GMS Family Newsletter

Dear Greene Devil Family,

Seeing our students return to the building on Friday was a highlight for our entire GMS staff. After several days away, the smiles, laughter, and positive energy throughout the halls were impossible to miss. Classrooms were filled with engagement, meaningful conversations, and a strong sense of belonging that reminds us just how special our school community is.

As we look ahead to the week before us, we are excited to build on that momentum. Whether students are tackling academic challenges, strengthening friendships, or continuing to grow personally, each day presents an opportunity to learn, lead, and lift others. At Greeneville Middle School, showing up with effort, perseverance, and pride is part of what it means to be a Greene Devil.

This week, our pillar of focus from the Greeneville City Schools Portrait of a Graduate is Effective Communicator. Being an effective communicator means listening with intention, expressing ideas clearly and respectfully, and using words and actions to build understanding. We encourage our students to be thoughtful in how they communicate, recognizing that strong communication helps create positive relationships and supports learning across our school.

Thank you to our GMS families for your continued support and partnership. We are grateful to have everyone back together and look forward to a great week ahead.

Learning, Leading, Lifting... #RISEasONE,

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

Monday, 2/9

• GSIA Candy Grams (During Lunch)
• GMS Baseball Tryouts - 3:30 to 5:30pm - Legion Field
• GMS Boys Soccer Tryouts - 3:00 to 5:30pm - GMS Soccer Field, GMS
• GMS Track & Field Tryouts - 3:00 to 4:30pm - GMS Track
• GMS Golf Tryouts - 3:15 to 5:00pm - Link Hills CC

Tuesday, 2/10

• GSIA Candy Grams (During Lunch)
• GHS Scheduling for 8th Grade
• GMS Boys Soccer Tryouts - 3:00 to 5:30pm - GMS Soccer Field, GMS
• GMS Track & Field Tryouts - 3:00 to 3:45pm - GMS Track
• GMS Golf Tryouts - 3:15 to 5:00pm - Link Hills CC

Wednesday, 2/11

• Interim Reports emailed to families
• GSIA Candy Grams (During Lunch)
• GHS Scheduling for 8th Grade
• GMS Boys Soccer Tryouts - 3:00 to 5:30pm - GMS Soccer Field, GMS

Thursday, 2/12

• GHS Scheduling for 8th Grade
• GMS Golf Tryouts - 3:15 to 5:00pm - Link Hills CC

Friday, 2/13

• Professional Learning Day - No Students

February is Black History Month, a time to honor and celebrate the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black leaders and changemakers from the past, present, and future.

At GMS, our Student Leadership Team will create a “Hall of Honors,” featuring hand-made portraits and biographies of influential historical leaders. We invite our school community to join us in recognizing and celebrating Black history together.

We want to remind families that “Wheelies” (shoes with a built-in wheel on the bottom) are not permitted at Greeneville Middle School. These shoes pose safety concerns for students and staff, particularly in crowded hallways and stairwells, and they can cause damage to our school floors. To help keep everyone safe and our learning spaces in good condition, students should not wear Wheelies to school. School disciplinary action may be taken if students choose to wear them. We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a safe and orderly school environment.

Get ready—the Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our school!
It will be held in the library from 2/23 - 2/27, from 7:30 AM - 3 PM.

The easiest way to let your child shop the Fair independently is by creating an eWallet. For full details, and to create an eWallet, visit the Book Fair website:
https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/greenevillemiddleschool

Questions? Please contact Ms. Bond

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 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!

Across Greeneville Middle School, students continue to show strong engagement in their learning through collaboration, problem-solving, and the use of instructional technology. On Friday, we were especially encouraged by the positive attitudes, focus, and teamwork we saw from our students as they supported one another and took pride in their work. These moments reflect the effort and mindset that help our students grow each day.

We are proud to recognize Ms. Kimberly Foulks for being named WJHL Educator of the Week. This well-deserved honor highlights her dedication to students and the positive impact she makes each day at Greeneville Middle School. Her humble leadership, passion for education, and commitment to excellence make her a wonderful representative of GMS and an inspiration to our school community. Be sure to watch for the story airing on Tuesday!

Our LEGO League team, the Block Breakers, demonstrated outstanding leadership as they competed in the State Competition this past weekend. Through teamwork, perseverance, and problem-solving, these students represent Greeneville Middle School with pride and positivity in a meaningful way. A special thank you to Ms. Shelby Weber and Ms. Caren Davis for leading this group and setting a strong example for our students through their guidance and dedication.

We are incredibly grateful for our custodial team, who worked diligently to clear walkways and make our school safe following the winter storm. Their dedication, teamwork, and willingness to go above and beyond ensured a safe return for our students and staff. We truly appreciate their hard work and the care they show for our school community each and every day.

Greeneville Middle School does not allow Valentine’s Day deliveries for students. Because we cannot verify where deliveries come from and items are not permitted on school buses, we are unable to accept them at school. Thank you for your understanding and for helping us keep our school day running smoothly.

Greeneville Middle School Athletic Boosters are hosting a Semi-Formal Winter Dance on Friday, February 27th, 2026, from 5:30–7:30 PM. The cost to attend is $5 per student, and concessions will be available for purchase. We look forward to welcoming our students for an exciting evening of music, fun, and school spirit!

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!

To help our students build healthy study habits, organization, and ownership of their learning, we are implementing RISE Assignment/Homework Folders during AM and PM RISE. These folders are used alongside a consistent set of steps to support students in identifying, prioritizing, and completing missing or unfinished work. Please review the RISE student guide below for more details.

We believe that consistent and aligned support from our staff will help students improve their study habits, take greater ownership of their work, and ultimately experience greater success. Thank you for partnering with us to support our students.

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.

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.

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.

Students are allowed to bring their baseball and softball gear to school. When they arrive at school, students will be directed to take their gear to the GMS locker rooms in the gym, where it may be stored for the day.

For baseball tryouts and practices, students may ride Bus 9 to Legion Field. Students who plan to ride the bus must have a note from a parent or guardian stating they have permission to ride the bus for baseball tryouts or practices. This note should be provided prior to boarding the bus.

Please note that baseball bats and large equipment bags are not permitted on the bus. Due to recent bus upgrades, storage compartments underneath the bus are no longer available.

As a result, student-athletes are responsible for transporting their baseball equipment, including bats and large bags, to and from the baseball field. Thank you for your understanding.

Kimberly Foulks, Selfless, Kimberly Foulks humbly dedicates her heart to students each day, selflessly putting their needs first and supporting them with genuine care and compassion.

GMS Custodial Team, Dedicated, The GMS Custodial Team works tirelessly behind the scenes to get our school ready for students and staff to return, ensuring a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for everyone.

JP Hall, Uplifting, JP Hall shows up every day with a positive attitude, lifting up those around him and making our school a better place through his encouragement and energy.

Trevor Mannis, Sharpening the Saw, Trevor Mannis demonstrates unwavering dedication to all students, consistently striving to ensure every learner has the support and opportunity needed to succeed.

Shelby Weber & Caren Davis, Inspiring, Shelby Weber and Caren Davis led our LEGO League team with passion and expertise at the State Competition this past weekend, inspiring students through their leadership and commitment.

Rustin Jones, Intentional, Rustin Jones is steady and intentional in his delivery, creating a fun and welcoming environment where students feel excited and eager to learn.

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.