Fairmount Elementary was filled with Phoenix and Bulldog pride today as students and staff held a pep rally to celebrate the Sonoraville High School Competition Cheer team and wish them luck as they travel to the GHSA State Competition!
The SHS cheerleaders put on an awesome performance for the crowd, giving our Bulldogs a chance to see the energy, talent, and school spirit of some of their future Phoenix classmates. FES students, faculty, and staff brought plenty of excitement of their own, and the entire gym was rocking as they celebrated the team. These Lady Phoenix athletes have been phenomenal, and it starts with the great coaching job by Taylor Ballew and Kirsten Lyles!
It was a great example of our schools coming together to support one another and celebrate student success. Good luck to the Lady Phoenix as they compete at state!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #FairmountElementary #SonoravilleHigh
GCS Director of Technology Chuck Langston, Tolbert Elementary STEAM Instructor Joey Marycz, and Tolbert Elementary Gifted REACH teacher Belinda Smith were selected to present after the GaETC Program Committee reviewed nearly 500 presentation proposals.
Langston presented “Getting the Most Out of the Apple Ecosystem,” exploring how connected Apple technologies can support teaching and learning. His session included classroom applications across Mac, iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods, and Apple TV, along with demonstrations of Apple Vision Pro and immersive technology.
Marycz presented “One Year as a STEM Teaching Fellow—Here’s Everything I Learned: Lessons, Leadership & Innovation.” His session focused on practical STEM strategies, leadership, innovation, robotics, coding, classroom technology, and ready-to-use resources for educators.
Tolbert Gifted Instructor Belinda Smith's presentation was “Ignite to Write,” a session designed to showcase how technology can spark creativity, increase student engagement, and transform student writing. She was unable to present due to a last-minute family emergency.
The conference provided valuable opportunities for professional learning, collaboration, and exploration of emerging educational technology. We are proud of our GCS educators for sharing their expertise and representing Gordon County Schools at the state level!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #TolbertElementary
There was plenty of excitement throughout the cafeteria as everyone enjoyed the delicious meal and the opportunity to spend time together. Events like this take a tremendous amount of planning, preparation, and teamwork behind the scenes.
Thank you to these wonderful ladies for all of the hard work and care they put into making today’s lunch so special for the entire Red Bud Elementary community.
Go Cardinals!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #RedBudElementary
Thank you to all of the veterans, families, and community members who attended and helped make the event so meaningful. The Sonoraville High School Marching Band, under the direction of Justin Burke, also helped make the celebration special with a performance for those gathered.
We are grateful for the opportunity to honor our veterans and recognize the service, sacrifice, and commitment they have given to our country.
Thank you, Veterans!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #SonoravilleElementary #SonoravilleHigh
The program included a performance by the Sonoraville Phoenix Chorus under the direction of Hannah Nelson. Belwood Elementary music teacher Dr. Bailie Greeson also led students in songs representing each branch of the United States military, with veterans standing to be recognized as their branch was honored.
This year’s guest speaker was Jonathan Fuller, a United States Navy veteran, Gordon Central High School graduate, and the newest assistant principal at GCHS. He shared in the celebration as students and staff recognized the service and sacrifice of veterans in our community and across the nation.
Thank you to all of the veterans who joined us, and thank you to every veteran for your service to our country.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #BelwoodElementary
Across our district, we are grateful for the opportunities our students have to learn about the importance of service, patriotism, and the sacrifices made by veterans and their families. We also extend a special thank you to the veterans who continue to serve our schools and communities through their leadership, dedication, and example.
To all veterans, thank you for your service and for the sacrifices you and your families have made on behalf of our nation. We are grateful for you today and every day!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
Apple Distinguished Schools are recognized for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence through the meaningful use of technology in teaching and learning. This distinction reflects W. L. Swain Elementary’s continued commitment to creating engaging learning experiences, encouraging creativity, and helping students develop skills that support success now and in the future.
As part of the recognition, Board members and guests viewed the video presentation W. L. Swain submitted to Apple during the application process. The video was filmed, edited, and produced by the Sonoraville High School Video Production team under the direction of teacher and advisor Brandon Hufstetler.
Principal Tara Green and Assistant Principal Carrie Christophel were recognized, along with teacher leader India Bennett, for W. L. Swain’s achievement. Sonoraville High School Video Production students Nic Dutton, Easton Fletcher, Lukas Holmes, Emily Roberts, and graduates Jayden Johnson and Joey Mayes were also recognized, along with Mr. Hufstetler, for their work in helping tell the school’s story.
Instructional Technology Coordinator Whitney Prather was also recognized for working closely with W. L. Swain throughout the application process and helping showcase the innovative learning opportunities available to students.
Congratulations to W. L. Swain Elementary and everyone who helped make this recognition possible!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #WLSwainElementary #SonoravilleHigh
Mr. Peacock brings 24 years of experience in middle school education, including the past 11 years serving students at Ashworth Middle School. Since joining Gordon County Schools in 2015, he has taught 6th and 8th grade social studies while taking on numerous leadership responsibilities that have made a positive impact on students, staff, and the school community.
Throughout his time at Ashworth, Mr. Peacock has served as a 6th grade team leader, Student Support Team (SST) coordinator, mentor to new teachers, and member of the Superintendent's Advisory Council and School Governance Council. His dedication to education was recognized when he was named Ashworth Middle School's 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year. Mr. Peacock was also among the first co-observers for the GaLEADS teacher evaluation initiative, participating in peer observations to support instructional growth and professional development. His involvement in the initiative extended beyond the district, as he presented at the inaugural GaLEADS Conference in Macon, sharing his experiences and insights with fellow educators.
Beyond the classroom, Mr. Peacock has been actively involved in student activities and athletics. He helped reestablish Ashworth's tennis program and coached middle and high school tennis, contributing to multiple successful seasons and two state titles. He has also supported student experiences through initiatives such as Market Day and educational field trips.
Mr. Peacock holds both a Bachelor of Science in Education in Secondary History and a Master of Education in Secondary Social Sciences from Columbus State University. Before joining Gordon County Schools, he spent 13 years teaching in the Marion County School System.
With his extensive teaching experience, established relationships within the Ashworth community, and commitment to supporting students and educators, Mr. Peacock brings valuable experience and perspective to his new leadership role.
Please join us in congratulating Judson Peacock as he begins this new chapter of service to Ashworth Middle School and Gordon County Schools!
This position offers an opportunity to share real-world welding knowledge and experience with students as they develop technical skills that can prepare them for future careers.
Qualifications include an associate degree or diploma in Welding Technology and/or valid work experience in welding.
Interested applicants can scan the QR code in the graphic to apply. For more information, contact Leah Newsom at lnewsom@gcbe.org or (706) 879-5370.
Help us spread the word and connect a skilled welding professional with the next generation of students!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
We extend a special thank you to our Lead School Psychologist, Althea Collins, along with Jillian Delisle, who serves students through a hybrid model of virtual and in-person services, and Jessica Carboni, who provides fully virtual school psychology services.
Our school psychologists play an important role in helping students overcome challenges, supporting families, and collaborating with teachers and school staff to create positive learning environments. Their expertise, compassion, and commitment help ensure our students have the resources and support they need to succeed.
Thank you, Althea, Jillian, and Jessica, for the difference you make in Gordon County Schools every day!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
Across our district, students have opportunities to explore their creativity, think critically, solve problems, and discover new interests through hands-on learning experiences. Whether conducting science experiments, exploring technology, designing and building projects, or expressing creativity through the arts, STEM and STEAM education encourages students to ask questions, collaborate, and turn their ideas into reality.
We are thankful for our dedicated teachers and staff who bring these subjects to life in our classrooms and inspire students to become tomorrow's innovators, creators, and problem-solvers. These learning opportunities help prepare our students for lifelong success and prosperity!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
It's time to talk together, Gordon County Schools families!
Week 3 of our "We Did It!" Family Challenge begins Monday. As part of Family Engagement Month, we are encouraging families to slow down, spend time together, and strengthen their connections through meaningful conversations.
November 9–15: Talk Together!
Next week's challenge is all about making time to listen, share, and learn more about one another. Whether you're sitting around the dinner table, riding in the car, or spending time together at home, a simple conversation can create meaningful connections.
Not sure where to start? Try asking your family some of these conversation starter questions:
- What was the best part of your day?
- What made you laugh today?
- What are you proud of?
- What was something hard today? How did you handle it?
- What is one thing you would like to learn more about?
- What is something you are looking forward to?
Take turns answering, listen to one another, and enjoy learning something new about your family members!
Enter for a Chance to Win a Family Engagement Prize Basket!
Once your family completes the challenge, take a selfie with a homemade "We Did It!" sign and submit your entry through our website or email Kerri Chatman at [kchatman@gcbe.org](mailto:kchatman@gcbe.org).
Be sure to include the following information with your entry:
- Student's name
- School
- A short description of your family's conversation activity
Each Gordon County Schools school will select a winner through a random drawing from the entries received.
Family engagement doesn't have to involve a special event or a big activity. Sometimes, the most meaningful connections happen through everyday conversations. Taking a few minutes to ask questions, listen, and show interest in one another can help children feel supported, valued, and connected.
Small conversations can make a BIG difference!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
Their focus today included child bereavement, supporting grief, and responding to crisis.
Thank you to our counselors and social workers for
Students and staff gathered for a special pep rally featuring the Gordon Central High School football team, cheerleaders, and band. Head Coach Billy Blizzard and the Warrior football players spoke words of encouragement to the students for their hard work, while the cheerleaders and band had students fired up and excited throughout the program. Thank you to Cheerleading Coach Liza Allen and Band Director Cameron Born for helping make the event so special.
The celebration also recognized the Sonoraville High School video production students who created a video highlighting W.L. Swain’s work. Those students were Nic Dutton, Easton Fletcher, Lukas Holmes, Emily Roberts, and graduates Jayden Johnson and Joey Mayes.
Joining the celebration were Superintendent Alice Mashburn, Assistant Superintendent Sket Angland, Board of Education Chairperson Charlie Walraven, and central office leaders. The pep rally was hosted by Instructional Technology Coordinator Whitney Prather, who worked closely with W.L. Swain throughout the application process. Principal Tara Green gave Mrs. Prather a special shoutout for her collaboration and support in helping Swain renew its Apple Distinguished School recognition.
Apple Distinguished Schools are recognized for their commitment to innovation, leadership, and educational excellence. These schools demonstrate a clear vision for how technology-rich learning environments can support instructional goals and help students learn in creative, meaningful ways. W.L. Swain’s continued recognition reflects the work of its teachers, students, staff, and leaders to use technology to strengthen teaching and learning.
Congratulations to the entire W.L. Swain Elementary family on this outstanding achievement!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #WLSwainElementary
Sonoraville High School senior Braxen McMahan and Head Coach Denver Pate visited WJTH Radio today to share more about Braxen’s incredible performance and his selection as the AJC Varsity/Georgia High School Football Daily State Player of the Week.
It was a great opportunity to highlight Braxen’s accomplishments and the team culture Coach Pate has created in Phoenix Nation.
Don’t forget, Sonoraville High School’s season finale has been moved to Thursday night at the Furnace as the Phoenix take on Rockmart. Come out and support SHS as they close out the regular season!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #SonoravilleHigh
Students shared their ideas, gave reasons to support their choices, and worked hard to turn those thoughts into persuasive writing. Activities like this help students strengthen their writing skills while learning how to clearly explain and support an opinion.
Great work, Bulldogs!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #FairmountElementary
Before students got started, Coach Angland used examples and class discussion to help them understand how cardiovascular exercise strengthens the body and why proper form and technique are important. Students then put those lessons into practice as they worked on their jump-rope skills.
It was a great combination of learning, movement, and building healthy habits!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #WLSwainElementary
Schools will be closed, and students will complete learning activities from home. Families are encouraged to review any information shared by their child’s school or teacher.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
Reminder: Week 2 of our "We Did It!" Family Challenge is here! As part of Family Engagement Month, we are encouraging families to spend time together, stay active, and have fun with our Week 2 Challenge: Get Moving!
This week's challenge is all about being active together as a family. Take a family walk, play outside, ride bikes, visit a park, or come up with your own family exercise challenge. It doesn't have to be complicated! The goal is to spend quality time together while building healthy habits and making memories.
Enter for a Chance to Win a Family Engagement Prize Basket!
Once your family completes the challenge, take a selfie with a homemade "We Did It!" sign and submit your entry through our website or email Kerri Chatman at kchatman@gcbe.org.
Be sure to include the following information with your entry:
- Student's name
- School
- A short description of what your family did and how you got moving together
Each Gordon County Schools school will select a winner through a random drawing from the entries received.
Family engagement doesn't always mean attending an event or participating in a school activity. Sometimes, it's as simple as spending time together, encouraging one another, and having fun. We hope our families will use this week's challenge as an opportunity to connect and enjoy being active together.
Healthy families build stronger communities!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools