GMS Family Newsletter

Dear Greene Devil Family,

This week at GMS, we enter an important stretch as the semester begins to wind down. With only a short time left before Winter Break, our focus remains on helping students stay engaged, finish strong, and put forth their best effort in every classroom. This is a time when consistency, organization, and positive habits make a meaningful difference, and we appreciate the continued support from our families as we work together toward a successful end to the semester.

We also begin CASE testing this week, which provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their growth and show what they have learned so far this year. We encourage our students to get plenty of rest, arrive on time each day, and approach these assessments with confidence and determination. Their hard work throughout the fall has prepared them well.

As always, we are proud of the way our students represent GMS through their resilience, kindness, and willingness to rise to expectations!

Learning, Leading, Lifting... #RISEasONE,

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

Monday, 12/8

• CASE Test: Science
• Holiday Dress Up Day: Santa Gear!

Tuesday, 12/9

• GMS Band Concert @ NPAC @ 7pm
• Holiday Dress Up Day: Cozy Holiday Accessories (Socks, Hats, Scarfs)

Wednesday, 12/10

• CASE Test: Math
• Holiday Dress Up Day: "Channel the Flannel"

Thursday, 12/11

• CASE Test: ELA Writing
• Holiday Dress Up Day: "Who’ville vs Grinch"

Friday, 12/12

• CASE Test: ELA
• Holiday Dress Up Day: Snow Attire!

Important End of Semester Dates!

• 12/16: 7th Grade to Capital Theater
• 12/17: 6th & 8th Grade to Movies
• 12/18: Abbreviated Day - (7:40am-10:40am) Buses will not run & attendance will not count against students.
• 12/19: No School for Students - Winter Break

December 8th – December 17th Holiday Dress-Up Days

Dec 8 – Santa Clause is Coming! Santa Gear

Dec 9 – Cozy Holiday Accessories (Socks, Hats, Scarfs)

Dec 10 – Channel the Flannel

Dec 11 – Who’ville vs Grinch

Dec 12 – Snow Day! Snow Attire

Dec 15 – Fav Holiday Movie Character

Dec 16 – Ugly Holiday Sweater

Dec 17 – Merry Merry Morning PJ Day

Our students have been hard at work in ELA, creating thoughtful poetry projects in 6th grade and unique altered book projects in 7th and 8th grade. We are excited to showcase their creativity and growth.

We invite all GMS families to join us for our ELA Night Project Gallery on Tuesday, December 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Greeneville Middle School. Families will have the opportunity to walk through a gallery of student work, celebrate their efforts, and enjoy light refreshments while supplies last.

This is a wonderful chance to cheer on our young authors and artists and see their learning come to life. We hope to see you there!

Our students continued to shine in their Learning this week through engaging, real-world experiences. Our career class explored the Devil-Med and Ballad Health Academy programs from GHS, gaining first-hand insight into medical careers through the mobile unit and on-site presentation. Students also showcased their creativity and critical thinking as they completed their Altered Book Project. Our GMS band learned how to march for the Greeneville Christmas Parade, and PE classes learned through fun games! When you walk through the hallways at GMS, you will see evidence of top-notch learning displayed everyone!

We are seeing an increase in students borrowing library computers, which places a strain on our library’s device inventory and may not guarantee that a computer is available for every student each day. Please help us support efficient learning by reminding your student to bring their school-issued computer fully charged each morning, along with their charger. Arriving prepared helps minimize interruptions and ensures classrooms can begin the day ready to learn.

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 students demonstrated Leadership through the arts this week as they took the stage for our winter chorus concert. Their confidence, preparation, and willingness to perform for our school community showed the pride they take in representing GMS. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and the example they set for their peers.

Our LEGO League Robotics teams, the Block Breakers and Block Heads, continue to Lead with innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving. The Block Breakers earned 1st place overall at the regional qualifier and will advance to the state competition in February, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of our students. We are grateful to Mrs. Shipley, Mr. Olson, Mrs. Davis, and Ms. Weber for their guidance and support in helping our teams grow and succeed.

The excitement in the gym this week reflected the strength of our Greene Devil family. Our cheerleaders, dance team, athletes, and fans came together to create an uplifting environment for our students. Thank you for showing such strong support!

Celebrating students for doing the right thing lifts them higher than any consequence ever could. Positive office referrals shine a light on their leadership, kindness, and growth.

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.

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).

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!

Starla Angel, Seeking First to Understand, then to be Understood, Starla embodies the spirit of listening and using what she learns to be as helpful as possible. She treats the students and staff alike in making sure everyone feels her positive energy. She tries very hard to keep a smile on her face even though she has health issues that can severely affect how she feels every day! What a joy she is to work with!

Marty Seaton, Putting First Things First, Marty works so hard for the kids on her caseload and she genuinely cares about them and their progress. She puts up with a lot, but doesn't let any of that get in the way of her love and care for her students.

Abel Candelaria, Sharpening the Saw, Mr. Candelaria demonstrates leadership each day by setting clear, consistent expectations for his students while modeling what it means to be a lifelong learner.

Abbey Townsend, Leading, Ms. Townsend demonstrated exceptional leadership by organizing and orchestrating a phenomenal chorus concert that showcased the hard work and talent of our students.

Mrs. Shipley, Mr. Olson, Mrs. Davis, and Ms. Weber, Excellence, Our LEGO League leaders guided our teams to a strong showing this weekend, supporting students through challenges, innovation, and celebration of their accomplishments. Their guidance and commitment played a key role in the teams’ success and growth.

Jason Shelton, Dedication, Mr. Shelton and the girls wrestling team represented GMS with pride at the state sectionals this past Saturday. His dedication and leadership-centered approach continue to make a powerful impact, emphasizing teamwork, strong academics, and consistent attention to the little things. We are grateful for the standard he sets and the example he provides for our student-athletes.

Mrs. Schroeck, Thinking Win-Win, Mrs. Schroeck continues to demonstrate tremendous flexibility and commitment by stepping in to pick up students and offering consistent support wherever it is needed. Her willingness to help ensures our students feel cared for and sets a positive tone across GMS. We are grateful for the steady support she brings to our school community each day.

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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