GMS Family Newsletter

Dear Greene Devil Family,

As we head into the final week of TCAP testing, we want to take a moment to recognize the strong effort our students have shown so far. From start to finish, we have seen focus, determination, and a willingness to give their best each day. That consistency has helped create a positive environment across GMS, and we are proud of how our students have approached this important time.

Now, it is all about finishing the job. We encourage our students to stay locked in, continue their routines, and keep that same level of effort through the last stretch. Families play a big role in helping us do that by supporting rest, attendance, and encouragement at home. Let’s keep working together for a strong finish. Work hard, play hard, and let’s close this week the right way!

As we move into the closing chapter of this school year, we are incredibly proud of our students and the growth they have shown. Each day, they are building skills, confidence, and habits that will carry them into their next steps. It is exciting to watch them prepare for their bright futures, and we are grateful to partner with our families in supporting that journey.

Learning, Leading, Lifting... #RISEasONE,

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

Monday, 4/27

• TCAP ELA Part 4

• TCAP Science Part 2
• ESL Registration Blitz @ GHS
• GCS Board of Education Meeting - 5:00pm - GMS Greene Team Presentation

Wednesday, 4/29

• TCAP Make-Ups
• GHS Scheduling for 8th Graders
• GHS Athletics Annual Physicals Clinic - 5:30pm - GHS Gym

Thursday, 4/30

• TCAP Make-Ups
• GHS Scheduling for 8th Graders
• GMS Chorus Concert - 7:00pm - NPAC

Friday, 5/1

• TCAP Make-Ups - Last day of TCAP!
• GHS Scheduling for 8th Graders

Tuesday April 14 - Tuesday April 28

• TCAP Testing

Wednesday, April 29

• GHS Athletic Physicals Clinic - 5:30pm - GHS Gym - Cost is $15

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:

• Try to avoid scheduling appointments during our TCAP testing window whenever possible so students can test without interruption. If an appointment is necessary, we do have a make-up window; however, once a student begins a test, the state does not allow them to pause and return later, so it must be completed in one sitting.
• 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 came to life this week as students explored Earth Day through creativity!

Leading at GMS continues to shine through both our students’ achievements and the way they represent our school community. We are proud to recognize our GMS Track & Field 8th graders as they were honored on 8th grade night, celebrating their commitment, growth, and leadership throughout their time at GMS. At the same time, our GMS Band continues to set the standard of excellence, earning a Superior rating at the Tennessee Secondary Schools Band Directors Association Concert Festival. This recognition reflects more than musical talent. It highlights students who lead with strong character, positive behavior, and pride in all they do. Whether on the track, on the stage, or in our community, these students represent GMS at the highest level.

We are so grateful for the support that helped make this week’s TCAP breakfasts extra special. A big thank you to Hardee’s, Ingles, and our 6th Grade GSIA families for their generous donations. Special appreciation to Danielle for coordinating donations, Chris and Sherry for keeping the coffee ready and helping with cleanup, and our amazing café staff for baking delicious biscuits. It takes all of us working together to lift our staff and support a strong testing environment for our students. To top off a great week at GMS, our teachers also enjoyed a special popcorn treat as a small token of appreciation for the energy and care they continue to pour into our students each day.

Our afternoon RISE students celebrated Earth Day in a meaningful way by giving back to our campus through a clean up effort. Their hard work and pride in keeping GMS beautiful is a great reminder that small actions can make a big impact. A special thank you to Tara DiSalvo for organizing this opportunity for our students to lead and serve. We love seeing our students learning the importance of caring for their environment and taking ownership of their school.

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!

One day boot camp on May 28 (8:30am-2:30pm) at GHS in the Health Science classroom (178). Check in will be in the main office. Boot camp is for rising freshman or sophomores interested in healthcare. Students will do hands-on activities with our nursing staff and students (this will be a clinical rotation for a few students). Students will also receive t-shirts and SWAG for attending. Attendees will need to bring their own lunch for the day.

Deadline to apply is May 1st.

Please note that GMS will be closed to visitors on Tuesday, May 5, as our building will be used for the election and voters. We appreciate your understanding and support.

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.

Nicolle Moore, Teacher Shout Out, My daughter is having the best year because of Mrs. Moore. She wakes up every morning excited to go to her class and learn, especially Social Studies. She says Mrs. Moore makes learning fun and easy. It is very apparent that Mrs. Moore loves her students and will do whatever it takes to make sure they leave her class better than when they walked through the door. I’m so thankful for all she has done for my daughter this year.

Kim White, Synergizing, Dr. White is always a team player and helps out anyone who asks with a smile on her face.

Kelly Lamons, Being Proactive, I first reached out to Ms. Lamons about the grade 6 trip to Dollywood in search of assistance as I was having issues paying the fee online. She emailed me back in no time, assisting me every step of the way and ensuring I did everything that was required. Thank you Ms. Lamons for your timely assistance in getting the matter rectified.

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.

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.