It was an amazing National School Lunch Week across Gordon County Schools!
Students enjoyed special meals throughout the week, and Red Bud Middle School continued the celebration today with another delicious lunch prepared and ready for students.
Thank you again to all of our cafeteria staff and managers for the care, effort, and dedication they put into serving our students each day. From preparing meals to creating welcoming cafeterias, your work makes an important difference in our schools!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #RedBudMiddle
Students enjoyed special meals throughout the week, and Red Bud Middle School continued the celebration today with another delicious lunch prepared and ready for students.
Thank you again to all of our cafeteria staff and managers for the care, effort, and dedication they put into serving our students each day. From preparing meals to creating welcoming cafeterias, your work makes an important difference in our schools!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #RedBudMiddle
Ashworth Middle School Sources of Strength students met today for fun group-bonding activities while also brainstorming ways they can support their peers and make a positive impact across the school.
Sources of Strength, or S.O.S., is a student-led prevention and wellness program that focuses on building protective factors such as positive friendships, trusted adults, family support, healthy activities, generosity, spirituality, and access to mental health resources. Students learn how to recognize and strengthen these sources of support in their own lives and encourage others to do the same.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #AshworthMiddle
Sources of Strength, or S.O.S., is a student-led prevention and wellness program that focuses on building protective factors such as positive friendships, trusted adults, family support, healthy activities, generosity, spirituality, and access to mental health resources. Students learn how to recognize and strengthen these sources of support in their own lives and encourage others to do the same.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #AshworthMiddle
Gordon Central High School students in Amber Lee’s Healthcare class took advantage of the beautiful weather today for a hands-on lesson about the human heart.
Students mapped out the parts of the heart and reviewed how blood moves through the body, using their own artistic representations to demonstrate what they have learned. The activity gave students a creative way to reinforce important healthcare concepts while discussing and comparing their work with classmates.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #GordonCentralHigh
Students mapped out the parts of the heart and reviewed how blood moves through the body, using their own artistic representations to demonstrate what they have learned. The activity gave students a creative way to reinforce important healthcare concepts while discussing and comparing their work with classmates.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #GordonCentralHigh
Sonoraville High School drumline, pit, and percussion students were hard at work today as they ran through their show in preparation for Friday night’s halftime performance.
Under the direction of Mr. Burke, students continued fine-tuning their music, timing, and stick height. It is just as much fun to watch them perform as it is to hear them!
Be sure to cheer on the band tonight too as the Sonoraville Phoenix travel to LaFayette for their big game. Go Phoenix!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #SonoravilleHigh
Under the direction of Mr. Burke, students continued fine-tuning their music, timing, and stick height. It is just as much fun to watch them perform as it is to hear them!
Be sure to cheer on the band tonight too as the Sonoraville Phoenix travel to LaFayette for their big game. Go Phoenix!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #SonoravilleHigh
Ashworth Middle School teachers spent time this week learning more about gifted students and how to best support their needs in the classroom.
AMS academic coach Jennifer Baker shared information about common characteristics of gifted learners, helping teachers better recognize students who may benefit from gifted testing and additional academic support.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #AshworthMiddle
AMS academic coach Jennifer Baker shared information about common characteristics of gifted learners, helping teachers better recognize students who may benefit from gifted testing and additional academic support.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #AshworthMiddle
Gordon County Schools is excited to celebrate Family Engagement Month with our “We Did It!” Family Challenge, taking place October 26 through November 20!
Strong families help build strong schools, and we know that even small moments spent together can make a big difference. Throughout these four weeks, we are encouraging families across our district to participate in simple, meaningful activities that help them grow, connect, and succeed together.
Each week features a different family challenge:
Week 1: Read Together
Spend 20 minutes reading together as a family. Whether it is a favorite book, a bedtime story, or something new, take time to enjoy reading with one another.
Week 2: Get Moving!
Get active as a family! Take a walk, play outside, or complete a family exercise challenge. Find a fun way to enjoy physical activity together.
Week 3: Talk Together
Make time for a family conversation using conversation starters that will be provided. This challenge encourages families to communicate, share experiences, and strengthen their connections.
Week 4: Give Together
Do something kind for another person. Whether it is helping a neighbor, supporting someone in need, or finding another way to show kindness, families are encouraged to make a positive difference together.
Participate for a Chance to Win a Family Prize Pack! Families who complete a challenge can enter for a chance to win a Family Prize Pack! Each school will select a winner through a random drawing from the entries received.
Families can submit their participation in one of two ways:
1. Take a selfie of your family completing the activity while holding a homemade “We Did It!” sign.
OR
2. Send a brief written description of the activity your family completed together.
Be sure to include your student's name and school with your submission. Email your entries to Kerri Chatman at kchatman@gcbe.org.
We encourage all Gordon County Schools families to take part in this special month of activities. You do not need elaborate plans or expensive experiences to make meaningful memories. Reading a book, sharing a conversation, getting outside, or showing kindness can help strengthen family relationships and support student success.
We look forward to seeing how our families participate throughout Family Engagement Month!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
As we continue celebrating National School Bus Safety Week, Gordon County Schools would like to thank our bus drivers for the important role they play in keeping students safe each day.
Pictured are just some of the many bus drivers who serve our students and families across the district. From early morning routes to afternoon drop-offs, our drivers provide safe, dependable transportation while helping students start and end their school day on a positive note.
We appreciate every Gordon County Schools bus driver for the patience, care, and commitment they show each day. Thank you for everything you do to keep our students safe!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
Pictured are just some of the many bus drivers who serve our students and families across the district. From early morning routes to afternoon drop-offs, our drivers provide safe, dependable transportation while helping students start and end their school day on a positive note.
We appreciate every Gordon County Schools bus driver for the patience, care, and commitment they show each day. Thank you for everything you do to keep our students safe!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
Red Bud Elementary kindergarten students in Mrs. Quarles’ class were hard at work in their “Writing Office” today.
After a whole-group lesson from student teacher Ms. Cochran about neighborhoods, locations, and special places, students returned to their desks to draw a meaningful place from where they live. They will use those drawings to help them write about that special place.
These early writing experiences help kindergarten students build the foundation for expressing ideas, describing their surroundings, and developing a stronger understanding of their community.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #RedBudElementary
After a whole-group lesson from student teacher Ms. Cochran about neighborhoods, locations, and special places, students returned to their desks to draw a meaningful place from where they live. They will use those drawings to help them write about that special place.
These early writing experiences help kindergarten students build the foundation for expressing ideas, describing their surroundings, and developing a stronger understanding of their community.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #RedBudElementary
Sonoraville Elementary 3rd grade students in Mrs. Land’s class were building both grammar and writing skills during their Writing Workshop.
Mrs. Land wrapped up a mini-lesson on nouns and subjects before students shifted their focus to informative/explanatory writing. Students identified important places in their own lives and used those meaningful connections to help generate ideas for their written piece.
It was a great example of students connecting personal experiences to strengthen their writing!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #SonoravilleElementary
Mrs. Land wrapped up a mini-lesson on nouns and subjects before students shifted their focus to informative/explanatory writing. Students identified important places in their own lives and used those meaningful connections to help generate ideas for their written piece.
It was a great example of students connecting personal experiences to strengthen their writing!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #SonoravilleElementary
Fairmount Elementary students in Mrs. Santos’ 4th grade class were building strong opinion-writing skills as they worked together to develop the body of their essays.
Mrs. Santos modeled how to write a body paragraph, and the class created a shared template for stating opinions and supporting them with clear reasons. Students had already completed their introduction paragraphs the day before and are now learning how to strengthen their writing with solid reasoning and transition words.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #FairmountElementary
Mrs. Santos modeled how to write a body paragraph, and the class created a shared template for stating opinions and supporting them with clear reasons. Students had already completed their introduction paragraphs the day before and are now learning how to strengthen their writing with solid reasoning and transition words.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #FairmountElementary
National School Bus Safety Week is a great time to remind everyone about the simple steps that help keep students safe around school buses.
Drivers should always stop when a school bus has its stop arm extended and red lights flashing. Students should wait a safe distance from the curb, remain alert when getting on or off the bus, and never walk behind a school bus. Making eye contact with the driver before crossing in front of the bus is another important safety habit.
School bus safety is a shared responsibility. Thank you to our students, families, drivers, and community members for helping protect children on the road each day.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
Drivers should always stop when a school bus has its stop arm extended and red lights flashing. Students should wait a safe distance from the curb, remain alert when getting on or off the bus, and never walk behind a school bus. Making eye contact with the driver before crossing in front of the bus is another important safety habit.
School bus safety is a shared responsibility. Thank you to our students, families, drivers, and community members for helping protect children on the road each day.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
W.L. Swain Elementary 2nd grade students in Mrs. Crider’s class were building their understanding of fictional narratives through reading and discussion.
Students explored the important parts of this type of storytelling, including characters, setting, and plot, while learning how these elements work together to create an imaginary story. By identifying each part in the text, students strengthened their reading comprehension and their understanding of how stories are organized.
It was a great day of literacy learning at WLS!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #WLSwainElementary
Students explored the important parts of this type of storytelling, including characters, setting, and plot, while learning how these elements work together to create an imaginary story. By identifying each part in the text, students strengthened their reading comprehension and their understanding of how stories are organized.
It was a great day of literacy learning at WLS!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #WLSwainElementary
Belwood Elementary students enjoyed a fun and interactive storytelling experience today with Mr. Terry Allee.
Mr. Allee shared the story of Barnum Brown, the eccentric paleontologist known for discovering the Tyrannosaurus rex, and brought history to life for lower grade students. 1st grade students especially enjoyed getting involved in the presentation as they learned more about Brown’s discoveries and the world of paleontology.
It was a great way to combine history, science, and storytelling into an engaging learning experience at BES!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #BelwoodElementary
Mr. Allee shared the story of Barnum Brown, the eccentric paleontologist known for discovering the Tyrannosaurus rex, and brought history to life for lower grade students. 1st grade students especially enjoyed getting involved in the presentation as they learned more about Brown’s discoveries and the world of paleontology.
It was a great way to combine history, science, and storytelling into an engaging learning experience at BES!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #BelwoodElementary
Tolbert Elementary is putting a little extra school spirit into celebrating October birthdays!
Heather Aycock and Theresa Spence helped make the celebration special as TES teachers, staff, and administrators took time to recognize one another. Moments like these help build a positive school culture and strengthen the relationships that make Tolbert such a special place.
We love seeing our staff celebrate, support, and encourage one another throughout the year!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #TolbertElementary
Heather Aycock and Theresa Spence helped make the celebration special as TES teachers, staff, and administrators took time to recognize one another. Moments like these help build a positive school culture and strengthen the relationships that make Tolbert such a special place.
We love seeing our staff celebrate, support, and encourage one another throughout the year!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #TolbertElementary
At the Gordon County Schools Board of Education meeting on Monday, October 19, board members recognized two elementary schools and our School Nutrition Department for outstanding achievements at the state and national levels. These recognitions highlight the dedication of our educators, school leaders, and support staff who continue to make a positive impact on students and families throughout our district.
Sonoraville Elementary School and Tolbert Elementary School were recognized as 2026 Georgia Title I Reward Schools. This prestigious recognition identifies schools among the top 5% of Title I schools in Georgia that have demonstrated the greatest progress in improving academic performance. Schools are selected based on growth in content mastery scores over the two most recent years of statewide assessment data.
Sonoraville Elementary School was represented by Principal Kelly Rampy and Assistant Principal Nicole Burgess. This recognition adds to the school's recent accomplishments, including being named a 2024 Georgia Title I Distinguished School and earning Apple Distinguished School recognition in 2025.
Tolbert Elementary School was represented by Principal Dr. Rebecca Owen and Assistant Principal Melissa Vincent. Tolbert has also celebrated several recent academic achievements, including being named a Georgia Literacy Leader school and receiving Beating the Odds recognition for outstanding achievement and exceptional growth.
The Board also recognized the Gordon County Schools School Nutrition Department for earning the USDA's 2025 Turnip the Beet! Gold Award. This national recognition celebrates summer meal programs that go above and beyond to provide nutritious, appealing, and high-quality meals to children when school is not in session. Gordon County Schools was among 170 summer meal program sponsors nationwide to receive a Turnip the Beet! award and among just 47 programs to earn Gold recognition.
School Nutrition Director Nicole Head shared the importance of the district's summer meal program and recognized several team members whose hard work contributed to this achievement. Those honored included Kim Franks, Summer Meal Coordinator and School Nutrition Operations Specialist; Kristin Cronk and Stacey Lemmermann, Site Managers; and Maria Bruno and Tina Benfield, Site Assistant Managers. Their dedication helps ensure that children throughout our community have access to nutritious meals during the summer months, while maintaining the same quality and care provided throughout the school year.
Gordon County Schools congratulates all of these outstanding schools, leaders, and staff members on their well-deserved recognitions. We appreciate their continued commitment to academic excellence, student growth, and meeting the needs of our students and families!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #SonoravilleElementary #TolbertElementary
Sonoraville Elementary School and Tolbert Elementary School were recognized as 2026 Georgia Title I Reward Schools. This prestigious recognition identifies schools among the top 5% of Title I schools in Georgia that have demonstrated the greatest progress in improving academic performance. Schools are selected based on growth in content mastery scores over the two most recent years of statewide assessment data.
Sonoraville Elementary School was represented by Principal Kelly Rampy and Assistant Principal Nicole Burgess. This recognition adds to the school's recent accomplishments, including being named a 2024 Georgia Title I Distinguished School and earning Apple Distinguished School recognition in 2025.
Tolbert Elementary School was represented by Principal Dr. Rebecca Owen and Assistant Principal Melissa Vincent. Tolbert has also celebrated several recent academic achievements, including being named a Georgia Literacy Leader school and receiving Beating the Odds recognition for outstanding achievement and exceptional growth.
The Board also recognized the Gordon County Schools School Nutrition Department for earning the USDA's 2025 Turnip the Beet! Gold Award. This national recognition celebrates summer meal programs that go above and beyond to provide nutritious, appealing, and high-quality meals to children when school is not in session. Gordon County Schools was among 170 summer meal program sponsors nationwide to receive a Turnip the Beet! award and among just 47 programs to earn Gold recognition.
School Nutrition Director Nicole Head shared the importance of the district's summer meal program and recognized several team members whose hard work contributed to this achievement. Those honored included Kim Franks, Summer Meal Coordinator and School Nutrition Operations Specialist; Kristin Cronk and Stacey Lemmermann, Site Managers; and Maria Bruno and Tina Benfield, Site Assistant Managers. Their dedication helps ensure that children throughout our community have access to nutritious meals during the summer months, while maintaining the same quality and care provided throughout the school year.
Gordon County Schools congratulates all of these outstanding schools, leaders, and staff members on their well-deserved recognitions. We appreciate their continued commitment to academic excellence, student growth, and meeting the needs of our students and families!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #SonoravilleElementary #TolbertElementary
Gordon County Schools is recognizing National School Bus Safety Week and celebrating Georgia Bus Driver Appreciation Day!
Our bus drivers and transportation staff play an important role in safely transporting students to and from school each day. Their work requires patience, responsibility, and constant attention as they care for students across our district.
National School Bus Safety Week is a reminder for everyone to stay alert around school buses, follow traffic laws, and help keep students safe at bus stops and on the road.
We are especially grateful for our Gordon County Schools bus drivers and the dedication they show to our students and families each day. Thank you for keeping our students safe and Gordon County moving!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
Our bus drivers and transportation staff play an important role in safely transporting students to and from school each day. Their work requires patience, responsibility, and constant attention as they care for students across our district.
National School Bus Safety Week is a reminder for everyone to stay alert around school buses, follow traffic laws, and help keep students safe at bus stops and on the road.
We are especially grateful for our Gordon County Schools bus drivers and the dedication they show to our students and families each day. Thank you for keeping our students safe and Gordon County moving!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
Gordon County Schools is celebrating National School Lunch Week October 19 through October 23 with a fun circus-themed lunch menu for students across the district!
Our School Nutrition team has planned special menu items throughout the week, including Popcorn Chicken and Soft Pretzels on Monday, Ringmaster Riblet Sandwiches and Chicken Sliders on Tuesday, Chicken Tenders with Dutch Waffles on Wednesday, Loaded Cheesy Tots and Smoked Turkey Legs on Thursday, and Dill Pickle Pizza or Hot Dogs on Friday. Students can also enjoy themed sides, fruits, and special treats throughout the week.
National School Lunch Week is a great opportunity to recognize the important role school meals play in helping students stay fueled, focused, and ready to learn. We appreciate our School Nutrition employees for the creativity, preparation, and care they bring to serving students every day!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
Our School Nutrition team has planned special menu items throughout the week, including Popcorn Chicken and Soft Pretzels on Monday, Ringmaster Riblet Sandwiches and Chicken Sliders on Tuesday, Chicken Tenders with Dutch Waffles on Wednesday, Loaded Cheesy Tots and Smoked Turkey Legs on Thursday, and Dill Pickle Pizza or Hot Dogs on Friday. Students can also enjoy themed sides, fruits, and special treats throughout the week.
National School Lunch Week is a great opportunity to recognize the important role school meals play in helping students stay fueled, focused, and ready to learn. We appreciate our School Nutrition employees for the creativity, preparation, and care they bring to serving students every day!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
Friday night football is here!
Sonoraville High School is away this week at North Murray, while Gordon Central High School hosts Christian Heritage at Ratner Stadium. Both games kick off at 7:30 p.m.
Good luck to the Phoenix and Warriors tonight! GCHS competes again next Friday at Gordon Lee while SHS has a bye.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #SonoravilleHigh #GordonCentralHigh
Sonoraville High School is away this week at North Murray, while Gordon Central High School hosts Christian Heritage at Ratner Stadium. Both games kick off at 7:30 p.m.
Good luck to the Phoenix and Warriors tonight! GCHS competes again next Friday at Gordon Lee while SHS has a bye.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #SonoravilleHigh #GordonCentralHigh
Belwood Elementary kindergarten students had a special visit to Gordon Central High School today for a variety of fun, hands-on activities organized and led by Teaching as a Profession instructor Kodi Albright.
It was great to see our high school students interacting with the younger students, helping guide activities, and building connections across schools. Students also had the opportunity to paint in Ciera DeFrench’s class and had so much fun expressing their creativity.
Experiences like this give future educators valuable practice while giving our youngest learners a memorable day of learning and connection. We love seeing our students come together as one school community!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #BelwoodElementary #GordonCentralHigh
It was great to see our high school students interacting with the younger students, helping guide activities, and building connections across schools. Students also had the opportunity to paint in Ciera DeFrench’s class and had so much fun expressing their creativity.
Experiences like this give future educators valuable practice while giving our youngest learners a memorable day of learning and connection. We love seeing our students come together as one school community!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #BelwoodElementary #GordonCentralHigh
College and Career Academy JROTC students practiced riflery today using air rifles as they continued developing their marksmanship skills.
Students worked together, discussed techniques, and focused on the precision and discipline required to improve their performance. Their training also supports their progress toward earning medal recognition through the JROTC program.
Senior Army Instructor Col. Steinbrecher guided students throughout the activity, helping them build confidence, responsibility, and attention to detail.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
Students worked together, discussed techniques, and focused on the precision and discipline required to improve their performance. Their training also supports their progress toward earning medal recognition through the JROTC program.
Senior Army Instructor Col. Steinbrecher guided students throughout the activity, helping them build confidence, responsibility, and attention to detail.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
