Gordon County Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Judson Peacock as the new Assistant Principal at Ashworth Middle School.

Mr. Peacock brings 24 years of experience in middle school education, including the past 11 years serving students at Ashworth Middle School. Since joining Gordon County Schools in 2015, he has taught 6th and 8th grade social studies while taking on numerous leadership responsibilities that have made a positive impact on students, staff, and the school community.

Throughout his time at Ashworth, Mr. Peacock has served as a 6th grade team leader, Student Support Team (SST) coordinator, mentor to new teachers, and member of the Superintendent's Advisory Council and School Governance Council. His dedication to education was recognized when he was named Ashworth Middle School's 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year. Mr. Peacock was also among the first co-observers for the GaLEADS teacher evaluation initiative, participating in peer observations to support instructional growth and professional development. His involvement in the initiative extended beyond the district, as he presented at the inaugural GaLEADS Conference in Macon, sharing his experiences and insights with fellow educators.

Beyond the classroom, Mr. Peacock has been actively involved in student activities and athletics. He helped reestablish Ashworth's tennis program and coached middle and high school tennis, contributing to multiple successful seasons and two state titles. He has also supported student experiences through initiatives such as Market Day and educational field trips.

Mr. Peacock holds both a Bachelor of Science in Education in Secondary History and a Master of Education in Secondary Social Sciences from Columbus State University. Before joining Gordon County Schools, he spent 13 years teaching in the Marion County School System.

With his extensive teaching experience, established relationships within the Ashworth community, and commitment to supporting students and educators, Mr. Peacock brings valuable experience and perspective to his new leadership role.

Please join us in congratulating Judson Peacock as he begins this new chapter of service to Ashworth Middle School and Gordon County Schools!
about 14 hours ago, Gordon County Schools
Judson Peacock, Assistant Principals at AMS
Gordon County Schools' Wellness Committe will hold its next meeting on Monday, December 7th over Microsoft Teams. Community partners, parents, and guardians are welcome to participate in the Wellness Committee.
about 20 hours ago, School Nutrition
A flyer about the Gordon County Schools Wellness Committee Meeting on December 7.
Gordon County Schools is hiring a Welding Instructor for the Gordon County College and Career Academy!

This position offers an opportunity to share real-world welding knowledge and experience with students as they develop technical skills that can prepare them for future careers.

Qualifications include an associate degree or diploma in Welding Technology and/or valid work experience in welding.

Interested applicants can scan the QR code in the graphic to apply. For more information, contact Leah Newsom at lnewsom@gcbe.org or (706) 879-5370.

Help us spread the word and connect a skilled welding professional with the next generation of students!

#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
about 23 hours ago, Gordon County Schools
Welding Position Open
This week, Gordon County Schools is proud to celebrate National School Psychology Week and recognize the dedicated professionals who support the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of our students!

We extend a special thank you to our Lead School Psychologist, Althea Collins, along with Jillian Delisle, who serves students through a hybrid model of virtual and in-person services, and Jessica Carboni, who provides fully virtual school psychology services.

Our school psychologists play an important role in helping students overcome challenges, supporting families, and collaborating with teachers and school staff to create positive learning environments. Their expertise, compassion, and commitment help ensure our students have the resources and support they need to succeed.

Thank you, Althea, Jillian, and Jessica, for the difference you make in Gordon County Schools every day!

#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
1 day ago, Gordon County Schools
GCS Psychologists
Today, Gordon County Schools celebrates National STEM and STEAM Day, recognizing the importance of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics in preparing students for the future!

Across our district, students have opportunities to explore their creativity, think critically, solve problems, and discover new interests through hands-on learning experiences. Whether conducting science experiments, exploring technology, designing and building projects, or expressing creativity through the arts, STEM and STEAM education encourages students to ask questions, collaborate, and turn their ideas into reality.

We are thankful for our dedicated teachers and staff who bring these subjects to life in our classrooms and inspire students to become tomorrow's innovators, creators, and problem-solvers. These learning opportunities help prepare our students for lifelong success and prosperity!

#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
2 days ago, Gordon County Schools
National STEM & STEAM Day

It's time to talk together, Gordon County Schools families!

Week 3 of our "We Did It!" Family Challenge begins Monday. As part of Family Engagement Month, we are encouraging families to slow down, spend time together, and strengthen their connections through meaningful conversations.

November 9–15: Talk Together!

Next week's challenge is all about making time to listen, share, and learn more about one another. Whether you're sitting around the dinner table, riding in the car, or spending time together at home, a simple conversation can create meaningful connections.

Not sure where to start? Try asking your family some of these conversation starter questions:

- What was the best part of your day?
- What made you laugh today?
- What are you proud of?
- What was something hard today? How did you handle it?
- What is one thing you would like to learn more about?
- What is something you are looking forward to?

Take turns answering, listen to one another, and enjoy learning something new about your family members!

Enter for a Chance to Win a Family Engagement Prize Basket!

Once your family completes the challenge, take a selfie with a homemade "We Did It!" sign and submit your entry through our website or email Kerri Chatman at [kchatman@gcbe.org](mailto:kchatman@gcbe.org).

Be sure to include the following information with your entry:

- Student's name
- School
- A short description of your family's conversation activity

Each Gordon County Schools school will select a winner through a random drawing from the entries received.

Family engagement doesn't have to involve a special event or a big activity. Sometimes, the most meaningful connections happen through everyday conversations. Taking a few minutes to ask questions, listen, and show interest in one another can help children feel supported, valued, and connected.

Small conversations can make a BIG difference!

#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools

4 days ago, Gordon County Schools
We Did It Family Challenge
We are having a great Flex Learning Friday with our professional development across the district! One notable example is with our counselors and social workers, who collaborated today with new learning from Lane Pease, M.S., N.C.C. Director of Education and Innovative Programs for Kate's Club.

Their focus today included child bereavement, supporting grief, and responding to crisis.

Thank you to our counselors and social workers for
4 days ago, Gordon County Schools
Counselors and social workers at professional development
W.L. Swain Elementary celebrated in a big way today after being recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for the 2026-2029 program term!

Students and staff gathered for a special pep rally featuring the Gordon Central High School football team, cheerleaders, and band. Head Coach Billy Blizzard and the Warrior football players spoke words of encouragement to the students for their hard work, while the cheerleaders and band had students fired up and excited throughout the program. Thank you to Cheerleading Coach Liza Allen and Band Director Cameron Born for helping make the event so special.

The celebration also recognized the Sonoraville High School video production students who created a video highlighting W.L. Swain’s work. Those students were Nic Dutton, Easton Fletcher, Lukas Holmes, Emily Roberts, and graduates Jayden Johnson and Joey Mayes.

Joining the celebration were Superintendent Alice Mashburn, Assistant Superintendent Sket Angland, Board of Education Chairperson Charlie Walraven, and central office leaders. The pep rally was hosted by Instructional Technology Coordinator Whitney Prather, who worked closely with W.L. Swain throughout the application process. Principal Tara Green gave Mrs. Prather a special shoutout for her collaboration and support in helping Swain renew its Apple Distinguished School recognition.

Apple Distinguished Schools are recognized for their commitment to innovation, leadership, and educational excellence. These schools demonstrate a clear vision for how technology-rich learning environments can support instructional goals and help students learn in creative, meaningful ways. W.L. Swain’s continued recognition reflects the work of its teachers, students, staff, and leaders to use technology to strengthen teaching and learning.

Congratulations to the entire W.L. Swain Elementary family on this outstanding achievement!

#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #WLSwainElementary
5 days ago, Gordon County Schools
W.L. Swain Elementary pep rally
W.L. Swain Elementary pep rally
W.L. Swain Elementary pep rally
W.L. Swain Elementary pep rally
W.L. Swain Elementary pep rally
W.L. Swain Elementary pep rally

Sonoraville High School senior Braxen McMahan and Head Coach Denver Pate visited WJTH Radio today to share more about Braxen’s incredible performance and his selection as the AJC Varsity/Georgia High School Football Daily State Player of the Week.

It was a great opportunity to highlight Braxen’s accomplishments and the team culture Coach Pate has created in Phoenix Nation.

Don’t forget, Sonoraville High School’s season finale has been moved to Thursday night at the Furnace as the Phoenix take on Rockmart. Come out and support SHS as they close out the regular season!

#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #SonoravilleHigh

7 days ago, Gordon County Schools
Radio station conversation at WJTH
Fairmount Elementary 2nd grade students in Ms. Dobson’s class practiced persuasive writing by thinking about the best place to take a vacation and explaining why.

Students shared their ideas, gave reasons to support their choices, and worked hard to turn those thoughts into persuasive writing. Activities like this help students strengthen their writing skills while learning how to clearly explain and support an opinion.

Great work, Bulldogs!

#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #FairmountElementary
7 days ago, Gordon County Schools
Students learning in class
W.L. Swain Elementary students worked on fitness, cardio, and proper jump-rope technique during P.E. with Coach Spencer Angland.

Before students got started, Coach Angland used examples and class discussion to help them understand how cardiovascular exercise strengthens the body and why proper form and technique are important. Students then put those lessons into practice as they worked on their jump-rope skills.

It was a great combination of learning, movement, and building healthy habits!

#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #WLSwainElementary
7 days ago, Gordon County Schools
Students jump roping in PE
Friday, November 6, is Flex Learning Friday for Gordon County Schools.

Schools will be closed, and students will complete learning activities from home. Families are encouraged to review any information shared by their child’s school or teacher.

#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
8 days ago, Gordon County Schools
Flex Learning Friday is November 6

Reminder: Week 2 of our "We Did It!" Family Challenge is here! As part of Family Engagement Month, we are encouraging families to spend time together, stay active, and have fun with our Week 2 Challenge: Get Moving!

This week's challenge is all about being active together as a family. Take a family walk, play outside, ride bikes, visit a park, or come up with your own family exercise challenge. It doesn't have to be complicated! The goal is to spend quality time together while building healthy habits and making memories.

Enter for a Chance to Win a Family Engagement Prize Basket!

Once your family completes the challenge, take a selfie with a homemade "We Did It!" sign and submit your entry through our website or email Kerri Chatman at kchatman@gcbe.org.

Be sure to include the following information with your entry:

- Student's name
- School
- A short description of what your family did and how you got moving together

Each Gordon County Schools school will select a winner through a random drawing from the entries received.

Family engagement doesn't always mean attending an event or participating in a school activity. Sometimes, it's as simple as spending time together, encouraging one another, and having fun. We hope our families will use this week's challenge as an opportunity to connect and enjoy being active together.

Healthy families build stronger communities!

#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools

8 days ago, Gordon County Schools
We Did It Family Challenge
It's time to get moving, Gordon County Schools families!

Week 2 of our "We Did It!" Family Challenge begins Monday, November 2nd! As part of Family Engagement Month, we are encouraging families to spend time together, stay active, and have fun with our Week 2 Challenge: Get Moving!

Next week's challenge is all about being active together as a family. Take a family walk, play outside, ride bikes, visit a park, or come up with your own family exercise challenge. It doesn't have to be complicated! The goal is to spend quality time together while building healthy habits and making memories.

Enter for a Chance to Win a Family Engagement Prize Basket!

Once your family completes the challenge, take a selfie with a homemade "We Did It!" sign and submit your entry through our website or email Kerri Chatman at kchatman@gcbe.org.

Be sure to include the following information with your entry:

- Student's name
- School
- A short description of what your family did and how you got moving together

Each Gordon County Schools school will select a winner through a random drawing from the entries received.

Family engagement doesn't always mean attending an event or participating in a school activity. Sometimes, it's as simple as spending time together, encouraging one another, and having fun. We hope our families will use this week's challenge as an opportunity to connect and enjoy being active together.

Healthy families build stronger communities!

#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
11 days ago, Gordon County Schools
We Did It Family Challenge
W.L. Swain Elementary has been Designated an Apple Distinguished School

Gordon County Schools is pleased to announce that W.L. Swain Elementary School has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for the 2026-2029 program term. Schools apply and are selected for this distinction based on their commitment to continuous innovation in education and using Apple products to inspire, imagine, and impact teaching and learning.

Apple Distinguished Schools are centers of leadership and educational excellence, with a clear vision for how technology-rich environments support learning goals. In Apple Distinguished Schools, forward-thinking leaders and their communities work to inspire, imagine, and impact teaching and learning, and they have documented results of academic accomplishments.

Schools all over the world are using iPad and Mac to transform learning. As teachers incorporate technology into their lessons, they empower students to lead, learn, and thrive, to discover new opportunities, and to make their world a better place.
11 days ago, Gordon County Schools
W.L. Swain Elementary students and administrators
Gordon County Schools is partnering with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank to host a Community Food Distribution for eligible Georgia residents.

The event will be held Saturday, November 14, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Gordon County Schools Central Office, located at 7300 Fairmount Highway SE in Calhoun.

Eligible residents can receive a variety of groceries. Eligibility is determined by income and household size. Families are encouraged to arrive early, as supplies are expected to run out.

For updates, text “GAFOOD” to 423-622-1800. You can also follow the event by visiting this page: https://www.facebook.com/events/2175035089718981/#

We appreciate the Chattanooga Area Food Bank for partnering with Gordon County Schools to help support families in our community.

#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
12 days ago, Gordon County Schools
Chattanooga Area Food Bank flyer
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
13 days ago, Gordon County Schools
Ceremony honoring Braxen for winning state football player of the week. Presentation
Ceremony honoring Braxen for winning state football player of the week. Receiving award and posing with family/friends
Ceremony honoring Braxen for winning state football player of the week. Posing with teammates
Ceremony honoring Braxen for winning state football player of the week. Posing with family
Ceremony honoring Braxen for winning state football player of the week. Posing with administration team
Ceremony honoring Braxen for winning state football player of the week. Posing with award
Ceremony honoring Braxen for winning state football player of the week. Posing with mom
Ceremony honoring Braxen for winning state football player of the week. Posing with teammates
Ceremony honoring Braxen for winning state football player of the week. Posing with coaches
Ceremony honoring Braxen for winning state football player of the week. Posing with AJC and coach
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!
13 days ago, School Nutrition
November 2026 breakfast menus for elementary schools in Gordon County, GA.
November 2026 lunch menus for elementary schools in Gordon County, GA.
November 2026 breakfast menus for middle school in Gordon County, GA.
November 2026 lunch menus for middle schools in Gordon County, GA.
November 2026 breakfast menus for high schools in Gordon County, GA.
November 2026 lunch menus for high schools in Gordon County, GA.
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
14 days ago, Gordon County Schools
School themed buses
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
14 days ago, Gordon County Schools
Students cheering outside
Students cheering outside