Sonoraville High School senior Braxen McMahan has made school history as the first Phoenix football player to be named the AJC Varsity/Georgia High School Football Daily State Player of the Week!
McMahan earned the statewide honor following an incredible performance in Sonoraville’s 43-32 victory over LaFayette on October 23. He finished the night with five receptions for 132 yards and a touchdown, blocked a field goal, recovered a fumble, and recorded three interceptions. Braxen sealed the victory with his final interception, returning it for a touchdown and shutting the door on any comeback.
The performance came against a strong LaFayette team that entered the game with only one loss. The State Player of the Week honor is determined each week as scouts and head coaches review game film and identify outstanding individual performances in competitive match-ups. From more than 400 high school football teams across Georgia and thousands of players competing each week, Braxen was selected for this statewide recognition.
The award was presented at Sonoraville High School by Ted Langford of AJC Varsity/GHSF Daily and Philip Pulliam of Alfa Insurance. Head Coach Denver Pate praised Braxen’s speed, versatility, and ability to impact the game in so many ways, noting that what he can do on offense, defense, and special teams makes him an extraordinary athlete. Langford also noted that Braxen has been clocked as the fifth-fastest high school football player in Georgia. His teammates and the Red Bud Phoenix football team were in attendance.
Congratulations to Braxen on this historic accomplishment and an unforgettable performance for the Phoenix!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #SonoravilleHigh
McMahan earned the statewide honor following an incredible performance in Sonoraville’s 43-32 victory over LaFayette on October 23. He finished the night with five receptions for 132 yards and a touchdown, blocked a field goal, recovered a fumble, and recorded three interceptions. Braxen sealed the victory with his final interception, returning it for a touchdown and shutting the door on any comeback.
The performance came against a strong LaFayette team that entered the game with only one loss. The State Player of the Week honor is determined each week as scouts and head coaches review game film and identify outstanding individual performances in competitive match-ups. From more than 400 high school football teams across Georgia and thousands of players competing each week, Braxen was selected for this statewide recognition.
The award was presented at Sonoraville High School by Ted Langford of AJC Varsity/GHSF Daily and Philip Pulliam of Alfa Insurance. Head Coach Denver Pate praised Braxen’s speed, versatility, and ability to impact the game in so many ways, noting that what he can do on offense, defense, and special teams makes him an extraordinary athlete. Langford also noted that Braxen has been clocked as the fifth-fastest high school football player in Georgia. His teammates and the Red Bud Phoenix football team were in attendance.
Congratulations to Braxen on this historic accomplishment and an unforgettable performance for the Phoenix!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #SonoravilleHigh
November is next week, and our menus are full of warm, nourishing meals. All of our schools will serve our popular Thanksgiving meal with favorites like turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes, sweet potato souffle, and more. The date for the Thanksgiving meal differs from school to school, so check with your cafeteria staff to find out when you can enjoy it!
Gordon Central High School and Sonoraville High School are showing off even more school spirit with brand-new wraps on their athletic buses!
The new designs give both programs a bold look while helping represent each school wherever our teams travel. Whether students are heading to games, competitions, or other events, these buses now make a strong statement of Warrior and Phoenix pride on the road.
A special thank you to our Gordon County Schools Transportation Department for working with BSN to help bring these designs to life. We appreciate the time and coordination that went into creating something that celebrates our schools, supports our athletic programs, and gives our students another reason to be proud of where they come from.
We are excited to see these buses representing Gordon County Schools across the region!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #GordonCentralHigh #SonoravilleHigh
The new designs give both programs a bold look while helping represent each school wherever our teams travel. Whether students are heading to games, competitions, or other events, these buses now make a strong statement of Warrior and Phoenix pride on the road.
A special thank you to our Gordon County Schools Transportation Department for working with BSN to help bring these designs to life. We appreciate the time and coordination that went into creating something that celebrates our schools, supports our athletic programs, and gives our students another reason to be proud of where they come from.
We are excited to see these buses representing Gordon County Schools across the region!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #GordonCentralHigh #SonoravilleHigh
The Lady Phoenix softball team is loaded up and ready to win it all again!
Belwood Elementary students and faculty members helped send off the Sonoraville High School Lady Phoenix softball team as they traveled to the state playoffs to defend their state championship title in the Elite 8 tournament.
SHS celebrated the team before they loaded up and headed out, and the Lady Phoenix then drove by other schools across the district where students and staff cheered them on along the way.
We love seeing our schools come together to support one another. Good luck to the Lady Phoenix as they compete for another state title!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #BelwoodElementary #SonoravilleHigh
Belwood Elementary students and faculty members helped send off the Sonoraville High School Lady Phoenix softball team as they traveled to the state playoffs to defend their state championship title in the Elite 8 tournament.
SHS celebrated the team before they loaded up and headed out, and the Lady Phoenix then drove by other schools across the district where students and staff cheered them on along the way.
We love seeing our schools come together to support one another. Good luck to the Lady Phoenix as they compete for another state title!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #BelwoodElementary #SonoravilleHigh
Fairmount Elementary students were wrapping up lunch and showing off their costumes for My Hero Day as part of Red Ribbon Week!
Red Ribbon Week is a time for schools to encourage students to make healthy choices, stay drug-free, and understand how positive decisions can help them build a strong future. Fun dress-up days like My Hero Day give students a chance to celebrate that message while showing plenty of school spirit.
We love seeing our students having fun while supporting an important message. Go Bulldogs!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #FairmountElementary
Red Ribbon Week is a time for schools to encourage students to make healthy choices, stay drug-free, and understand how positive decisions can help them build a strong future. Fun dress-up days like My Hero Day give students a chance to celebrate that message while showing plenty of school spirit.
We love seeing our students having fun while supporting an important message. Go Bulldogs!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #FairmountElementary
Red Bud Elementary 5th grade students had plenty of energy and fun in P.E. with Coach Baxter and Coach Patterson!
Students started class with dancing and stretches before jumping into a fun version of tag that was perfect for this time of year. It was a great way to stay active, work together, and enjoy some movement with classmates.
Red Ribbon Week spirit was also on full display for My Hero Day. See if you can spot some of our Cardinals dressed as their favorite heroes!
Go Cardinals!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #RedBudElementary
Students started class with dancing and stretches before jumping into a fun version of tag that was perfect for this time of year. It was a great way to stay active, work together, and enjoy some movement with classmates.
Red Ribbon Week spirit was also on full display for My Hero Day. See if you can spot some of our Cardinals dressed as their favorite heroes!
Go Cardinals!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #RedBudElementary
Red Bud Middle School 6th grade students in Mr. Henson’s social studies class connected classroom learning with the world around them as they reviewed current events and discussed what is happening in history today.
Students shared the topics that interested them most and reflected on what they learned for their ticket out the door. The class also discussed National Civics Day, observed on October 27 as a day to emphasize civic education, informed participation, and understanding the responsibilities citizens have in their communities and government. Today connects to the publication of the first Federalist Paper on October 27, 1787, an important moment in the public discussion surrounding the U.S. Constitution.
Students also joined in the Red Ribbon Week fun by dressing up for My Hero Day. It was a great day of learning, reflection, and school spirit at RBMS!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #RedBudMiddle
Students shared the topics that interested them most and reflected on what they learned for their ticket out the door. The class also discussed National Civics Day, observed on October 27 as a day to emphasize civic education, informed participation, and understanding the responsibilities citizens have in their communities and government. Today connects to the publication of the first Federalist Paper on October 27, 1787, an important moment in the public discussion surrounding the U.S. Constitution.
Students also joined in the Red Ribbon Week fun by dressing up for My Hero Day. It was a great day of learning, reflection, and school spirit at RBMS!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #RedBudMiddle
The Atrium Health Floyd Mobile Mammography bus has been visiting Gordon County Schools campuses throughout the month of October, providing convenient screening opportunities for our faculty and staff.
Today, the mobile unit is visiting the Gordon Central High School campus, giving employees another opportunity to take advantage of these important preventive health screenings.
We appreciate Atrium Health Floyd and all of our community health partners for the services they provide and for helping make preventive care more accessible to our employees.
Thank you for continuing to support the health and well-being of our Gordon County Schools family!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #GordonCentralHigh
Today, the mobile unit is visiting the Gordon Central High School campus, giving employees another opportunity to take advantage of these important preventive health screenings.
We appreciate Atrium Health Floyd and all of our community health partners for the services they provide and for helping make preventive care more accessible to our employees.
Thank you for continuing to support the health and well-being of our Gordon County Schools family!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #GordonCentralHigh
Ashworth Middle School students, like students across Gordon County Schools, are celebrating Red Ribbon Week with fun dress-up days that reinforce the importance of making healthy choices and staying drug-free.
This 6th grade AMS Warrior showed off some superhero spirit today while joining in the celebration. Our 6th grade students also entered middle school with an important foundation from completing the C.H.A.M.P.S. program as 5th graders.
C.H.A.M.P.S., which stands for Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety, helps students learn about making responsible choices, avoiding drugs and tobacco, handling peer pressure, staying safe, and understanding the consequences of their decisions.
Red Ribbon Week is a great opportunity to continue reinforcing those lessons and encouraging students to make choices that support a healthy and successful future.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #AshworthMiddle
This 6th grade AMS Warrior showed off some superhero spirit today while joining in the celebration. Our 6th grade students also entered middle school with an important foundation from completing the C.H.A.M.P.S. program as 5th graders.
C.H.A.M.P.S., which stands for Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety, helps students learn about making responsible choices, avoiding drugs and tobacco, handling peer pressure, staying safe, and understanding the consequences of their decisions.
Red Ribbon Week is a great opportunity to continue reinforcing those lessons and encouraging students to make choices that support a healthy and successful future.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #AshworthMiddle
Belwood Elementary 2nd grade students in Mrs. Mejia’s class were in full swing celebrating Red Ribbon Week in their pajamas while building their understanding of fairy tales.
Students explored the genre by thinking of a fairy tale like a recipe and identifying the different “ingredients” they should expect to find in the story. As they read together, students discussed elements that help make fairy tales unique.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #BelwoodElementary
Students explored the genre by thinking of a fairy tale like a recipe and identifying the different “ingredients” they should expect to find in the story. As they read together, students discussed elements that help make fairy tales unique.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #BelwoodElementary
Tolbert Elementary 3rd grade students in Mrs. Macks’ class were strengthening their multiplication skills with a focused review on multiplying by 10s.
Students volunteered to share what they noticed about patterns when multiplying by 10 and explained their thinking to the class. They then created multiplication flash cards to help reinforce their facts and continue practicing.
It was a great math lesson filled with discussion, pattern recognition, and active learning at TES!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #TolbertElementary
Students volunteered to share what they noticed about patterns when multiplying by 10 and explained their thinking to the class. They then created multiplication flash cards to help reinforce their facts and continue practicing.
It was a great math lesson filled with discussion, pattern recognition, and active learning at TES!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #TolbertElementary
Gordon County Schools is celebrating Red Ribbon Week!
Throughout the week, our schools are encouraging students to make healthy choices, stay drug-free, and understand the importance of making decisions that support their future. There are a lot of great dress-up days as well, so we hope your family participates.
Red Ribbon Week is also a great opportunity for families, schools, and communities to work together to reinforce positive habits, strong character, and healthy lifestyles.
We are proud of our students and staff for supporting this important message across Gordon County Schools.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
Throughout the week, our schools are encouraging students to make healthy choices, stay drug-free, and understand the importance of making decisions that support their future. There are a lot of great dress-up days as well, so we hope your family participates.
Red Ribbon Week is also a great opportunity for families, schools, and communities to work together to reinforce positive habits, strong character, and healthy lifestyles.
We are proud of our students and staff for supporting this important message across Gordon County Schools.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
Gordon County Schools is kicking off Week 1 of our Family Engagement “We Did It!” Family Challenge!
From October 26 through November 1, families are encouraged to read together for at least 20 minutes. Spending time reading as a family helps build literacy skills, strengthens relationships, and creates meaningful learning experiences at home.
Families can also enter for a chance to win a Family Engagement Prize Basket in one of two ways:
1. Send a selfie with a homemade “We Did It!” sign to Kerri Chatman at kchatman@gcbe.org. Include the student’s name and school.
2. Email a short description of what and how your family read together to kchatman@gcbe.org. Include the student’s name and school.
We hope families across Gordon County Schools will join in this week and make reading together part of their family time!
From October 26 through November 1, families are encouraged to read together for at least 20 minutes. Spending time reading as a family helps build literacy skills, strengthens relationships, and creates meaningful learning experiences at home.
Families can also enter for a chance to win a Family Engagement Prize Basket in one of two ways:
1. Send a selfie with a homemade “We Did It!” sign to Kerri Chatman at kchatman@gcbe.org. Include the student’s name and school.
2. Email a short description of what and how your family read together to kchatman@gcbe.org. Include the student’s name and school.
We hope families across Gordon County Schools will join in this week and make reading together part of their family time!
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
