Thank you, Mrs. Philbeck and Mr. Everhart, for all you do to support and lead our Greene Devil family. We appreciate you!

This weekend on April 4, we celebrated Mrs. Bond, the heart of our media center at Greeneville Middle School! Our librarians do so much more than manage books, they spark imagination, guide meaningful research, and foster a lifelong love of reading in our students.

Mrs. Bond creates a welcoming space where students feel encouraged to explore, discover, and grow every single day. Whether she’s helping a student find the perfect book, supporting a class project, or simply making connections, her impact is felt throughout our school.

Thank you, Mrs. Bond, for all you do for our Greene Devil family. We appreciate you!

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.

As part of our ongoing commitment to student and staff safety, we ask for your support in reinforcing an important expectation with your student. Students should not open exterior doors for anyone or prop doors open at any time. All visitors must enter through the main office and be properly checked in by our office staff.

We appreciate your partnership in helping us maintain a safe and secure learning environment for everyone at GMS.

Learning is in full swing at GMS as our classrooms remain focused and engaged while we prepare for upcoming testing. Students are reviewing key concepts, strengthening their skills, and building confidence through meaningful practice and instruction. Our teachers are working hard to ensure every student is supported and ready to show what they know. It is great to see students staying committed, asking questions, and taking ownership of their learning as we approach this important time of the year.

Leading is on full display at GMS as our students continue to represent our school with pride both on and off the field and stage. Our soccer team is demonstrating teamwork, commitment, and leadership through their effort and sportsmanship this season. At the same time, our band students showcased their dedication and growth during their spring concert, confidently performing and representing GMS at a high level. Shoutout to Mrs. Thomas and our GMS band staff for an excellent evening and for leading a performance that highlighted the hard work of our students.

Lifting is alive and well at GMS as our Chorus students continue to use their voices to encourage and uplift others. Recently, they shared their talents by singing Happy Birthday to our SRO, Ethan Parton, spreading joy and positivity throughout the building. A big shoutout to Ms. Townsend for teaching and leading our students in a way that models what it means to lift others and show care for those around them each day.

Thank you to our GMS GSIA and Uptown Real Estate Group for a wonderful lunch for our staff last week!

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!

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!

Mr. Knight, Being Proactive, hes awesome sauce!

Mr. Beach, ALL!!!!, He is the funniest teacher I have ever met. I have never really done good in SS and this year it is one of my best classes. I look forward to this class every day!

Grace McKinney, Thinking Win-Win, She always tells us we are good at math even if it's hard and we are struggling. She also always makes sure we understand even if it takes some of her own time. She makes her lessons fun for the class.

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!

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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.