Gordon Central High School

Winter Break Alert! ❄️ Enjoy a well-deserved winter break from February 17–21! Take this time to relax, recharge, and spend time with family and friends. Classes will resume on Monday, February 24—see you then, refreshed and ready to go! Stay warm and have fun! ⛄✨

On Wednesday, Mrs. Albright’s Teaching as a Profession classes visited the Future Educator Fair at Georgia Highlands College in Cartersville, GA. Students went on a campus tour afterwards and enjoyed having lunch in the cafe. Everyone had a great experience. Special thanks to Mr. Daniel Worley, WBL coordinator, for accompanying us on this trip. We also appreciate Mr. Jonathan Parker taking time out of his day to drive us there and back. 

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

✨ Get Ready to Glow, Gordon Central! ✨ 🌟 It’s time to turn up the brightness and the beats! 🌟 Join us for the Neon Dance 🕺💃 at Gordon Central High School. Bring your best neon gear and let's light up the night! 🗓 When: March 1 🕖 Time: 7-10 📍 Where: Gordon Central High School Lunchroom 🖤 Casual neon outfits are a must! 🎶 DJ spinning all your favorite tunes Entry: Only $20 at the door! Pre-purchase online for $15. Let’s make this the most lit night of the year! 🌈 #GCHSNeonDance #GlowUp #GCHSPartyTime #DanceTheNightAway 👕🎉 Tag your friends & get ready to shine! ✨

Dr. Kim Watters Set to Retire Following 37 Years of Service to Gordon County Schools After an extraordinary 37-year career with Gordon County Schools, Dr. Kim Watters is retiring as the choral director at Gordon Central High School at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. A beloved educator, mentor, and community leader, Dr. Watters has left an indelible mark on the school and the arts community. Dr. Watters began her career in the Fairmount and Sonoraville communities before joining Gordon Central in 2001. She has been honored multiple times as both School and District Teacher of the Year. Over the years, she has built a legacy of excellence, leading her students to multiple region and state titles in both music and theatre. Her impact has extended beyond the local stage, earning numerous state titles, receiving national recognition as the National Music Educator of the Year and taking student groups to international competitions and performance opportunities. “Dr. Watters is truly an icon of Gordon Central,” said Dr. Amy Parker, principal of Gordon Central High School. “Her dedication to her students, her craft, and this community is unmatched. She has shaped generations of performers, instilled a love for the arts, and created a legacy that will continue for years to come. We will deeply miss her presence in our halls.” Although she is stepping away from the classroom, Dr. Watters remains devoted to the causes closest to her heart. She will continue her work with the GEM Theatre, supporting the performing arts in the community, and PAW Angels, a local animal rescue organization that reflects her deep passion for animals. And, of course, she will always be a proud Warrior, cheering on Gordon Central with the same enthusiasm and devotion she has always shown. “Gordon Central has been my home for nearly three decades, and I will always be a Warrior at heart,” said Dr. Watters. “The students, colleagues, and families here have given me more joy than I can put into words. While I may be retiring from teaching, my love for this school, the arts, and my community will never fade.” Dr. Watters’ retirement marks the end of an era, but her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of performers, educators, and community advocates. Gordon Central High School and the entire Gordon County community celebrate her remarkable career and look forward to seeing her continued impact.

Gordon County Schools is proud to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of its students and educators. Makena Blalock – State FFA Employment Skills Champion Gordon County Schools would like to congratulate Sonoraville High School senior Makena Blalock for winning the State FFA Employment Skills competition at the annual Leadership Development Event. Makena is a National FFA Champion and serves as State Secretary, representing her school and district with excellence. She was joined by Sonoraville High School agriculture teacher and FFA sponsor, Mr. Joshua Boydston. Congratulations to Makena on this outstanding achievement! STAR Students and Teachers Recognition The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) Program has honored more than 29,000 students and the teachers they have selected as having the greatest impact on their academic success. To receive the STAR nomination, graduating high school seniors must earn the highest SAT score on a single test date and rank in the top 10 percent or among the top 10 students of their class based on grade point average. Gordon County Schools proudly recognizes this year’s STAR students and their selected STAR teachers. Gordon Central High School – STAR Student & Teacher Congratulations to Gordon Central High School senior Evan Wood, son of Jim and Ashley Wood. Evan plans to pursue a career in medicine and has been accepted to Georgia Tech, the University of Georgia, the University of Alabama, and Mississippi State University. He selected Gordon Central science teacher Holly Watts as his STAR Teacher, recognizing her for inspiring his passion for science. Sonoraville High School – STAR Student & Teacher Gordon County Schools also congratulates Sonoraville High School senior Ethan Hurley, son of Bart and Julia Hurley. Ethan plans to attend Reinhardt University to major in History. He selected Sonoraville High School foreign language teacher Amal Yacoub as his STAR Teacher, honoring her for her dedication and encouragement toward her students. Gordon County Schools extends congratulations to all students and teachers recognized this evening and commends them for their dedication to excellence in academics and leadership.

Calling all GCHS baseball fans—join us at Ruby Tuesday on Weds., Feb. 12 from 4-10 PM to support the GCHS baseball program! 🍔🌭 When you present this flyer, 15% of your total goes back to the team. Great food, great cause—see you there!

Senior yearbook ads are due by Feb. 14th. Scan the QR code and select the correct option for you. If you already purchased a yearbook, choose the Purchase an Ad for my Student (without a yearbook). If not, and you would like to buy a yearbook for your senior as well as an ad, choose the purchase a yearbook option and be sure to buy your senior’s ad at the same time! It’s simple: Replace filler text with your own text! Select a design of your choice. Or create your own ad (Canva, Photoshop, etc) select IMAGE ONLY and upload it there! If you have any problems or questions, please contact Mr Bristow: rbristow@gcbe.org https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/Order/SelectTask?jobNumber=15319425 Also, now is the time for underclassmen to purchase their yearbooks before the next price increase!

Students in Mrs. Lee's Healthcare classes have been busy learning new skills. In the Allied Class, they have been learning lung sounds and in the Essentials Class they have been learning directional and medical terminology. In the Intro Class, they have been learning about safety and infection control by donning and doffing PPE.

The deadline for purchasing senior yearbook ads is Feb. 14. Scan the QR code and select the correct option for you. If you already purchased a yearbook, choose the Purchase an Ad for my Student (without a yearbook). If not, and you would like to buy a yearbook for your senior as well as an ad, choose the purchase a yearbook option and be sure to buy your senior’s ad at the same time! It’s simple: Replace filler text with your own text! Select a design of your choice. Or create your own ad (Canva, Photoshop, etc) select IMAGE ONLY and upload it there! If you have any problems or questions, please contact Mr Bristow: rbristow@gcbe.org https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/Order/SelectTask?jobNumber=15319425 Also, now is the time for underclassmen to purchase their yearbooks before the next price increase!

Gordon Central High School math teacher Shawna Cox had her students engaged and participating in graphing functions and explaining their key features. #TogetherGCS #GordonCountySchools

57 students recently represented Gordon County Schools in the Northwest Georgia Regional Technology Competition. They joined students from surrounding schools to share technology projects in many different categories. Gordon County sent students from eight schools, and all students were local technology competition winners in their project category and grade level. This was the largest team that Gordon County has ever sent to the regional competition, and all students used their creative, collaborative, and critical thinking skills to develop unique and innovative projects that make our district proud. Special thanks to the following Gordon County Schools staff who assisted with the local or regional technology competitions: Kalee Bennett, Jackie Brown, Rachel Carter, Brandi Evans, Taylor Fain, Adam Fite, Leigh-Ann Hunt, Chuck Langston, Danny Lowrance, Bryson McGuire, Chad Moore, Caroline Stephens, and Melissa Vincent.

Spring Semester AP exam deposits of $40 per exam are due by Thursday, Feb. 6th and remaining exam fee balances are due by Thursday, March 6th. More information can be found at https://wakelet.com/wake/o-DioHRxEcspiJn7pwQxO. You can contact Mrs. Pruitt with questions at spruitt@gcbe.org or by calling (706) 629-7391 ext. 4739.

The deadline for purchasing senior yearbook ads is Feb. 14. Scan the QR code and select the correct option for you. If you already purchased a yearbook, choose the Purchase an Ad for my Student (without a yearbook). If not, and you would like to buy a yearbook for your senior as well as an ad, choose the purchase a yearbook option and be sure to buy your senior’s ad at the same time! It’s simple: Replace filler text with your own text! Select a design of your choice. Or create your own ad (Canva, Photoshop, etc) select IMAGE ONLY and upload it there! If you have any problems or questions, please contact Mr Bristow: rbristow@gcbe.org https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/Order/SelectTask?jobNumber=15319425 Also, now is the time for underclassmen to purchase their yearbooks before the next price increase!

Gordon Central High School is honored to announce the Class of 2025 Valedictorian and Salutatorian. Samantha Ruiz has earned the prestigious title of 2025 Valedictorian. Samantha's parents are Patricia Reyes and Sergio Ruiz. Samantha plans to attend UGA with an undecided major. Aiden Williams has achieved the distinguished honor of 2025 Salutatorian. Aiden's parents are Jessica and Cory Williams. Aiden plans to attend Oglethorpe University and major in Biology. Congratulations to Samantha and Aiden on this amazing achievement!

📢 Attention Class of 2025 Seniors! 🎓✨ It’s time for Senior Baby Pictures & Senior Quotes! 🍼📖 Be part of this year’s GCHS Yearbook by submitting: 📸 A fun or special baby picture 📝 Your senior quote (submit both at the same time!) ✅ Submit here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSdnTB8BWtDTem.../viewform or through the QR code. 📅 Deadline: Monday, February 10 Got questions? Email rbristow@gcbe.org. Don’t miss out on this senior tradition! 🎉 #GCHSClassOf2025 #SeniorMemories

Gordon Central High School automotive teacher Johnny Henson has his EV (electric vehicle) frame ready for some work! This package was purchased with an EV grant GC's automotive program received in 2023. It allows students to work on, build, and disassemble a vehicle.

✨ Get Ready to Glow, Gordon Central! ✨ 🌟 It’s time to turn up the brightness and the beats! 🌟 Join us for the Neon Dance 🕺💃 at Gordon Central High School. Bring your best neon gear and let's light up the night! 🗓 When: March 1 🕖 Time: 7-10 📍 Where: Gordon Central High School Lunchroom 🖤 Casual neon outfits are a must! 🎶 DJ spinning all your favorite tunes Entry: Only $20 at the door! Pre-purchase online for $15. Let’s make this the most lit night of the year! 🌈 #GCHSNeonDance #GlowUp #GCHSPartyTime #DanceTheNightAway 👕🎉 Tag your friends & get ready to shine! ✨

It's SOS Inside Out Week! Here's the details: Mental Health Monday: “Stay Strong” Loop Rings WEAR GREEN FOR DISGUST During lunch today, students will name someone or something that gives them strength. SOS members will create loops and string them down a hallway or in the mall area. Sit and Talk Tuesday: Students can play card games and talk to friends during their lunches to relax. WEAR ORANGE FOR ANXIETY Wellness Wednesday: WEAR PURPLE FOR FEAR Thursday: Pins to Peers during lunches. A table will be placed in the mall area where students can write encouraging words on clothespins and give to friends. WEAR BLUE FOR SADNESS “Friends are Family” Photo Booth during lunches with Inside Out theme. Students will be encouraged to take pictures and post to social media. WEAR YELLOW FOR JOY

Congratulations to our GCHS Young Georgia Authors winners! Each student will go on to participate in the county level contest. Best of luck to these students. (Students in order of grade level from left to right) 9th grade: Saul Martinez – “Journey from GA to New York” 10th grade: Emily Demain – “Driftwood" 11th grade: Samantha Payne – “The Butterfly Garden” 12th grade: Katerine Queju-hernandez – “What Makes Mother ‘Mom’”