Get ready, because October in our school cafeterias is going to be busy and FUN! National Taco Day on October 6th, National Chocolate Day on October 28th, a special Halloween treat on October 30th, and the biggest fun of all: National School Lunch Week when we return from Fall Break, October 19th- 23rd. It will be a Cafeteria Circus, and we're celebrating with delicious Big Top meals and treats. You're gonna love it!
Gordon County Schools is proud to announce the graduation rate for the Class of 2026, with 95.7% of students earning their diplomas. Sonoraville High School reported a graduation rate of 95.9%, and Gordon Central High School reported a graduation rate of 95.3%. The College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) graduation rate measures the percentage of students who graduate from high school with a regular diploma in four or five years.
Gordon County Schools’ four-year graduation rate of 96% exceeded Georgia’s 2026 state average of 88.5%, surpassing it by 7.5 percentage points. This milestone is based on the most recent report released by the Georgia Department of Education, which calculates graduation rates using a four-year cohort method in compliance with federal law.
The four-year cohort method follows a group of students from the start of ninth grade, adjusting for transfers in and out over the following three years. The graduation rate is then determined by dividing the number of students who graduate with a regular high school diploma by the total number of students in the adjusted cohort. For more than a decade, Gordon County Schools has consistently exceeded state averages.
“Congratulations to the Class of 2026,” Superintendent Alice Mashburn said. "This achievement reflects the hard work of our students and the support of their families, teachers, staff, and community. We are proud of our graduates and excited for their future success.”
Gordon County Schools remains focused on preparing every student for success through strong instruction, dedicated educators, and meaningful support from families and the community. These graduation rates reflect the continued efforts of students and staff across the district to help every graduate reach this important milestone and prepare for what comes next.
Gordon County Schools’ four-year graduation rate of 96% exceeded Georgia’s 2026 state average of 88.5%, surpassing it by 7.5 percentage points. This milestone is based on the most recent report released by the Georgia Department of Education, which calculates graduation rates using a four-year cohort method in compliance with federal law.
The four-year cohort method follows a group of students from the start of ninth grade, adjusting for transfers in and out over the following three years. The graduation rate is then determined by dividing the number of students who graduate with a regular high school diploma by the total number of students in the adjusted cohort. For more than a decade, Gordon County Schools has consistently exceeded state averages.
“Congratulations to the Class of 2026,” Superintendent Alice Mashburn said. "This achievement reflects the hard work of our students and the support of their families, teachers, staff, and community. We are proud of our graduates and excited for their future success.”
Gordon County Schools remains focused on preparing every student for success through strong instruction, dedicated educators, and meaningful support from families and the community. These graduation rates reflect the continued efforts of students and staff across the district to help every graduate reach this important milestone and prepare for what comes next.
Sonoraville High School SkillsUSA students are preparing for competition through a realistic, hands-on experience! Bo Dooley’s construction team participated in a mock regional event using official competition timing and judging criteria.
Thank you to SHS graduate Zane Stewart, assistant project manager with Momon Construction, for being there today to support these future skilled professionals and share in their preparation for competition! #SonoravilleHigh #GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
Friday Night Lights are at home tonight for both Gordon County Schools high school football teams! Sonoraville hosts Coahulla Creek at The Furnace, while Gordon Central welcomes Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe to Ratner Stadium. Both games kick off at 7:30 PM, so come out, fill the stands, and support our Phoenix and Warriors!
#SonoravilleHigh #GordonCentralHigh #GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
#SonoravilleHigh #GordonCentralHigh #GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
Congratulations again to Sonoraville Elementary and Tolbert Elementary for being named 2026 Title I Reward Schools!
This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of their students, teachers, staff, and families. We are proud to celebrate these outstanding accomplishments and the continued commitment to student success at both elementary schools.
We look forward to recognizing SES and TES at the October 19 Board of Education meeting!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #SonoravilleElementary #TolbertElementary
This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of their students, teachers, staff, and families. We are proud to celebrate these outstanding accomplishments and the continued commitment to student success at both elementary schools.
We look forward to recognizing SES and TES at the October 19 Board of Education meeting!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #SonoravilleElementary #TolbertElementary
Red Bud Middle School students in Kimberly Fields’ art class were experimenting with painting techniques as they prepared for an upcoming mixed media project.
Students practiced using black paint and began exploring how it can be combined with colored pencil or marker to create contrast, texture, and visual interest. This activity gave students a chance to build confidence with new materials while thinking creatively about how different media can work together.
We are excited to see how their final projects come together!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #RedBudMiddle
Students practiced using black paint and began exploring how it can be combined with colored pencil or marker to create contrast, texture, and visual interest. This activity gave students a chance to build confidence with new materials while thinking creatively about how different media can work together.
We are excited to see how their final projects come together!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #RedBudMiddle
Fairmount Elementary 1st and 2nd grade students in Kelly DeFrench’s REACH class combined math and creativity as they worked with polygons.
Students used different shapes to create imaginative artwork while building their understanding of polygon attributes and how shapes can be combined in new ways. Activities like this give students the opportunity to apply academic skills through creativity and hands-on learning.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #RedBudElementary
Gordon Central High School drumline and pit percussion students were hard at work outside today preparing their music for Friday night’s halftime show. We are excited to see all of their hard work come together for the Blue Wave Marching Band!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #GordonCentralHigh
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #GordonCentralHigh
The Gordon County Schools Board of Education will hold a called board meeting on Monday, September 28, at 7:30 AM.
The meeting will be held in the Bobby Hall Board Room at the Gordon County Board of Education and Central Office, 7300 Fairmount Highway SE, Calhoun, GA 30701.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
The meeting will be held in the Bobby Hall Board Room at the Gordon County Board of Education and Central Office, 7300 Fairmount Highway SE, Calhoun, GA 30701.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
Gordon County Schools is proud to announce that Sonoraville Elementary School and Tolbert Elementary School have both been recognized by the Georgia Department of Education as 2026 Title I Reward Schools.
This statewide recognition identifies both schools among the top 5% of Title I schools in Georgia making the most progress in improving the academic performance of all students.
Title I Reward Schools are identified by comparing content mastery scores from the two most recent years of reported statewide assessment data. Earning this distinction reflects the continued focus on academic growth, effective instruction, and strong leadership at both Sonoraville Elementary and Tolbert Elementary.
In announcing the recognition, Shaun Owen, Deputy Superintendent of the Georgia Department of Education Office of Federal Programs, shared that the honor reflects the commitment and hard work of educators, students, and families. He also noted that being included on the list is a remarkable achievement that highlights effective teaching and strong leadership.
The 2026 Title I Reward School designation celebrates the dedication of the students, teachers, staff, administrators, and families at Sonoraville Elementary and Tolbert Elementary and their continued commitment to student success.
Gordon County Schools congratulates both school communities on this outstanding statewide recognition!
This statewide recognition identifies both schools among the top 5% of Title I schools in Georgia making the most progress in improving the academic performance of all students.
Title I Reward Schools are identified by comparing content mastery scores from the two most recent years of reported statewide assessment data. Earning this distinction reflects the continued focus on academic growth, effective instruction, and strong leadership at both Sonoraville Elementary and Tolbert Elementary.
In announcing the recognition, Shaun Owen, Deputy Superintendent of the Georgia Department of Education Office of Federal Programs, shared that the honor reflects the commitment and hard work of educators, students, and families. He also noted that being included on the list is a remarkable achievement that highlights effective teaching and strong leadership.
The 2026 Title I Reward School designation celebrates the dedication of the students, teachers, staff, administrators, and families at Sonoraville Elementary and Tolbert Elementary and their continued commitment to student success.
Gordon County Schools congratulates both school communities on this outstanding statewide recognition!
Belwood Elementary 1st grade students in Mrs. Hyde’s class were building their understanding of adjectives through reading and discussion.
Mrs. Hyde read a story with students and helped them identify descriptive words and discuss how adjectives add detail and meaning to a story. By connecting grammar skills to reading, students were able to see how authors use words to help readers picture characters, places, and events more clearly.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #BelwoodElementary
Mrs. Hyde read a story with students and helped them identify descriptive words and discuss how adjectives add detail and meaning to a story. By connecting grammar skills to reading, students were able to see how authors use words to help readers picture characters, places, and events more clearly.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #BelwoodElementary
W.L. Swain Elementary kindergarten students in Mrs. Proctor’s class were learning how pictures can help tell a story.
Mrs. Proctor modeled narrative writing by sharing a story about her dad watching as she practiced her golf swing, then drawing what happened. Students used her example to create their own stories and illustrate an important part of their narrative.
This activity helped students connect ideas, sequence events, and begin building strong storytelling skills through both writing and drawing.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #WLSwainElementary
Tolbert Elementary students had a great time in Coach McConnell’s PE class playing a fun "Cross Country" game!
Students worked in teams as they rolled a ball and earned points by getting it into a hoop, landing it on a frisbee, or knocking over a bowling pin. The activity kept everyone moving, competing, and cheering on their teammates as they worked to earn the most points.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #TolbertElementary
Students worked in teams as they rolled a ball and earned points by getting it into a hoop, landing it on a frisbee, or knocking over a bowling pin. The activity kept everyone moving, competing, and cheering on their teammates as they worked to earn the most points.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #TolbertElementary
Belwood Elementary 4th grade students in Mrs. Psaila’s class recently worked to strengthen their narrative writing skills.
Mrs. Psaila helped students understand how descriptive language can express emotion, build meaning, and create a more vivid experience for the reader. By choosing stronger words and adding thoughtful details, students practiced bringing their writing to life.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #BelwoodElementary
Mrs. Psaila helped students understand how descriptive language can express emotion, build meaning, and create a more vivid experience for the reader. By choosing stronger words and adding thoughtful details, students practiced bringing their writing to life.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #BelwoodElementary
Businesses and individuals have an exciting opportunity to support Gordon County Schools through the PEACH Education Tax Credit!
This program allows you to direct your Georgia state income tax dollars to our school system instead of sending those funds elsewhere, all through a dollar-for-dollar state income tax credit. That means your contribution can make a real difference for our students while giving you the power to choose where your tax dollars go.
When applying, be sure to select Gordon County Schools or the Gordon County College and Career Academy from the school fundraising partner dropdown so your tax credit supports our students locally.
The PEACH Education Tax Credit is capped at $25 million statewide and applications are approved on a first come, first served basis, so do not wait to apply.
Apply today at https://www.gfpe.org/tax_credit.
For more information, contact Leah Newsom, CEO and Principal of the Gordon County College and Career Academy, at lnewsom@gcbe.org, or Brian Hall, Strategic Initiatives & Communications Director, at brianhall@gcbe.org.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
This program allows you to direct your Georgia state income tax dollars to our school system instead of sending those funds elsewhere, all through a dollar-for-dollar state income tax credit. That means your contribution can make a real difference for our students while giving you the power to choose where your tax dollars go.
When applying, be sure to select Gordon County Schools or the Gordon County College and Career Academy from the school fundraising partner dropdown so your tax credit supports our students locally.
The PEACH Education Tax Credit is capped at $25 million statewide and applications are approved on a first come, first served basis, so do not wait to apply.
Apply today at https://www.gfpe.org/tax_credit.
For more information, contact Leah Newsom, CEO and Principal of the Gordon County College and Career Academy, at lnewsom@gcbe.org, or Brian Hall, Strategic Initiatives & Communications Director, at brianhall@gcbe.org.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
Flex Learning Friday provided a valuable day of professional learning, collaboration, and planning for Gordon County Schools faculty and staff!
Throughout the day, employees participated in a variety of district learning opportunities designed to strengthen instruction and support student success. Brenda Moss of Northwest Georgia RESA led math training with kindergarten and 1st grade teachers. STEAM teachers, media specialists, music teachers, and physical education teachers collaborated across the district in sessions led by Joey Marycz, Katie Edwards, Jayme Crowley, and Corey Baxter.
Elementary academic coaches led 2nd through 5th grade ELA and math pacing work, while Monica Holt provided professional development for English Language Learning. Special education teachers participated in training and new teacher meetings with ESS Director Kristina Lee, gifted REACH teachers met to collaborate on projects, and lead teachers worked together on pacing for English and mathematics instruction.
It was a very busy and productive day as our faculty and staff learned together, shared ideas, and continued preparing to provide strong learning experiences for students across Gordon County Schools. We look forward to seeing students return Monday!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
Throughout the day, employees participated in a variety of district learning opportunities designed to strengthen instruction and support student success. Brenda Moss of Northwest Georgia RESA led math training with kindergarten and 1st grade teachers. STEAM teachers, media specialists, music teachers, and physical education teachers collaborated across the district in sessions led by Joey Marycz, Katie Edwards, Jayme Crowley, and Corey Baxter.
Elementary academic coaches led 2nd through 5th grade ELA and math pacing work, while Monica Holt provided professional development for English Language Learning. Special education teachers participated in training and new teacher meetings with ESS Director Kristina Lee, gifted REACH teachers met to collaborate on projects, and lead teachers worked together on pacing for English and mathematics instruction.
It was a very busy and productive day as our faculty and staff learned together, shared ideas, and continued preparing to provide strong learning experiences for students across Gordon County Schools. We look forward to seeing students return Monday!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
Sonoraville High School Lady Phoenix softball head coach Chad Hayes is going for career win #300 tonight as SHS travels to Murray County. Some of the players were willing to stop for a moment to take a photo before loading up for the game.
The Lady Phoenix defeated Murray County 7 -1 earlier this season and will look to keep their winning streak going after recent shutout victories over Ringgold and LaFayette at home.
First pitch is set for 5:30 PM. Good luck to Coach Hayes and the Lady Phoenix as the defending state champions chase another big milestone!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #SonoravilleHigh
The Lady Phoenix defeated Murray County 7 -1 earlier this season and will look to keep their winning streak going after recent shutout victories over Ringgold and LaFayette at home.
First pitch is set for 5:30 PM. Good luck to Coach Hayes and the Lady Phoenix as the defending state champions chase another big milestone!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #SonoravilleHigh
Sonoraville Elementary 1st grade students in Mrs. Bailey’s class were building their understanding of adjectives and how they are used to describe nouns.
Students practiced identifying describing words and connecting them to the people, places, things, and ideas they describe. This work helps students strengthen both their reading comprehension and writing skills by adding more detail and meaning to their language.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #SonoravilleElementary
Students practiced identifying describing words and connecting them to the people, places, things, and ideas they describe. This work helps students strengthen both their reading comprehension and writing skills by adding more detail and meaning to their language.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #SonoravilleElementary
We love highlighting our student teachers! Fairmount Elementary 3rd grade students in Mrs. Waters’ math class were working on adding three digit numbers today with student teacher Ms. Mattie Gunter.
Ms. Gunter is student teaching at FES this year while attending Shorter University, where she is majoring in Elementary and Special Education. She is also supporting students through Fairmount Elementary’s After School Program.
We are excited to have Ms. Gunter as part of the Bulldog Family as she continues learning, growing, and making a difference with students at FES!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #FairmountElementary
Ms. Gunter is student teaching at FES this year while attending Shorter University, where she is majoring in Elementary and Special Education. She is also supporting students through Fairmount Elementary’s After School Program.
We are excited to have Ms. Gunter as part of the Bulldog Family as she continues learning, growing, and making a difference with students at FES!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #FairmountElementary
Gordon Central High School students in Michelle Algarin’s Spanish class combined creativity and language learning through a superhero project. Students created their own superheroes and described their traits, characteristics, and abilities in Spanish. This project gives students the opportunity to practice vocabulary and communication skills in a fun and meaningful way. These students have some great art skills!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #GordonCentralHigh
