The Gordon County-Calhoun Special Olympics brought together students, families, volunteers, and supporters for a wonderful day of competition, encouragement, and community!
We are grateful to everyone who came out to support our athletes, including members of the “Masters” team, made up of former athletes who continue to participate and remain an important part of this special event.
A special thank you to America’s Home Place for its monetary sponsorship and the volunteers who gave their time to support the event. We also appreciate members of The American Legion for assisting with setup and providing a donation, the Phoenix Stars & Stripes Ensemble for performing the National Anthem, and Coach Rainwater for helping with setup and supporting the overall coordination of the event. Gordon County Schools Director of Special Education Kristina Lee played a huge role in hosting and organizing the event, and we appreciate her and our Special Education Department team for all of their hard work and dedication.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Gordon County-Calhoun Special Olympics a meaningful and memorable experience for our student athletes and families!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools









We are proud to recognize our RBES Pre-K teams: Mrs. Summerfield and Mrs. Huff, Mr. Leatherwood and Ms. Eldridge, Mrs. Stone and Ms. Bradley, and Mrs. Beason and Mrs. Ralston (pre-school).
Thank you for creating welcoming classrooms filled with learning, play, encouragement, and care. Your work makes a meaningful difference during these important early years.
Happy Georgia Pre-K Week, Cardinals!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #RedBudElementary



We are proud to recognize our FES Pre-K teams: Ms. Black and Mrs. Knockum, Ms. Kerlin and Ms. McReynolds, and Mrs. Price and Mrs. Wilson (pre-school).
Thank you for creating classrooms filled with learning, play, encouragement, and care. Your work helps make these important early years meaningful and memorable for our students.
Happy Georgia Pre-K Week, Bulldogs!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #FairmountElementary


We are proud to recognize our SES Pre-K teams: Mrs. Sheriff and Mrs. Patureau, Mrs. Guess and Mrs. Hornbrook, and Ms. Morgan and Mrs. Hernandez.
Thank you for creating classrooms filled with learning, play, encouragement, and care. Your work helps make these important early years meaningful and memorable for our students.
Happy Georgia Pre-K Week, Phoenix Nation!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #SonoravilleElementary



Kelly Rampy is in her 19th year as an educator and her 4th year as principal of Sonoraville Elementary School. She values the opportunity to make a difference for students, staff, and the community while helping create a school that people are proud to be part of.
Mrs. Rampy believes Sonoraville Elementary is special because of the strong sense of family throughout the school. Along with maintaining high expectations for learning, the school places a strong emphasis on relationships, belonging, and making sure students feel safe and supported. She is proud of the Phoenix spirit across the school and the way students and staff support one another and continue looking for ways to improve.
She is especially proud of the growth she sees in students, both academically and personally. Mrs. Rampy appreciates the way students continue working through challenges, show kindness, and set positive examples for others. She is equally proud of the dedication of the staff and the time and effort they give to students each day.
One message Mrs. Rampy wants every student to understand is that they matter, they belong, and there are people at Sonoraville Elementary who believe in them.
For Mrs. Rampy, being a principal means showing up each day for students and staff, supporting them through challenges, celebrating their accomplishments, and helping create an environment where everyone feels connected and valued.
Outside of school, Mrs. Rampy enjoys spending time with her husband, Blake, and their daughters, Megyn and Molly, who both attend Sonoraville High School. She also enjoys reading and baking when she has the opportunity.
During National Principals Month, Gordon County Schools is proud to recognize Kelly Rampy for her leadership, dedication, and commitment to the students, staff, and families of Sonoraville Elementary School.

Dr. Rebecca Owen is in her 19th year as an educator and her 2nd full year as principal of Tolbert Elementary School. This is her first principalship, following previous roles as a teacher, coach, instructional specialist, and assistant principal.
One of the things Dr. Owen enjoys most about being a principal is working with the people who make up the Tolbert community. She appreciates the commitment of the staff, the support of families, and the energy students bring each day. She also enjoys that each day is different, bringing new opportunities to solve problems, encourage others, and help students be their best.
This year is especially meaningful as Tolbert Elementary celebrates its 50th anniversary. Dr. Owen believes the school’s long connection to the Resaca and Sugar Valley communities is a major part of what makes Tolbert special. Generations of families have attended the school, and local churches and community members continue to support students and staff.
Dr. Owen is especially proud of the way students and staff continue working through challenges and supporting one another. Their efforts have also been reflected in recent recognitions, including Tolbert being named a 2026 Georgia Title I Reward School and a 2025 Georgia Grade 3 Literacy Leader.
One message Dr. Owen wants every student to know is that they are seen, valued, and capable of accomplishing great things. She wants students to understand that growth comes from continuing to work toward being their best each day.
Outside of school, Dr. Owen enjoys spending time with her husband, Eric, and their daughters, Maddie and Abigail. Maddie is a 1st grade Warrior at Tolbert, and Abigail will join the school as a Pre-K student next year. As a family, they enjoy cruising, board games, pets, and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs. Dr. Owen also enjoys cooking, trying new recipes, and a good cup of coffee.
During National Principals Month, Gordon County Schools is proud to recognize Dr. Rebecca Owen for her leadership, dedication, and commitment to the students, staff, families, and community of Tolbert Elementary School.

Becky Hulsey is in her 25th year as an educator and her 1st year as principal of Red Bud Elementary School. Before stepping into the principal role, she served eight years as an assistant principal, including three years at Sonoraville High School and five years at Red Bud Middle School.
One of the things Mrs. Hulsey enjoys most about being a principal is watching students grow in every area of their lives. She values seeing them make academic progress, build confidence, work through challenges, and develop into the people they are becoming.
Mrs. Hulsey says the staff at Red Bud Elementary is one of the school’s greatest strengths. She has quickly seen the care, dedication, and commitment they bring to students each day. She is also proud of the way both students and staff respond to challenges, accept feedback, and continue working to improve.
A message she wants every student to understand is that they matter. Mrs. Hulsey wants students to know they are valued, loved, and capable of making a difference. She also emphasizes that success does not require perfection and that mistakes are an important part of learning and growth.
For Mrs. Hulsey, being a principal means leading with purpose, supporting students and staff, and being present through both successes and challenges. She sees the role as an opportunity to help others grow while building a positive and supportive school environment.
Outside of school, Mrs. Hulsey enjoys spending time with her family. She lives in the Red Bud community with her husband, Barry, and has two daughters, Clara James and Catie Hulsey. She also enjoys spending time with her granddaughter, Annie Drew. Hulsey enjoys writing as well and hopes to write a book someday.
During National Principals Month, Gordon County Schools is proud to recognize Becky Hulsey for her leadership, care, and commitment to the students, staff, and families of Red Bud Elementary School.

Tara Green is in her 21st year as an educator and her 5th year as principal of W.L. Swain Elementary School. For Mrs. Green, the students are at the center of what makes the role so rewarding. She enjoys the daily interactions that allow her to encourage students, help them feel valued, and remind them that they are an important part of the school community.
Mrs. Green believes Swain Elementary is special because of the strong sense of community shared by students, families, and staff. She is proud of the welcoming environment they have created together and of the way everyone works toward giving students opportunities to learn, lead, and succeed.
She is especially proud of the dedication shown by both students and staff. Mrs. Green sees firsthand the time teachers devote to planning, collaboration, professional learning, and meaningful instruction. She also values the effort students put into their learning each day and the way teachers make purposeful use of every minute in the classroom.
One message Mrs. Green wants every student to carry with them is that they are loved, valued, and believed in. She wants students to know that they are capable of growth and success and that there are people at Swain who believe in what they can become.
For Mrs. Green, being a principal means having the opportunity to make a positive difference each day by supporting teachers, encouraging students, building relationships with families, and creating a school where people feel supported.
Outside of school, Mrs. Green enjoys reading and spending time with her family. Her husband, Billy, is a Battalion Chief with the Calhoun Fire Department. Their daughters are Katy, who is in her final year at the University of Tennessee Winston College of Law, and Sophie, a freshman at Gordon Central High School. Their family also includes Rowdy, their Golden Retriever.
During National Principals Month, Gordon County Schools is proud to recognize Tara Green for her leadership, care, and commitment to the students, staff, and families of W.L. Swain Elementary School.

Our coaches play an important role in helping students and staff grow, whether they are leading on the field, court, track, or supporting teaching and learning throughout our schools. Their leadership, encouragement, knowledge, and commitment help others build confidence, develop skills, and reach their goals.
Thank you to all of our athletic coaches and instructional coaches for the time, energy, and heart you invest in Gordon County Schools each day!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools

We are proud to recognize our WLS Pre-K teams: Mrs. Greer and Ms. Silvers, Mrs. Byrd and Mrs. Christy, and Mrs. West and Mrs. Traylor.
Thank you for creating classrooms filled with learning, play, encouragement, and care. Your work helps build the strong foundation our students will carry with them throughout their school years.
Happy Georgia Pre-K Week, WLS!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #WLSwainElementary


We are proud to recognize our Tolbert Pre-K teams: Mrs. Carter and Mrs. Stanley, and Mrs. Garrett and Mrs. Ferguson.
Thank you for creating classrooms filled with learning, exploration, encouragement, and care. The strong foundation you help build each day makes a lasting difference for our students.
Happy Georgia Pre-K Week, TES!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #TolbertElementary


We are proud to recognize our Belwood Pre-K teams: Mrs. Waycaster and Mrs. Reece, Mrs. Jackson and Mrs. Parker, Mrs. Davis and Mrs. Stephens, Mrs. Henson, Ms. Patterson and Ms. Massey, and Mrs. Murry and Mrs. Lowrance.
Thank you for creating welcoming classrooms filled with learning, play, encouragement, and care each day. Happy Georgia Pre-K Week to BES!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #BelwoodElementary




Rebecca Champion is in her 21st year as an educator and her 6th year as principal of Fairmount Elementary School. She values the opportunity to lead, serve, and encourage others while helping create a school environment where students can learn, grow, and prepare for the future.
Mrs. Champion believes Fairmount Elementary is special because of the strong sense of community that exists throughout the school. Students, staff, and families know one another well, and that close connection helps create a welcoming environment where people feel supported and included. She is proud of the Bulldog spirit at Fairmount and of the school’s reputation as “the small school with a big heart.”
Mrs. Champion is especially proud of the determination shown by both students and staff. Champion sees students working through challenges, pushing themselves, and making progress academically and personally. She also appreciates the dedication and teamwork of the staff, who work together to meet student needs and support continued growth.
One message Mrs. Champion wants every student to know is that she is proud of them. She wants students to understand that they are valued for who they are today and that she believes in the people they are becoming.
Outside of school, Champion enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband, Jeff, her children Gregory, Bethany, and Naythan, and her mother, Eloise. She also enjoys relaxing on her back porch, visiting the beach, and playing the piano, especially hymns and other meaningful songs.
During National Principals Month, Gordon County Schools is proud to recognize Rebecca Champion for her leadership, dedication, and commitment to the students, staff, and families of Fairmount Elementary School.

Matt Fox is in his 22nd year as an educator and his 2nd year as principal of Belwood Elementary School. Throughout his career, he has remained focused on building strong relationships, supporting teachers, and helping students find success.
What Mr. Fox enjoys most about being a principal is connecting with students and working alongside teachers to meet their needs. He also enjoys problem-solving and finding ways to encourage students to do their best.
At Belwood Elementary, the focus is on supporting the whole child. Along with academic growth, the school works to help students develop the social and emotional skills they need to be successful in school and beyond. Mr. Fox is especially proud of the way Belwood students and staff work hard, adapt to challenges, and continue moving forward together.
An important message he wants every student to understand is that they matter. His goal is for students to recognize their own value when they arrive at school each day and to leave having grown in some way.
Mr. Fox describes being a principal as being a culture builder, a responsibility that includes creating a positive environment where students and staff feel supported and encouraged.
Outside of school, Mr. Fox enjoys spending time with his wife, Brittney, and their children, Hollis and Harper. He also enjoys working outside, spending time around animals, and has the unique ability of being ambidextrous.
During National Principals Month, Gordon County Schools is pleased to recognize Matt Fox and the work he does each day to support the students, staff, and families of Belwood Elementary School.

Schools will be closed October 12 - October 16. We hope our students, families, faculty, and staff enjoy a safe and relaxing break.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready to continue a great school year!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools

We are proud to celebrate both of these students and all of the excitement, school spirit, and tradition that made Homecoming Week such a special time for Phoenix Nation.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #SonoravilleHigh

Gordon County Schools is excited to celebrate our youngest learners and the teachers, paraprofessionals, families, and staff who help make their first school experiences meaningful.
Pre-K is an important beginning where students build early literacy, math, communication, social, and problem-solving skills through exploration, play, and purposeful learning. These early experiences help create a strong foundation for success throughout their school years.
We are proud of our Pre-K students and everyone who helps them grow, connect, and succeed each day!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools

Sonoraville High School hosts Union County for Homecoming at The Furnace, while Gordon Central High School travels to take on Chattooga. Both games kick off at 7:30 p.m.
Good luck to the Phoenix and Warriors tonight!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #SonoravilleHigh #GordonCentralHigh

Students were willing to get their hands dirty as they practiced important skills connected to plant growth, agriculture, and greenhouse management. This hands on experience gave them the opportunity to apply what they are learning in class while building confidence through real world work.
These Warriors definitely have a green thumb!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #GordonCentralHigh

W.L. Swain Elementary kindergarten students had a special visit to Gordon Central High School today, where they worked alongside high school students in Mrs. Albright’s Teaching as a Profession classes.
Our future Warriors visited several classrooms, including those of Ms. Mills, Mrs. Hice, and Mrs. Lee, and participated in fun, hands on activities throughout the day. Pictured here, students were having a great time learning in Mrs. Lee’s Healthcare class.
We always love seeing our older students connect with younger learners and share their knowledge, encouragement, and school spirit. Experiences like this bring our schools together as one community and give students of all ages opportunities to learn from one another.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #WLSwainElementary #GordonCentralHigh #GCCCA

