Houston Middle News

Evie Young stands and smiles with the stage behind her.

HMS Student Evie Young Wins Delta Fair Songwriting Competition

September 2026 - Houston Middle School seventh grader Evie Young earned top honors in the Delta Fair Songwriting Star competition with her original song, “Rebel,” adding another exciting accomplishment to her growing experience in the performing arts.

Ms. Keesling and a student smile and pose for a picture.

She Didn't Plan to Become a Teacher. Now She's One of Tennessee's Top Novice Educators.

September 2026 - Houston Middle School teacher Christa Keesling has been named one of just nine finalists statewide for the Tennessee Novice Teacher of the Year Award, recognition that follows an unconventional journey into education and remarkable student growth in her classroom.

Academics

Charli Coleman jumps for a hit during a volleyball game.

Vote on Alisha Dumas’s State Farm GMSD September Athlete of the Month for High School and Middle School

September 2026 - Three high school athletes and five middle school athletes have been nominated for Alisha Dumas’s State Farm GMSD August Athlete of the Month. Read about each student athlete and cast your vote!

Athletics

the student stands on stage and sings during a rehearsal with his cast mates around him

Houston Middle’s Roper Oswald Takes the Stage From Interlochen to Playhouse on the Square

August 2026 - Houston Middle School seventh grader Roper Oswald is building an impressive résumé on stages both in Memphis and beyond.

Fine Arts

Ms. Ammons Shares STEM Success Across West Tennessee

August 2026 - Houston Middle School teacher presents innovative science strategies at regional STEM conference

Vote on Alisha Dumas’s State Farm GMSD August Athlete of the Month for High School and Middle School

August 2026 - Three high school athletes and four middle school athletes have been nominated for Alisha Dumas’s State Farm GMSD August Athlete of the Month. Read about each student athlete and cast your vote!

Athletics

Whit Thomas Joins Houston Middle School Leadership Team

June 2026--Whit Thomas is bringing his passion for student success, strong relationships, and high expectations to Houston Middle School as the school's newest assistant principal.

Three girls wearing their backpacks hug and smile at the camera.

HMS 26-27 Summer Reading! (opens in new window/tab)

The Summer Reading Assignments for Houston Middle Mustangs heading into the 26-27 school year are now available!

Forget Worksheets. These HMS Students Built Their Own Games Instead.

May 2026--Houston Middle School students in Ms. Alicia Breen’s gifted WIN classes are designing original board games from scratch as part of the school’s annual Game Expo, blending creativity, strategy, collaboration, and hands-on learning into one unforgettable experience.

TJ Timmerman on stage with the HMS choir behind him

Houston Middle Choir Delivers an Emotional and Meaningful Spring Concert

May 2026 - HMS choir director TJ Timmerman and his choir students, both of past and present, shared an emotional tribute to his son in their spring choir concert, uniting both students and families.

Ron Childers and the HMS weatherman during the Broadcast.

He Asked for Weather Tips. A Real TV Meteorologist Showed Up Instead.

May 2026 - Houston Middle’s broadcast students are learning more than just announcements as a surprise visit from Ron Childers spotlighted the creativity, collaboration and real-world media skills growing inside the school’s student-run news program.

GMSD Highlights

HMS Student Wins Tennessee National Civics Bee, Advances to Nationals

June 2026 - Houston Middle School student Shyla Jayashankar turned a winter break project into a major achievement, winning the regional and state National Civics Bee and advancing to the National competition this fall.

Academics

Lucy Pierce in her softball uniform, smiling, holds a softball bat over her shoulders.

Vote on Alisha Dumas’s State Farm GMSD April Athlete of the Month for High School and Middle School

April 2026 - Six high school athletes and five middle school athletes have been nominated for Alisha Dumas’s State Farm GMSD April Athlete of the Month. Read about each student athlete and cast your vote!

Athletics

Harold Anderson in his lacrosse gear point at the camera.

Vote on Alisha Dumas’s State Farm GMSD March Athlete of the Month for High School and Middle School

March 2026 - Six high school athletes and six middle school athletes have been nominated for Alisha Dumas’s State Farm GMSD March Athlete of the Month. Read about each student athlete and cast your vote!