Gordon County Schools -

CHECK IT OUT: We are loving the new sign at the Gordon County College and Career Academy, Inc.! Did you know that the purpose of our Career Academy is to train high school students for high skill, high wage, and high demand occupations in an effort to create a viable 21st century workforce for Gordon County and surrounding communities? We are so proud to offer these fantastic programs to our Gordon County Schools students: welding, graphic design, fluid power and piping systems, electrical motor control, mechatronics, industrial maintenance, engineering, drafting and design, cloud computing, and computer science. Visit www.gcbe.org to learn more today! #GoCoSchools #GETGCS #OneBIGFamily

TOMORROW is the last day to enroll your student in the Pre-K program in Gordon County Schools! More information, forms, and step-by-step instructions can be found by visiting www.gcbe.org/prek & www.gcbe.org/enrollment #GoCoSchools #OneBIGFamily #GETGCS

Everyone in Gordon County Schools is digging National School Breakfast Week! Dig in to School Breakfast every morning for some special new menu items and lots of fun!

NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION: Gordon County Schools is still accepting enrollment applications for the 2023-24 Preschool Play & Learn (PALs) Program, Pre-K classes & Kindergarten classes! Enrollment for Pre-K closes on Friday, March 10th! 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

Given the latest timing of the impending storms and its impact on today’s dismissal, Gordon County Schools will be dismissing elementary schools today at 12:30 p.m. and middle and high schools at 1:30 p.m. Aftercare will operate as normal. Schools will communicate individually about the status of any other after-school activities that are scheduled for this afternoon and evening.

Gordon County Schools, in collaboration with local safety officials, is closely monitoring weather conditions expected for this afternoon. We stand ready to alter today’s dismissal in the interest of student and staff safety. Should an official change of schedule (delay, early dismissal, etc.) be warranted, we will notify staff and families via our website, all social media handles, mass notification system, and share information with local media outlets.

Early this morning, reports of what sounded like two gunshots in the vicinity of Sonoraville Elementary and Sonoraville High School campuses prompted the schools to go into the lockdown phase of their safety plans and to hold buses off-site. The Gordon County Sheriff's Office responded promptly and have found no threat on campus. We appreciate our continued partnership with law enforcement and their prompt response to this situation. We remain vigilant regarding the safety and security of our schools, and we appreciate everyone's cooperation this morning.

CALHOUN, GA, February 22, 2023- ​Twelve Gordon County students were chosen to participate in the 2023 Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) All-State Chorus in Athens over the weekend. These students are part of an elite group who were chosen following the successful completion of two rounds of auditions. Approximately 10,000 students audition across the state, and around 1,800 are selected to perform during the annual event. Dr. Kim Watters, choral director at Gordon Central High School praised these students for their hard work and dedication, "This weekend is about celebrating their success and singing as part of the BEST IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA!" she shared, "They deserve to be recognized by one and all as the best in their field." Vicky Latimer, choral director at Ashworth Middle School, recognized these students for rising to the challenge of being named to this prestigious group, "We set the bar high for our students because it’s what they deserve of us, and they have once again proven that they can meet (and exceed) our expectations." ​Students selected as members of the 2023 All-State Chorus were: Jude Clance, Gordon Central High School Emily Demain, Ashworth Middle School Eddy Garcia, Ashworth Middle School Bobby Hicks, Gordon Central High School Sadie Holmes, Gordon Central High School Catherine Hughes, Gordon Central High School Cecilia Kolterman, Ashworth Middle School Seth Kolterman, Gordon Central High School Toccoa Long, Gordon Central High School Anna Caroline Parker, Gordon Central High School Tyler Waits, Gordon Central High School Peyton Yarbrough, Gordon Central High School ### 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

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