GMS Spotlight

Congratulations to the nearly 40 students who were inducted into the Greendale Middle School Chapter of National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) this spring. NJHS members are recognized for their excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship. This is the second year of the school's chapter.

As part of our Character Strong SEL program at GMS, students participate in a weekly DARE that encourages kindness and connection. The DARE for the week of April 7 was all about gratitude! These 6th graders were challenged to show appreciation to those who support and uplift our community—whether that’s a local business, a place in our Village, or one of our many amazing community helpers. They did an awesome job creating these "Thank You" cards. We are so grateful for the people who make our community a better place every day. Thank you for all you do! Cards will be delivered soon!

The Greendale Middle School Forensics Team wrapped up their season by presenting their performances at their Family Night in mid March. Forensics is an organization where students can develop their performance skills and speaking abilities by competing in one of 17 different categories. Greendale has been part of the Middle Level Forensics Association since 2016 and this year they had 21 students competing in: infomercial, poetry, group acting, humorous solo, moments in history, special events and informative and persuasive speeches. This year, GMS also hosted the first ever Greendale Tournament and 17 schools competed from all over Southeast Wisconsin. We also had several team successes by placing 3rd overall at the large schools division at the Cross Town Classic, 2nd overall in the medium schools division at the Brown Deer Cup and 1st place in the small schools division at the Greendale Tournament. Congrats on an awesome season GMS Forensics!

Congratulations to the GMS Forensics Team on an awesome job at the State on March 15! GMS had students advance to the power round in the Infomercial and News Reporting category and an overall 3rd place finish in the Poetry category and a 2nd place finish in the Special Events category! Way to go Panthers!

Greendale Schools and Community Alliance of Hales Corners and Greendale hosted their 6th Annual Family Wellness Event at GMS. This event was open to the public and included a vendor fair of local health and wellness services and organizations, and poster presentations on various health advocacy topics presented by our 8th Grade Health Education students. The event also featured a guest speaker.

Students enjoyed engaging in the first PAW (Panther Activity Workshop) day of the year. Teachers provide a variety of activities throughout the school and students choose one they are interested in! There are wide variety of options including crafts, trivia, games, and a nature walk. #LearnGrowEngageGreendale #CultivatingExcellence

The February 7 "Art from the Heart" created lasting friendships, and some lovely art projects. GMS students and area older adults joined together at the Field Workshop for engaging and fun community building. Many thanks to the partners from Greendale Public Library, Greendale Public Health Department, Greendale Livable Communities Coalition, and Field Workshop.GM

The GMS Buddy Club wants to thank all who participated in the school's penny war in February. All together they raised $210.02 for Team Greendale Special Olympics for the upcoming Polar plunge event in March. In third place with a positive total of 895 points was 7th grade; in second place with a positive total of 968 points was 8th grade; and in first place is 6th grade with a positive total of 6,658 points!

Greendale Middle School held its annual Battle of the Books Finale January 30. Eleven student teams and 2 staff teams, of two to four people each, spent the past several months reading books from the official list of 20 titles. Team Bubble Trouble moves on to the state battle in February. Congrats to the winners and all who participated in this rigorous reading challenge!

Nearly 20 Greendale Middle School students participated in the annual Spelling Bee in late January. Our Panther spellers showcased their impressive skills. Congratulations to the winner, Emma, and all the 6th, 7th and 8th graders who competed! Next up, Regionals. #LearnGrowEngageGreendale #CultivatingExcellence #PantherPride

The GMS Panther Pals met in early January. This program is a mentorship program between 6th and 8th graders once a month. They meet to work on collaborative activities, give advice, and have discussions on how they can make GMS the best place to be.

Our 8th graders and their parents were invited to Greendale High School December 12 in the evening for the 8th Grade Transition Night event, which included a presentation by administrators and counselors as well as a Co-Curricular Fair. During that portion, the Class of 2029 had a chance to learn about all the sports and activities available to them next year in high school.

GMS and GHS German students are participating in the annual Wettbewerb der Weihnachtswerbung (Competition of Christmas-themed ads). Over 35,000 German students from almost 500 schools in 39 states and 6 countries will watch 8 different advertisements from Germany and vote on their favorites between now and December 19. The bracket is posted in room 5 (GHS) and outside room 266 (GMS).

With the financial assistance from the Greendale Public Health Department, Greendale Middle School 8th grade Health classes were able to bring in a certified Yoga Instructor. The students grounded themselves in the experiences of basic Yoga as they learned about the life-long mental/emotional and physical benefits of the practice. Thanks again to the Greendale Public Health Department for providing this inspiring and health-building opportunity!

Our Panther Middle School Musicians took part in the UW-Whitewater Middle School Orchestra Festival recently. Students participated in a strings clinic and worked with string faculty in group techniques classes with other youth musicians. 

Fourteen Greendale residents received help from 60 Greendale Middle School seventh grade students from Team Integrity during the fall Clean and Green event at the end of October. Students helped rake leaves, clear yards of sticks and debris, pull weeds, sweep, etc. This annual autumn “Clean and Green” effort is part of the GMS service-learning education. Thank you to the 10 parent/grandparent volunteers that drove the students. Both the residents and the students found this a productive and rewarding day. 

The middle school and high school Cross Country Teams had a combined practice in early October! The GMS athletes appreciate the knowledge and motivation the high school athletes provided as the GMS Team prepared for their last meet of the year. Go Panthers!