We are proud to recognize two exceptional members of the Greenville Public Schools family whose dedication, leadership, and influence have left a lasting mark on our students and community.💜💛
👏 Chris Chapman (Citizen/Organization Honoree)
For 28 years, Chris was a driving force behind the performing arts at Greenville Public Schools. As Auditorium Manager, he helped bring countless concerts, plays, musicals, ceremonies, and community events to life while helping build the Yellow Jacket Theatre program. More importantly, he created a place where students felt welcome, supported, and encouraged to discover what they could accomplish. His influence helped shape the paths of students who went on to study theatre and pursue careers in the field. Now retired, his greatest legacy isn't simply the performances he helped create—it's the generations of students he encouraged, cared for, and inspired.
👏Jen Mahar (Current Employee Honoree)
Jen leads with a servant's heart. At Walnut Hills, she sees what students, staff, and families need and works tirelessly to make it happen. From supporting students and staff to creating a food pantry, securing coats and winter items, connecting families with resources, and building community partnerships, Jen leads by being present. Perhaps her greatest impact is the culture she has created—a place where staff feel supported, students feel safe, and families know they have an advocate. She has created something that can't be forced or mandated: trust.
Congratulations to Chris & Jen, our 2026 Elmer Russell School Bell Award recipients! Thank you for the lasting impact you have made on Greenville Public Schools and the generations of students, staff, and families you have served and continue to serve. 💜💛
Thank you to everyone who attended the Greenville Middle School 7th & 8th Grade Open House...we had an incredible turnout!
We are so grateful for your support as we work to ensure every student is known, every student is challenged, and every student is supported.
Don’t forget! 6th Grade Orientation is this coming Wednesday August 19!
Join us in the cafeteria to start and then an opportunity to explore:
*Students with last names A-K: 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
*Students with last names L-Z: 4:45 PM – 5:30 PM
We are excited to welcome all of our new students and their families. Please join us!
We are proud to celebrate two outstanding members of the Greenville Public Schools team whose dedication and commitment make a difference every day. 💜💛
👏District Support Staff of the Year — Julie VanHoose of Greenville High School!
Julie is the person who keeps things moving, solves problems, supports students, families, and staff, and somehow keeps track of all the things the rest of us have forgotten! As Administrative Assistant to the Principal and Senior Class Advisor, she plays an important role in supporting our school community and creating memorable experiences for our students. Her dedication to GPS is a family tradition, and her commitment to our students and staff has made a lasting impact.
👏 District Teacher of the Year — Ken Mol of Walnut Hills Elementary
Ken demonstrates the powerful impact a teacher can have on a child. His nominations highlighted students who have grown in confidence, made tremendous progress, and—most importantly—learned to love coming to school. His colleagues describe a teacher who goes above and beyond, adapts to challenges, collaborates with others, and creates a classroom where kindergarteners feel safe, valued, and inspired to grow.
Congratulations, Julie & Ken! Thank you for the incredible difference you make for our students and schools! 💛💜
🎒 August 18: 7th & 8th Grade Open House | 4:00–5:30 PM
🏫 August 19: 6th Grade Orientation
👥 Last Name A–K | Welcome at 4:00 PM / Explore at 4:15–4:45 PM
👥 Last Name L–Z | Welcome at 4:45PM / Explore 5:00–5:30 PM
⚠️ First Day of School: Monday, August 24
💻 Chromebooks: Students will receive their Chromebooks within the first few days of school. Reverification MUST be completed prior to Chromebook distribution.
https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/getmain.action
📣 ENROLLMENT & REVERIFICATION REMINDER! 📣
🆕 New Students:
Begin the enrollment process here: https://www.gpsjackets.org/page/enrollment
🔄 Returning/Current Students:
Log in to PowerSchool to review and update your student’s information, complete required forms, and access important information for the start of the school year: https://greenville.powerschool.com/public/
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Reverification MUST be completed before your student can receive their schedules and Chromebook!
🔑 Having trouble logging in? PowerSchool requires both a username and password. If you’ve forgotten your login information, you can recover your username first and then request a new password.
Thank you for helping us ensure your student’s information is accurate and up to date!
Greenville Middle School
September 1, 2026
Makeup day October 15, 2026
Some things you should know…
ORDER NOW TO SAVE! For the fastest delivery and to avoid a shipping fee, please pre-order before Picture Day. All orders placed before Picture Day will be delivered to the school about three weeks after Picture Day. Orders placed after Picture Day will be delivered after Makeup Day. A shipping fee applies to all orders placed after Makeup Day.
Yearbooks and class composites will be delivered later in the school year.
Your child’s proof will typically be available less than a week after picture day. To view your child’s proof and place an order, log in with their Student ID number as the “access code”.
A makeup photo will be given to students who:
Are new to the school
Were absent on Picture Day
Return their original Photo Package (blue envelope) on Makeup Day
Have a note from a parent
Thank you for ordering from Douglas Photography! All our products are backed by our 100% Happiness Guarantee. Call us with any questions at 616-874-9101.
Your Online Ordering Link:
https://douglasphotography.accessmyevent.com/GreenvilleMiddleSchool
Please apply at this updated link: https://bit.ly/gmsspedpara2026
Are you passionate about helping every student succeed? Greenville Middle School is looking for a dedicated, compassionate Special Education Paraprofessional to join our team!
If you have a heart for working with students with special needs, this role is truly one of the most rewarding ways to make a direct, positive difference every single day. You’ll work closely with amazing teachers and students, helping build an environment where every student is known, challenged, and supported.
If you, or someone you know, would be a great fit for our team, we’d love to hear from you!
Apply today at: https://bit.ly/gmsspedpara2026
Come be a difference-maker at GMS! 💜💛
For more information, please visit https://www.gpsjackets.org/page/board-of-education
We are incredibly fortunate to have an outstanding team of caring, dedicated, and hardworking individuals who make a difference in the lives of our students every single day. Their passion, commitment, and unwavering support for our students, families, colleagues, and school community are truly appreciated.
From this exceptional group, one teacher and one support staff member will be selected as Greenville Public Schools' 2026 District Teacher of the Year and 2026 District Support Staff of the Year. 🏆 The district winners will be announced in just a few short weeks...stay tuned! 💛💜
Don't forget to register your student for bus transportation for the 2026-27 school year by Friday, August 7! If your student received transportation last school year, you do not need to re-register unless there have been changes to your transportation needs or information. If you have any questions, please contact the GPS Transportation Office at 616-754-3850.
🔗 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScBuGTxccMV1apDv2pde-W9ozQVQEBfQxl2ivLk4GPgGhT2rw/viewform
In case this didn't through for some folks...
https://bit.ly/gmsbacktoschool2026
It's August, and you know what that means, GMS parents... it's almost time to head back to school!
Our back to school parent newsletter is packed full of important information including the GMS schedule, Open House dates, athletic opportunities as well as some, "Words from Walsh."
We're looking forward to welcoming you and your students back soon!
Click here >> https://bit.ly/gmsbacktoschool2026
For more information, please visit https://www.gpsjackets.org/page/board-of-education
Are you passionate about helping every student succeed? Greenville Middle School is looking for a dedicated, compassionate Special Education Paraprofessional to join our team!
If you have a heart for working with students with special needs, this role is truly one of the most rewarding ways to make a direct, positive difference every single day. You’ll work closely with amazing teachers and students, helping build an environment where every student is known, challenged, and supported.
If you, or someone you know, would be a great fit for our team, we’d love to hear from you!
Apply today at: https://bit.ly/gmsspedpara26
Come be a difference-maker at GMS! 💜💛
Make a Real Impact at GMS!
At Greenville Middle School, we believe every student deserves to be known, challenged, and supported. We're looking for a Behavior Interventionist to join our new Reconnect Center and help students successfully reconnect to learning through relationships, reflection, and restorative practices.
If you're someone who builds trust with kids, stays calm under pressure, and believes every student can grow, we'd love to have you on our team.
Help us create a school where Every Student is Known. Every Student is Challenged. Every Student is Supported.
Apply today: https://bit.ly/gmsreconnect26
Please share this post with someone who would be a great fit!
Please join us in congratulating Molly Court, Kindergarten Teacher at Baldwin Heights Elementary, who has dedicated over 10 years to Greenville Public Schools!
A master teacher, respected leader, and positive role model, Molly consistently goes above and beyond for students, colleagues, and our community. Her passion for education, commitment to excellence, and genuine care for others make a lasting impact both inside and outside the classroom.
Thank you, Molly Court, for representing the very best of Greenville Public Schools. Congratulations on being recognized as the 2026 Baldwin Heights Teacher of the Year! 💜💛
Please join us in congratulating Stacey Thomas, Special Education Paraprofessional at Baldwin Heights Elementary, who has dedicated almost 3 years to Greenville Public Schools!
Through patience, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to students, Stacey makes a difference every single day. Her positive attitude, caring nature, and ability to build meaningful relationships help students grow, succeed, and feel supported. Whether working directly with students, partnering with families, or encouraging those around her, she exemplifies the heart of Greenville Public Schools.
Thank you, Stacey Thomas, for the incredible impact you make on our students, staff, and school community. Congratulations on being recognized as the 2026 Baldwin Heights Support Staff of the Year! 💜💛
Please join us in congratulating Stephanie Tahtinen, Special Education Paraprofessional at Greenville Middle School, who has dedicated almost 3 years to Greenville Public Schools!
Known for her kindness, trustworthiness, and positive influence, Stephanie makes a meaningful difference in the lives of students every day. She creates a supportive environment where students feel safe, heard, and valued. Through her guidance, encouragement, and caring approach, she helps students make positive choices and have successful days at school.
Thank you, Stephanie Tahtinen, for the impact you have on our students and school community. Congratulations on being recognized as the 2026 Greenville Middle School Support Staff of the Year! 💜💛
Please join us in congratulating K Hsieh, Chinese Immersion Teacher at Greenville Middle School, who has dedicated over 12 years to Greenville Public Schools!
A dedicated and inspiring educator, K challenges students to do their best while creating a supportive environment where they can grow and succeed. She is known for her confidence, kindness, and commitment to helping students stay focused and engaged in learning. Whether in the classroom or beyond, she goes above and beyond to encourage, support, and care for her students each day.
Thank you, K Hsieh, for the positive impact you make on students and for your dedication to excellence in education. Congratulations on being recognized as the 2026 Greenville Middle School Teacher of the Year! 💜💛
