Gordon County Schools -

February 27-March 3 is Read Across America Week and Dr. Seuss's Birthday, and we will have special treats in our elementary lunchrooms to celebrate! Be sure to come enjoy lunch and our special Celebration Menu. P.S. middle and high schoolers: on Thursday, March 1, you also get a "Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss" treat with your lunch!

Gordon County Schools would like to congratulate the system-level Young Georgia Authors winners. These students' works will go on to represent Gordon County Schools in the RESA-level competition.

GORDON COUNTY SCHOOLS ANNOUNCES 2023 STAR STUDENTS & TEACHERS CALHOUN, GA – Two Gordon County Schools students have been named as 2023 PAGE STAR Students. Congratulations to Catherine Hughes from Gordon Central High and Stephen Kellogg from Sonoraville High. These students and their STAR Teachers were recognized by the Gordon County Board of Education during its February meeting. Catherine Hughes is the daughter of Alan and Renee Hughes. Catherine has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout her high school career and was recently named valedictorian of her graduating class. Catherine is actively involved in the Gordon Central Performing Arts Program, earning a GHSA Championship last year for International Extemporaneous Speech, as well as a Schuler Award for Featured Performance her sophomore year. Catherine was chosen to participate in the Governor’s Honors Program in Social Studies her sophomore year and participated in Georgia Girls’ State as a junior, serving as president of the Senate. Catherine has selected Connie Worley, Spanish teacher at Gordon Central High School, as her STAR teacher. Stephen Kellogg is the son of Erin Collins and Brian Kellogg. He has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout high school, has been named the valedictorian of the 2023 graduating class of Sonoraville High School, and is the district STAR student for Gordon County Schools. Stephen is planning to enter the medical field after high school. He is currently enrolled in CNA certification courses through Chattahoochee Technical College and volunteers his time at the Helping Hands Clinic of Gordon County. Stephen has selected Ashley Brookshire from Sonoraville High School as his STAR teacher. The PAGE Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program, now in its 65th year, is sponsored, administered, and promoted by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) and the PAGE Foundation. Since its creation, the STAR program has honored nearly 29,000 students and the teachers they have selected as having had the most influence on their academic achievement. To obtain the 2023 STAR nomination, graduating high school seniors must have the highest score on a single test date on the SAT and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average. STAR begins each year in participating high schools throughout Georgia when the STAR Student is named and chooses a STAR Teacher to share in this recognition. The students and their teachers are honored by their schools and receive special recognition in their communities from one of the more than 170 statewide civic organizations and businesses that serve as local sponsors of the STAR program. Students then compete for school system titles, and those winners compete for region honors. Region Winners compete for the honor of being named State PAGE STAR Student. STAR Teachers continue with their STAR Students at every level of the program. ### About Gordon County Schools Gordon County Schools system serves approximately 6,500 students in schools across the county including six elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. The mission of the Gordon County School system is to build a collaborative culture that engages all students and staff in learning experiences leading to growth, empowerment, and transformation. Contact at Gordon County Schools Kendra Pannell Communications Coordinator Email: kpannell@gcbe.org Phone: (706) 629-7366 ext. 8151 Website: www.gcbe.org

CALHOUN, GA, February 13, 2023- The Gordon County Board of Education has approved the hiring of Nicole Burgess as the new assistant principal at Sonoraville Elementary for the 2023-2024 school year. Burgess will replace Kelly Rampy who was recently promoted to fill the principalship next year. Burgess currently serves as the Instructional Lead Teacher at Belwood Elementary School, where she has worked since 2018. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, and is currently pursuing an Education Specialist degree. Additionally, she holds a Reading Endorsement, English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Endorsement, and an Instructional Coaching Endorsement. A native of Gordon County and a Gordon County Schools alumnus, Burgess is active in the Gordon County Schools community. She is a member of the Gordon County Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Committee, worked on the Gordon County Schools Rebranding Team, and is currently a member of the Gordon County Schools Aspiring Leaders Program. Taking over as principal this summer, Rampy looks forward to welcoming Burgess to her administrative team, "I am excited for Mrs. Burgess to join the Phoenix Nation! She is a strong instructional leader who understands the needs of students and staff. Mrs. Burgess will be a great asset to our school and community." ### About Gordon County Schools Gordon County Schools system serves approximately 6,500 students in schools across the county including six elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. The mission of the Gordon County School system is to build a collaborative culture that engages all students and staff in learning experiences leading to growth, empowerment, and transformation. Contact at Gordon County Schools Kendra Pannell Communications Coordinator Email: kpannell@gcbe.org Phone: (706) 629-7366 ext. 8151 Website: www.gcbe.org

CALHOUN, GA, February 13, 2023- Heather Roberts has been named the 2023 Employee of the Year for the Gordon County Schools Exceptional Student Services Department.  Roberts has spent the last 29 years serving the students of Gordon County.  Throughout her career, she has served Gordon County Schools as both a general education and special education teacher, lead special education teacher, school administrator, and now as the Assistant Director of Exceptional Student Services (ESS). Nominated by the ESS staff, Roberts was praised for her well-rounded support of students and staff alike. One nomination spoke of Roberts’ support of ESS educators, “Heather also has a true heart for teachers. She communicates daily and collaborates to ensure teachers are supported and equipped to provide the best services and supports possible for students with disabilities. Heather is a true mentor to many. She epitomizes ethics, equality, and morality. We are fortunate to have her as part of the Gordon County ESS department.” “[Heather] has a heart for all children, but especially those with challenging circumstances. She works tirelessly in assisting students in finding ways to stay in school,” said Alecia Segursky, ESS Director, who continued, “Her efforts and support of students positively impacts our SWD graduation rate. She is an asset to the special education department and will always go above and beyond for students.” Roberts was surprised with the announcement on Wednesday, February 8, by Superintendent Dr. Kim Fraker, Assistant Superintendent Alice Mashburn, ESS Director Alecia Segursky and members of the ESS district staff.  She will be honored by the Board of Education during its February Board meeting on Monday evening. 

BOOKS FROM A VENDING MACHINE: SONORAVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS EARN TREATS OF A DIFFERENT SORT CALHOUN, GA, February 7, 2023- Sonoraville Elementary School held a ribbon cutting on Monday for its new book vending machine. The machine was purchased through the school’s PTO fundraising efforts last fall, and it will be used as an incentive for students who demonstrate positive behavior. “Once the student demonstrates that positive behavior the student is rewarded with the special Inchy token which can then be used to vend [his/her] favorite book. We hope this program will help bridge the gap between literacy and engagement, making reading an award instead of an assignment,” stated the maker of Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine. Amy Beason, Sonoraville Elementary School Principal, reinforced the connection between rewarding students and the ability to earn books, "I am so excited to have the opportunity for students to purchase books regularly by cashing in Class Dojo points. This supports our focus on reading and rewarding students by allowing them to have more books available to them." On hand to assist with the ribbon cutting and to be the first to choose a book from the vending machine were the school’s Young Georgia Authors (YGA) competition grade-level winners. School and district administrators and PTO officers were there with Flame, the school mascot, to help cheer on the students as they made their initial purchases. Pictured in large group photo are (L-R): Alice Mashburn (Gordon County Assistant Superintendent), Kelly Rampy (SES Assistant Principal), Riley Rule (PTO Officer), Flame (SES School Mascot), Addie Green (1st grade YGA winner), Carter Crow (2nd grade YGA winner), Ace Mitchell (Kindergarten YGA winner), Harper Moore (3rd grade YGA winner), Laine Fowler (SES PTO Co-President), Lasha Proper (SES PTO Co-President), Parker Holland (5th grade YGA winner), Beth Herod (Gordon County Director of Early Learning & Elementary Education), Amy Beason (SES Principal), Dr. Kimberly Fraker (Gordon County Superintendent). Not pictured is 4th grade YGA winner Carly Bailey.

MARIETTA, GA, February 5, 2023- Dr. Kim Watters, Choral Director at Gordon Central High School in Calhoun, Georgia, has been named the 2023 Music Educator of the Year by the International Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). The BHS/NAfME Music Educator of the Year award recognizes excellence in teaching, performing, and the lifelong impact music teachers make on young singers. “In partnership and collaboration with the National Association for Music Education, the Barbershop Harmony Society presents an annual award to honor educators who give students the opportunity to learn and participate in the joy and power that music brings in uplifting the human spirit and fostering the well-being of society,” states the Barbershop Harmony Society. The announcement came Sunday, during the send-off concert for Georgia Spirit, a BHS youth choir Dr. Watters co-directs with Marietta High School’s Lars Grevstad. “My heart bursts with gratitude to James and Barbara Moore for introducing me to the craft [of barbershop] and always being there to support us, to Clay and Becky Hine for continually teaching me and my students all the wonderful things barbershop has to offer, and to my dear friend Lars Grevstad who pours so much of his talents into our Georgia Spirit team,” wrote Dr. Watters as she reflected on the award Sunday evening. Dr. Watters will be heading with Georgia Spirit to the National Barbershop Harmony Society Convention in Daytona Beach, Florida later this week as they compete in the NextGen Junior Chorus contest. Gordon Central High School also has a junior quartet competing at this year’s convention. Pictured here are Dr. Watters, Erik Dove- CFO/COO of the Barbershop Harmony Society, and some of Gordon Central High School’s participants in Georgia Spirit. The choir set is themed around dreams, and students’ costumes represent some of their dreams of the future.

GORDON COUNTY SCHOOLS RECEIVES VISION AWARD (CALHOUN, GEORGIA) – The Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL) has recognized Gordon County Schools as a recipient of the 2022-2023 GAEL Vision Award. The Vision Award is presented to school districts in five categories based upon their commitment to encouraging and supporting teachers, principals, and district office staff in professional learning. “Learning is a lifelong process. In order for us to do the best for our students, we all must continue to grow professionally. For this reason, Gordon County Schools places an emphasis on professional learning opportunities for all of our staff members," says Dr. Kimberly Fraker, Superintendent. The Vision Award was presented during the GAEL Winter Conference, January 22-24, in Athens. Pictured on behalf of the system are Gordon County Schools’ principals: Amy Beason, Kelly Rampy, Shelly Allen, Debra Brock, Sket Angland, Monica Holt, Rebecca Champion, Amy Stewart, Justin Timms, and Tara Green. Not pictured- Brian Hall.

NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION: Gordon County Schools is now accepting enrollment applications for the 2023-24 Preschool Play & Learn (PALs) Program, Pre-K classes & Kindergarten classes! More information about these programs can be found at the following websites: Preschool Play & Learn (PALs): www.gcbe.org/pals Pre-K: www.gcbe.org/prek Kindergarten: www.gcbe.org/enrollment Learn more about student enrollment at Gordon County Schools by visiting www.gcbe.org/enrollment #GoCoSchools #OneBIGFamily #GETGCS

NOMINATIONS DUE MARCH 1. Please take a moment to nominate one of our outstanding educators for Teacher of the Year. The nominee should be a certified teacher who: (1) is an exceptional, dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled teacher planning to continue in active teaching status; (2) inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn; (3) has the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues; (4) plays an active and useful role in the community as well as in the school; and (5) is poised and articulate. All nominations for school-level Teacher of the Year (TOTY) will be sent to the candidates' respective schools for consideration as school TOTY. Schools will name school-level teachers of the year in March, and those representatives will be recognized at the District TOTY recognition ceremony later in the spring. District-level finalists will be determined from school-level winners, and the district TOTY will be announced at the district TOTY ceremony. The Gordon County Schools' District Teacher of the Year will represent the district the following school year and will apply for Georgia TOTY in December. To submit a nomination, please visit https://forms.gle/Z5rpsykjoiPUVWdN7

GORDON COUNTY SCHOOLS ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL ASPIRING LEADERS’ COHORT CALHOUN, GA – Gordon County Schools (GCS) has selected eighteen (18) people to participate as part of the inaugural cohort of its Aspiring Leaders Program. Participants are GCS employees with a desire to serve in leadership roles throughout the district who were chosen following a rigorous application and interview process. The Gordon County Aspiring Leaders Program is a year-long cohort experience designed to build participants’ leadership capacity and develop leadership skills and abilities that advance the vision of the school district by describing what exemplary practice looks like for every leader in the district.  The Aspiring Leaders Program will identify and develop both current and future leaders and equip them with the ability to model, connect, engage, and serve the system and its community.  The inaugural cohort kicked off on January 24th and will run through December 2023. The Gordon County Schools inaugural class of Aspiring Leaders are: Adrienne Bowen Ashley Brookshire Nicole Burgess Jackie Cascio Tracey Clark Rebecca Davis Rebekah Gilreath Savana Haynes Kristen Henley Amy Kinkead Talitha Malone Whitney Prather Matthew Rigdon Dana Tankersley Ronda Tatum Melissa Vincent Andrea Walraven Katy Waters These participants will engage in ten instructional modules focusing on issues specific to school and system leadership over the course of the program.  ### About Gordon County Schools  Gordon County Schools system serves approximately 6,500 students in schools across the county including six elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. The mission of the Gordon County School system is to build a collaborative culture that engages all students and staff in learning experiences leading to growth, empowerment, and transformation.  Contact at Gordon County Schools Kendra Pannell Communications Coordinator Email: kpannell@gcbe.org  Phone: (706) 629-7366 ext. 8151 Website: www.gcbe.org 

PARENT & FAMILY ENGAGEMENT TIP OF THE WEEK: Use real world examples to teach math at home. Point out ways that people use math every day to pay bills, balance their checkbooks, figure out their net earnings, make change, and tip at restaurants. Involve older children in projects that incorporate geometric and algebraic concepts like planting a garden, building a bookshelf, or figuring how long it will take to drive to your family vacation destination. Visit www.gcbe.org/pfe to learn more about GCS Parent & Family Engagement today. #GoCoSchools #GETGCS #OneBIGFamily

PRE-K & KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION: Gordon County Schools will accept enrollment applications for the 2023-24 Pre-K & Kindergarten classes beginning February 1st! More information can be found online at www.gcbe.org/enrollment and www.gcbe.org/prek #GoCoSchools #OneBIGFamily #GETGCS

PARENT & FAMILY ENGAGEMENT TIP OF THE WEEK: Have some flashlight fun. This activity can boost communication skills while easing your child into bedtime. Once your child is in bed, give them a flashlight and play with it together in the darkened room. Take turns shining the light on different things. Whisper and laugh together, and make up a silly story. Bedtime chats like these help develop language skills while helping your child feel safe, secure, and calm. Visit www.gcbe.org/pfe to learn more about GCS Parent & Family Engagement today. #GoCoSchools #GETGCS #OneBIGFamily

GORDON CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL SELECTS GREGORY AS HEAD FOOTBALL COACH FOR 2023-24 SEASON CALHOUN, GA- Following approval by the Gordon County Board of Education in a called meeting on Thursday, January 19, 2023, Gordon Central High School announces Coach Lenny Gregory will lead the Warriors’ football team this fall at Ratner Stadium. Gregory comes to Gordon Central from Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, Georgia, where he proved successful as the head coach. Under Gregory’s leadership, Collins Hill won fifteen games in his first three seasons with the Eagles. Gregory then led the team to a state runner-up finish in 2020 and celebrated the school’s first state championship in 2021. Gregory has also worked with the Centennial, Grayson, and Chattahoochee high school football programs during his career and has been recognized for his accomplishments with numerous Coach of the Year awards. Before entering the field of education in 2007, Gregory worked in the private sector following his graduation from Brigham Young University. During his time at BYU, he played under Hall of Fame Coach Lavell Edwards, was a four-year letterman, was named to the All-Western Athletic Conference Team for three consecutive years and was a 1993 Outland Trophy candidate. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to take over an incredible football program with so much potential,” Gregory said. “I am committed to building a program of excellence in everything we do. It is my belief that Gordon Central High School has the resources with outstanding student athletes and great community pride that will allow me to install a championship football program.” Brian Hall, Gordon Central High School principal, remarked, "We are thrilled to welcome Lenny Gregory to the Tribe as the new head football coach at Gordon Central High School. He is an accomplished, championship-winning coach at the highest level of competition in Georgia who knows how to develop a culture of success. Coach Gregory displays unmatched work ethic and determination to help student athletes both on and off the field, and I know that he will make an immediate impact on Warrior athletics." Gordon County Schools welcomes Coach Gregory and his family to the community as the Warriors gear up for spring training.

RAMPY TO TAKE OVER AS SONORAVILLE ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL FOR 2023-2024 CALHOUN, GA- During a called meeting on January 19, the Gordon County Board of Education named Kelly Rampy as the new principal of Sonoraville Elementary School. Dr. Kimberly Fraker, GCS Superintendent, was pleased on Thursday to announce Rampy’s promotion to principal, “Mrs. Rampy has proven to be a strong instructional leader, and I anticipate continued student success under her leadership and expectations of excellence.“ Rampy will replace current SES Principal Amy Beason who will serve as the assistant director of special education beginning in the 2023-2024 school year. "I am excited about the opportunity to serve as principal of Sonoraville Elementary School. I look forward to continuing to work together with the staff, parents, and community to encourage our students to become life-long learners and maximize their potential," remarked Rampy following the announcement. Rampy, who currently serves as the assistant principal of SES, is a long-time resident of Gordon County and has spent her career with Gordon County Schools. Prior to being named assistant principal in 2019, Rampy served as Belwood Elementary’s math instructional coach from 2015-2019, where she began her career as a teacher seven years prior. Rampy holds a Tier 1 Leadership Certification and received her specialist degree in teacher leadership from Piedmont College 2012. Additionally, she has earned both Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Early Childhood Education. ### About Gordon County Schools Gordon County Schools system serves approximately 6,500 students in schools across the county including six elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. The mission of the Gordon County School system is to build a collaborative culture that engages all students and staff in learning experiences leading to growth, empowerment, and transformation. Contact at Gordon County Schools Kendra Pannell Communications Coordinator Email: kpannell@gcbe.org Phone: (706) 629-7366 ext. 8151 Website: www.gcbe.org

FAIRMOUNT ELEMENTARY STUDENT WINS 2023 SYSTEM SPELLING BEE CALHOUN, GA – Fairmount Elementary student, Bawi Bik, claimed the title as the 2023 Gordon County Schools (GCS) System Spelling Bee Champion on Thursday, January 18, at the Gordon Central High School Blue Box Theater. The winning word Bik spelled to seal his victory was "angora” which means “a yarn of a long-haired, usually white, rabbit used for knitting.” The annual spelling bee consisted of individual winners from each Gordon County Schools elementary and middle school, competing to determine the system representative at the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) Region 1 Spelling Bee on February 25th. Ashworth Middle School student, Emily Demain, captured second place, and Avery Wiley of Tolbert Elementary School placed third. Bik now advances as the GCS representative at the Region 1 competition, with Demain serving as the GCS alternate. The system spelling bee is sponsored this year by Chick-Fil-A, Creative Discovery Museum, Gordon County Chamber of Commerce and Taco Bell. School level winners were: Parker Jacobs, Belwood Elementary Bawi Bik, Fairmount Elementary Danella Barriento Rivera, Red Bud Elementary Brilynn Wells, Sonoraville Elementary Ian Glass, W.L. Swain Elementary Avery Wiley, Tolbert Elementary Emily Demain, Ashworth Middle Ni Cuai, Red Bud Middle Pictured (L-R): Beth Herod- Director of Early Learning and Elementary Education; Rebecca Champion- Principal of Fairmount Elementary; Bawi Bik; and Dr. Kimberly Fraker, GCS Superintendent  ### About Gordon County Schools  Gordon County Schools system serves approximately 6,500 students in schools across the county including six elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. The mission of the Gordon County School system is to build a collaborative culture that engages all students and staff in learning experiences leading to growth, empowerment, and transformation.  Contact at Gordon County Schools Kendra Pannell Communications Coordinator Email: kpannell@gcbe.org  Phone: (706) 629-7366 ext. 8151 Website: www.gcbe.org 

UPDATE FROM GORDON EMA- REPAIRS COMPLETE ON CARTER'S DAM: According to earlier reports, Carter’s Dam was operating in emergency mode due to a gate that was stuck in the open position. Emergency Management has just received information from the Army Corps of Engineers that the problem has been fixed and the gate is now shut. Due to the flow of water that has already been released continuing downstream we could possibly still see some flooding issues but any of those should be minor in nature.

Gordon County Schools has been made aware of an issue with one of the gates at Carter's Dam that has the potential to cause some flooding in the low-lying areas of our county. While the Army Corps of Engineers is working to resolve the issue, we are monitoring the situation to determine how this might impact afternoon routes. Should this cause the need for changes in transportation for any of our students, we will make contact with families as necessary. As always, we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to keep all students safe.

In observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, Gordon County Schools will be closed on Monday, January 16. Classes will resume Tuesday, January 17. #GoCoSchools #GETGCS #OneBIGFamily