GMS Family Newsletter

Dear Greene Devil Family,

We are one week into TCAP testing, and our students are off to a strong start. Throughout the building, we have seen focus, effort, and a commitment to doing their best each day. Our students have approached testing with a positive mindset, and that has made a noticeable difference in the overall tone and momentum across GMS.

As we move into the next week, our goal is to stay steady and consistent. Simple things like a good night’s rest, arriving on time, and maintaining daily routines will continue to support our students’ success. We appreciate the role our families play in helping reinforce these habits and keeping our students in a great position to finish strong!

Learning, Leading, Lifting... #RISEasONE,

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

Monday, 4/20

• TCAP ELA Part 2

Wednesday, 4/22

• TCAP Math Part 2 & 3

Thursday, 4/23

• TCAP ELA Part 3

Friday, 4/24

• TCAP Social Studies Part 2

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!

This Wednesday, April 22, we celebrate Administrative Professionals Day, and we are excited to honor the team that keeps Greeneville Middle School running smoothly each and every day. Please join us in recognizing Starla Angel, Kim Bowers, Karen Denton, and Danielle Stephens for the care, organization, and support they provide to our students, staff, and families.

From welcoming visitors to helping solve problems big and small, they are truly the heart of our front office. If you have a moment this week, we encourage you to share a note, a kind word, or a quick thank you to let them know how much they are appreciated. We are grateful for all they do to support our school community!

Learning leaves a lasting impact far beyond the classroom. During 8th Grade Nights, our students choose a teacher who has made a difference in their journey to walk with them. That moment is a powerful reminder that learning is not just about standards and lessons. It is about relationships, encouragement, and the belief our educators pour into students every single day. The influence of great teaching shows up not only in academic growth, but in confidence, character, and the paths our students are preparing to take next.

We are proud to celebrate GMS 6th grader Coraline McMillian for earning 1st place in the Andrew Johnson Women's Club Short Story Contest! Coraline is leading through creativity, confidence, and her powerful voice as a writer. We are so proud of her and excited to see what she does next!

Our GMS golf team continues to represent what it means to truly lift our school community. These student-athletes balance academics, practice, and competition with a high level of commitment and responsibility. Their ability to manage their time, stay focused, and support one another speaks volumes about their character. We are proud of the way they carry themselves and shine both on and off the course for GMS.

Thank you to Danielle Stephens (Counseling Admin Assistant) for coordinating donations, our café staff for the homemade biscuits, and our generous partners Ingles, Dunkin' Donuts, and Creamy Cup for their support.

A special thank you to Chris and Sherry (Custodial Team) for having the coffee ready each morning and helping with cleanup. We appreciate each of you for helping make this week so special!

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.

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!

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.

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.

Marty Seaton, Putting First Things First, Marty works hard on a daily basis to provide the best for all of her students and collaborating with teachers. She does a fantastic job and is such an asset to GMS!!

Lauren Bond, Being Proactive, Lauren went above and beyond to accommodate a few of our students. She specifically ordered a set of booklets that appealed to their interests! It makes reading class fun!

Mrs Klickman, Synergizing, Teacher Shout-Out 🌟 We’re so grateful for a Mrs. Klickman who truly meets our child where he is. She adapts lessons so he can work at his own pace and welcomes our input to help him succeed. Our son says she’s the best math teacher he’s ever had. Most importantly, she creates a space where he feels comfortable asking for help. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference! ✨

Shelby Weber, Beginning with the End in Mind, Shelby is a wonderful proctor! She balanced the most immediate needs of testing groups while keeping everyone's schedule in mind. She is quiet and observant. I am blessed to have her assigned to my testing group!

The GMS Admin Team, Synergizing, The GMS Administrative Team has handled issues during TCAP testing so well! I appreciate the help and quick response! Also, thank you for your part in providing breakfast during TCAPs testing week!

Lauren Bond, Beginning with the End in Mind, Lauren begins with the end in mind by being extraordinarily organized and knowledgeable. She has been cool under pressure and gladly helps with issues. Great job getting us started with a positive attitude and encouraging words.

Tara DiSalvo, Thinking Win-Win, Tara thinks win-win because she helps students but also does what she can to help others. Tara is flexible in her schedule by subbing, being a 1:1 assistant, and asking what else she can do. Tara is dependable and kind to all.

Janis Young, Synergizing, Huge Shout Out to Janis Young!! She introduced me to using Spark Studio on IXL and the students LOVE it!!! It’s a great way to make learning fun! Thanks Janis!

Keisha Sanders, Thinking Win-Win, Keisha Sanders is always willing to step in and help wherever needed, consistently putting kids first in everything she does.

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.