Gordon County Schools -

State Superintendent Richard Woods Visits Red Bud Middle School to Present Math Leaders Banners State School Superintendent Richard Woods visited Red Bud Middle School to present prestigious Math Leader banners to Ashworth Middle School, Red Bud Middle School, and Gordon Central High School. The recognition highlights these schools' commitment to excellence in mathematics and their outstanding achievements in student growth and proficiency. Superintendent Woods was welcomed by Gordon County Schools Superintendent Alice Mashburn, along with Board of Education chairperson Charlie Walraven, co-chair Bobby Hall, and Marsha Wilson. Presented with the banners were Red Bud Middle School Principal Chad Moore, Ashworth Middle School Principal Danny Lowrance, and Gordon Central High School Principal Dr. Amy Parker. During his visit, Mr. Woods toured several classrooms at Red Bud Middle School and engaged with 8th-grade students, fielding their questions. RBMS 8th grade students Emma Osmanovic and Ethen Smith led the tour for Mr. Woods, providing insights into their classrooms and learning experiences in the classrooms of Tyler Lyles and Autumn Gibson, Cassie Bartley, and Sandra Cash. The Math Leader Awards celebrate schools that have demonstrated exceptional student achievement and growth in mathematics under the new K-12 Mathematics Standards: Ashworth Middle School – Recognized as a High School Outstanding Achievement Math Leader for its excellence in mathematics among 8th-grade students taking high school Algebra 1. The school’s high percentage of students performing at the Proficient Learner level or above showcases its commitment to academic success and numeracy skills. Red Bud Middle School – Awarded dual honors as both an 8th Grade Gateway Growth and High School Outstanding Achievement Math Leader. This distinction reflects the school’s remarkable student growth in eighth-grade mathematics and high levels of achievement among 8th-grade students taking Algebra 1. Gordon Central High School – Recognized as a Growth Leader for its significant improvement in mathematics achievement, as measured by the Algebra: Concepts and Connections End-of-Course (EOC) assessment. This award highlights the school's dedication to ensuring all students make measurable progress in their numeracy skills. The Math Leader Awards for the 2023-2024 school year acknowledge schools that have increased the percentage of students scoring at the Proficient Learner level or above. These awards emphasize the importance of numeracy in key transition years and require greater growth from schools with lower initial achievement levels. Mr. Woods discussed the prestige of this recognition and hoped to visit Gordon County Schools again next year with more achievements of academic success and growth. The event served as a moment of pride for Gordon County Schools, celebrating the collective efforts of students, teachers, and administrators in advancing math education and ensuring academic success. Congratulations to Ashworth Middle School, Red Bud Middle School, and Gordon Central High School for their well-earned recognition as Math Leader schools.

We are on an early release schedule Wednesday, March 19th and Thursday, March 20th for Parent Conferences. We hope families schedule time to meet with teachers to discuss your child's progress this year. Friday, March 21st is an At-Home Learning Day. #TogetherGCS

During School Board Appreciation Week, we want to extend our deepest gratitude for your dedication and commitment to our students, teachers, and community. Your leadership, hard work, and unwavering support help create a strong foundation for success in our schools. At the Monday evening's Board of Education meeting, schools shared their appreciation and support for our BOE with student-made posters. Thank you to our Board for your tireless efforts in making a positive impact on the lives of so many. We truly appreciate all that you do!

Gordon County Schools recognized several students last night at the March Board of Education meeting for their achievements. Congratulations to the 2025 valedictorians and salutatorians of Gordon County Schools. These prestigious honors are awarded to the highest and second highest academic ranking among their peers. These students are: Gordon Central High School Valedictorian, Samantha Ruiz. Samantha’s parents are Patricia Reyes and Sergio Ruiz. She plans to attend UGA with an undecided major. Sonoraville High School Valedictorian, Ella Kate Walraven. Ella Kate is the daughter of Deron and Andrea Walraven and plans to attend Berry College to major in Biology. Gordon Central High School Salutatorian, Aiden Williams. Aiden's parents are Jessica and Cory Williams. Aiden plans to attend Oglethorpe University and major in Biology. Sonoraville High School Salutatorian, Braxton Coats. Braxton is the son of Johnnie and Marilyn Coats and plans to pursue basketball while majoring in Education at Reinhardt University. Congratulations again to our valedictorians and salutatorians! Next were the SkillsUSA state champions who recently won the opportunity to compete at the National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta later this June. These students are: Gordon Central High School SkillsUSA State Champions in Drywall, Wesley Garcia and Justin Johnson, with construction teacher Joshua Ensley. Sonoraville High School SkillsUSA State Champion in Video Production Commercials, Meadow Trimble, with video production teacher Brandon Hufstetler. Sonoraville High School SkillsUSA State Champion in Carpentry, Chapel Parr. His construction teacher is Bo Dooley. Congratulations to these students on their state championships!

MATT FOX NAMED PRINCIPAL OF BELWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Gordon County Schools is proud to announce that Matt Fox has been named principal of Belwood Elementary School. His appointment was made official at tonight’s Board of Education meeting. He will begin his tenure in the 2025-2026 school year, replacing Monica Holt, who is transitioning into a district coordinator position at the central office. Fox has served as Belwood’s assistant principal since 2021. Before that, he was an assistant principal at Red Bud Middle School and Sonoraville High School. He began his career in Gordon County teaching 7th grade social studies at Sonoraville Middle and Red Bud Middle School, earning recognition as Sonoraville Middle’s Teacher of the Year in 2011. With a strong background in education and leadership, Fox is expected to build on Belwood Elementary’s tradition of excellence and student success. Gordon County Schools looks forward to his continued impact on students, staff, and the community in this new role.

Congratulations again to the Gordon County Schools Teachers of the Year! These teachers were nominated and voted for by their peers as exemplary educators who go above and beyond in everything they do. Their dedication, care, and support for students are evident daily, and their teacher leadership helps to inspire and uplift those around them. These teachers will go on to the next round of evaluation for Gordon County Schools to select its District Finalists for GCS Teacher of the Year. The winner of District TOTY will then compete at the state level. Congratulations to these amazing teachers: Gordon Central High School: John Albright Fairmount Elementary: Sara Broom Ashworth Middle School: Justin Cole Red Bud Elementary: Lauren Gulledge Belwood Elementary: Stephania Hyde Tolbert Elementary: Emily Rossberg Sonoraville High School: Nathan Schuster Sonoraville Elementary: Alli Smith Red Bud Middle School: Matt Waters W.L. Swain Elementary: Sherri Wilson

Superintendent Alice Mashburn recently read to Mrs. Jodi Mann's 3rd grade class at Sonoraville Elementary. The students enjoyed having her as a guest speaker during Read Across America Week! #TogetherGCS #GordonCountySchools

Gordon County Schools is proud to announce that two of our students, Olivia Hawkins and Amerie Tipton, earned third place at the Georgia State Technology Competition held on March 1st at the Henry County Academy of Advanced Studies in McDonough, Georgia. Olvia and Amerie competed in the category of Digital Photo Production. Their project was an enhanced photo around the theme of friendship where they used technology tools on their school-issued iPads to make modifications that enhanced and improved the original photo. Olivia and Amerie won first place at the regional and local technology competitions to qualify for the state level. They are in the fourth grade at Tolbert Elementary, and their sponsoring teacher for the competition is the REACH instructor, Mrs. Belinda Smith. Congratulations, Olivia and Amerie!

Here is Assistant Superintendent Sket Angland reading to Tiffany Stamey's 5th grade class at Sonoraville Elementary yesterday! Everyone is getting in on the fun for Read Across America Week.

This week, we celebrate and appreciate our incredible School Social Workers during National School Social Work Week. Their dedication, compassion, and commitment to supporting students and families make a lasting impact on our schools and community. Thank you for your hard work in ensuring every student has the resources and support they need to succeed. Gordon County Schools is grateful for all that you do.

Gordon County Schools is proud to announce the winners of this year's Teacher of the Year awards from each of our 10 schools. These teachers were nominated and voted for by their peers as exemplary educators who go above and beyond in everything they do. Their dedication, care, and support for students are evident daily, and their teacher leadership helps to inspire and uplift those around them. These teachers will go on to the next round of evaluation for Gordon County Schools to select its District Finalists for GCS Teacher of the Year. The winner of District TOTY will then compete at the state level. Congratulations to these amazing teachers: Ashworth Middle School: Justin Cole Belwood Elementary: Stephania Hyde Fairmount Elementary: Sara Broom Gordon Central High School: John Albright Red Bud Elementary: Lauren Gulledge Red Bud Middle School: Matt Waters Sonoraville Elementary: Allison Smith Sonoraville High School: Nathan Schuster Tolbert Elementary: Emily Rossberg W.L. Swain Elementary: Sherri Wilson

We are thrilled to announce that Sonoraville High School has earned recognition as both an AP Expansion School and an AP Access and Support School, while Gordon Central High School has been named a 2025 AP Challenge School! These distinctions, awarded by the Georgia Department of Education, reflect our schools' commitment to providing rigorous, high-quality educational opportunities that prepare students for success beyond high school. Superintendent Richard Woods praised Georgia’s AP Honor Schools, stating: "Georgia's 2025 AP Honor Schools exemplify our commitment to providing students with rigorous, high-quality educational opportunities that prepare them for success beyond high school. I commend these schools for their dedication to academic excellence and equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in college, careers, and life. I am delighted the number of AP Honor Schools and school districts has risen again this year – a continued testament to the commitment of Georgia public education to expand opportunities for all Georgia students." What These Recognitions Mean: 🔹 AP Expansion School (Sonoraville High School) – Awarded to schools with at least a 25% increase in AP student participation from May 2023 to May 2024, with a minimum of 25 students testing. 🔹 AP Access and Support School (Sonoraville High School) – Recognized for ensuring at least 30% of AP exams were taken by African American and/or Hispanic students (minimum of 16 students) and achieving at least a 30% pass rate (scores of 3 or higher). 🔹 AP Challenge School (Gordon Central High School) – Recognized for offering AP courses in core subject areas at schools with enrollments of 900 or fewer students and administering at least 25 AP exams. Georgia's AP Honor Schools are selected based on the results of 2024 AP courses and exams. The AP program, administered by the College Board, offers students the opportunity to engage in college-level learning in high school. Students who score a 3, 4, or 5 on an AP exam may receive college credit. We are incredibly proud of our students, teachers, and staff for their hard work and dedication to academic excellence!

Teams from the Belwood Robotics Club recently traveled to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to compete in the FIRST LEGO League Region Championship. All teams are led by coaches Tim Gilreath and Jessica Childers. Students who participated in this event were: Team Abyssal Alliance: Avril Brown, Layla Hogg, Blake Hansen, Kase Gwin, Jay Timms Team Loony Logic: Greyson Cochran, Amberlee Hall, Audrey Psaila, Kennedy Wall Team Twilight Terrors: Audie Winslett, Victoria Hughes, Keaton Cochran Great job students! #TogetherGCS #GordonCountySchools

Gordon County Schools would like to thank and congratulate JM Huber Corporation for receiving the Business Commitment to Education Award from the Gordon Chamber's Workforce and Education Committee at yesterday's Gordon Chamber 65th annual meeting. JM Huber Corporation has exemplified what it means to invest in the future of education in Gordon County. Their support for STEAM initiatives at Fairmount Elementary School spans several years, with an annual donation of $1,500 to provide critical resources for student learning and engagement. Last year, Fairmount Elementary was awarded a $10,000 Project Lead the Way grant, enabling professional learning for teachers along with acquiring materials and online resources for student learning. This year, through the Huber Helps 2024 Impact Your Community Program, Fairmount received a $6,000 grant for the Helping Hands Ending Hunger program, a vital initiative in partnership with the Chattanooga Food Bank that provides food security to students and families in need. J.M. Huber have gone above and beyond with their personal time, investing in our students by serving as lunch buddies to offer students support and encouragement as a positive role model. Thank you to Mark Holt, Matt yeast, Curtis Roland, Derek Blankenship, Jenna King, and all J.M. Huber employees who have taken the time to make such a huge difference at Fairmount Elementary and Gordon County Schools. Pictured are Gordon County Schools Superintendent Alice Mashburn and Fairmount Elementary principal Rebecca Champion presenting the award to J.M. Huber Corporation.

March will be busy in our school cafés. We start with National School Breakfast Week, March 3rd - 7th. There will be many special breakfast dishes, school celebrities serving, and fun decorations as we "Clue In to School Breakfast" during the week. Then we'll celebrate St. Patrick's Day at lunch with a yummy green dessert treat.

The next meeting of the Gordon County Schools Wellness Committee is next week: Thursday, March 6th at 3:30.

Gordon County Schools is proud to announce Amanda King as the newest Assistant Principal at Red Bud Middle School. With an impressive 25-year career in education, Mrs. King has been a dedicated and influential leader within our school community. She began her teaching journey in 2000 at Sonoraville Middle School before joining the faculty at Red Bud Middle School in 2014, where she has served as both a life science teacher and as gifted lead. Beyond the classroom, Mrs. King has taken on numerous leadership roles, demonstrating her passion for education and her dedication to the Gordon County community. She has been recognized as RBMS Teacher of the Year, served as a Superintendent Advisory Panel representative, mentored new teachers, and led teacher teams for 20 years. Her experience, vision, and commitment to student growth have made her a respected and valued educator, and we are excited to see her bring that same passion to her new role as Assistant Principal.

Gordon County Schools will be on winter break Monday, February 17th through the 21st. Classes resume February 24th. #TogetherGCS #GordonCountySchools

Gordon County Schools is proud to announce the system-level winners for the Young Georgia Authors Writing Competition. The Young Georgia Authors competition serves to encourage students to develop enthusiasm for and expertise in their writing, to provide a context to celebrate their writing successes, and to recognize student achievement in arts and academics. This prestigious competition, sponsored by the Georgia Council of Teachers of English in cooperation with the Georgia Department of Education, has been engaging Georgia students for more than two decades and is open to any student currently enrolled in Georgia public schools, grades K-12. Students can submit all types of writing such as short stories, poetry, essays, research reports, and more. The following students are the 2024-2025 Gordon County Schools Young Georgia Author System-Level Winners: Kindergarten - Lowrey Haynes, Tolbert Elementary 1st Grade - Lilah Timms, Belwood Elementary 2nd Grade - William Rickett, Belwood Elementary 3rd Grade - Layla Fowler, Sonoraville Elementary 4th Grade - Lily Waters, Fairmount Elementary 5th Grade - Maggie Johnston, Red Bud Elementary 6th Grade - Allison Coleman, Red Bud Middle School 7th Grade - Alicia Smith, Ashworth Middle School 8th Grade - Cassandra Tucker, Ashworth Middle School 9th Grade - Elena Jaiden Blanchard, Sonoraville High School 10th Grade - Emily Demain, Gordon Central High School 11th Grade - Samantha Payne, Gordon Central High School 12th Grade - Maya Beckman, Sonoraville High School These student entries will be moving on to the Northwest GA RESA level competition in March.

GOVERNOR'S HONORS SEMIFINALISTS: GCS is proud to announce our state semifinalists for the prestigious Governor's Honors Program (GHP). This highly competitive program recognizes and supports intellectually gifted and artistically talented high school students, offering them a unique and enriching educational experience during a four-week summer instructional program. Congratulations to students selected as semifinalists who represent their high schools in the state-level application process. Semifinalists will attend an event in March, and their interviews with the GHP panel will help determine state finalists. Gordon Central High School: Hailee Church - nominated in the area of world languages Harrison Hughes - nominated in the area of social studies Anna Caroline Parker - nominated in the area of theatre Sonoraville High School: Pamela Aguilar - nominated in the area of communicative arts Leonardo Parra-Torres - nominated in the area of science