CTAE PATHWAY SPOTLIGHT: Industrial Maintenance students learn the fundamentals of installation, operation, maintenance, and trouble-shooting for hydraulic pneumatic systems, pump and piping systems, electric motors, and wiring as it relates to the manufacturing environment.
Mr. Clay Pruett, pictured alongside his students, is the Industrial Maintenance teacher at the Gordon County College and Career Academy of Design and Advanced Manufacturing.
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ANONYMOUS ALERTS: Students, parents, staff and community members are now able to download and utilize the new GCS Anonymous Alerts app!
The Anonymous Alerts safety system empowers students, parents, and community members to anonymously report issues related to bullying, threats, harassment, drugs, and mental health concerns using the safety system.
Use of this system allows for 1-way or 2-way anonymous encrypted communications between those who submit a report and district administration and/or school administration.
Learn more about Anonymous Alerts by visiting www.gcbe.org/anonymousalerts
You can also download the Anonymous Alerts app today and use activation code: gocoschools
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PRE-K CELEBRATION: Thank you to Senator Chuck Payne for joining us today at Fairmount Elementary School!
This morning, Senator Payne joined the Pre-K classes at FES to share some of his favorite books; “The Monster at the End of This Book” and “Hey, Georgia.” The students enjoyed spending time with Senator Payne and learning about the importance of reading!
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RBMS CHORUS AWARDED ‘VIBRANT COMMUNITIES’ GRANT FROM GEORGIA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS: Red Bud Middle School Chorus, under the direction of Valerie Robbins, was awarded a Vibrant Communities grant from Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA), a strategic arm of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, for fiscal year 2023.
The Vibrant Communities Grant supports a variety of arts programming opportunities throughout the state. As part of this year’s Vibrant Communities awards, 44 entities in 38 counties will receive almost $200,000 in funding.
“Rarely has arts funding been more needed than it is today, so Georgia Council for the Arts is particularly grateful for the support that the Georgia General Assembly is providing for our arts communities to help them carry out their mission,” said Georgia Council for the Arts Director Tina Lilly. “We hear firsthand about what this assistance can mean to an organization and a community, and we’re pleased to know that it will touch the lives of so many Georgians.”
Georgia Council for the Arts received applications from schools, libraries, cities, historical societies, community theatres, Boys & Girls Clubs, and arts and other related organizations from across the state. Entities that previously received a fiscal year 2023 Project, Bridge, or Arts Education grant, which were announced in August, were not eligible for Vibrant Communities grants.
“RBMS Chorus will be presenting “The Little Mermaid, Jr.” in March 2023 and these funds will help tremendously as we transform our gym into a performing arts space by bringing in lighting and sound and curtains,” said Robbins.
Funding for these grants is provided through appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly. A complete list of fiscal year 2023 grantees in these program areas can be found on the GCA website.
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SSAC: Today was the first meeting of the 2022-2023 Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. Students from Gordon County middle and high schools met to learn about Gordon County Schools, how the SSAC makes a difference in our school system, discuss the issues they would like to resolve as members of this council and participate in team building activities to get to know one another.
Thank you to our program sponsor North Georgia National Bank for supporting our programs and for providing lunch to our council members!
We are looking forward to a fantastic year with these student leaders!
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Gordon County Schools is currently seeking public comment and parental input for the adoption of a high school textbook for the Healthcare Science Pathway.
To view the table of contents for the textbook the CTAE department has chosen for this adoption and for more information about the instructional materials review and adoption process, visit our website at www.gcbe.org/textbookadoption
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COLORING CONTEST: During the month of October our community partner, Amanda Jo Brown Real Estate, hosted a coloring contest for first grade students in Gordon and Bartow County Schools!
Students were given coloring sheets to complete, and one winner was chosen in each first-grade class to compete to be the county winner. All classroom winners will receive a free t-shirt and each county winner will receive 4 tickets to go to the Tellus Museum!
County winners will be announced by the Amanda Jo Brown Real Estate Team on Monday, October 31st!
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MEET THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: We are so proud of the dedicated administration inside of each Gordon County School. Throughout the year, we will be introducing our Principals and Assistant Principals that serve as school leaders in our #OneBIGFamily
Please help us to celebrate Ms. Kelly Rampy, Assistant Principal at Sonoraville Elementary, by getting to know more about her below:
Q: Why did you want to become a teacher, or join the field of education?
A: I have always loved working with children and helping others. I knew that the field of education would give me the opportunity to help others every day.
Q: Did you have a teacher (or teachers) who made an impact on you as a student?
A: I had several teachers that had an impact on me. Whether it was my dance teachers telling me it was alright to get frustrated when something wasn’t easy the first time, my family members that are educators that set a daily example for what a great teacher is, or my teachers in school that recognized and celebrated my abilities.
Q: What advice would you give to new teachers?
A: As a new teacher it is important to understand that it is always okay to ask for help. Your colleagues are your greatest resource. It is also important to share your own ideas because new teachers have great ideas too!
Q: What is your favorite advice to give to your students?
A: Always try your best but know that we all make mistakes. We use those mistakes as learning experiences and think about what we can do differently the next time.
Q: What motivates you each day?
A: Knowing that I get to work with amazing people and amazing students each day and that I get to have a positive influence on all of their lives.
Q: What is a memorable moment that stands out to you since being in this position?
A: The heartfelt thank you from parents for taking time to get to know their child and how to best support them.
Q: Is there anything that you would like the GCS community and stakeholders to know about you?
A: I am proud to work for Gordon County Schools and serve the Sonoraville community.
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Our theme for the 2022-2023 school year is #OneBIGFamily.
We asked Lori Steward, Secretary/Bookkeeper for the Gordon County College and Career Academy of Design & Advanced Manufacturing, what it means to be part of our One BIG Family:
"I moved to Calhoun from Iowa with my husband almost 6 years ago. I knew no one. The people at the College & Career Academy made me feel so welcome. Moving to the south from the Midwest was a bit of a culture change. The terminology is a little different, the food is a little different (I don’t care for biscuits and gravy, or grits) and I love to share those stories with my children and grandchildren when I return home. The Faculty and Staff were so helpful with me trying to learn. I truly felt like I moved to another world and was out of my element. As time went on, I met some of my husbands team, parents and other school staff and found how friendly and helpful everyone was , I felt like I found a family. ONE BIG FAMILY. "
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PARENT & FAMILY ENGAGEMENT TIP OF THE WEEK: As a parent or guardian, you are your child's number one advocate. Parent-teacher conferences allow you to talk with teachers and other school personnel about what is happening in your child's life and at school. Through these conversations, you can get support from your child's school and plan steps for moving forward. Parent-teacher conferences are often scheduled routinely during the school year, or you can request a conference any time when you have questions or concerns about your child's progress. Simply contact your child's teacher to schedule a date and time.
Visit www.gcbe.org/pfe to learn more about GCS Parent & Family Engagement today.
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TOTY CELEBRATION: We have some amazing teachers at Gordon County Schools. Please help us to celebrate the 2022 Ashworth Middle School Teacher of the Year, McKenna Massengale!
Massengale first decided she wanted to be a teacher during her time in college at Shorter University, “In college, I decided that I wanted to become a teacher to be able to invest in the lives of students. Since then, it has become so clearly evident that this is the Lord’s calling on my life,” said Ms. Massengale. “I love being able to teach, coach, and love on students and hopefully make a positive impact on their lives and futures.”
Upon completion of her degree from Shorter University in 2019, Ms. Massengale joined Gordon County Schools as a sixth-grade educator at Ashworth Middle School.
We asked Ms. Massengale if there were any teachers that left a lasting impact on her life, similar to the one she would like to leave on her students; “I had multiple teachers throughout the years that had an impact on me as a student. My fourth-grade teacher Mrs. Ellis saw something in me and gave me opportunities in the classroom to grow my strengths as a helper and teacher to my peers. In high school, my English teacher Mrs. Ginese invested not only in my academics, but in my athletic abilities, talents, and overall growth as a person. Her impact went well beyond the classroom walls,” said Ms. Massengale.
Colleagues at Ashworth Middle School describe Massengale as “a dedicated educator who believes that every student can succeed in the classroom,” and an educator who “engages every student in the learning process.” Colleagues also celebrate her teaching methods as she has established a reputation for using fun, innovative, and engaging activities which help meet the learning needs of all her students.
“Being Ashworth’s Teacher of the Year is such an honor and a privilege. I love the people that make up this school and am blessed to be a part of this family. I still have so much to learn and grow in and am excited for the years to come,” said Massengale.
Congratulations Ms. Massengale!!
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FIRED UP FOOD DRIVE: Get ready for the annual fired up food drive!
November 7-11, Gordon County Schools will be participating in the Fired Up Food Drive to benefit our community partner, the Voluntary Action Center (VAC).
The VAC is looking to collect items that are either canned goods or unopened non-perishable items.
We will post additional information as we get closer to the start of the event!
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NUTRITION EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR: Gordon County Schools is pleased to announce the 2022-2023 School Nutrition Employee of the Year, Tammy Fuller.
The inaugural Gordon County Schools Nutrition Employee of the Year award has been established to recognize the efforts of an individual from the Gordon County Schools Nutrition Staff who has demonstrated exemplary support and dedication to their service, the Gordon County School Nutrition department, the school they serve and the students/staff at their school of service.
Nominated by her peers across Gordon County Schools for the recognition, Ms. Fuller was described as “the truest example of 'feeding kids is a matter of heart". In several nominations, Ms. Fuller was described as always striving for the best product to be served from her kitchen, going the extra mile to create a welcoming place for all, truly loving all the students she serves and working extra hard to make sure they love being in the Gordon Central cafeteria.
“Winning this award means the world to me! To know that my peers think me deserving of this is overwhelming. The ladies I work with are amazing and Nicole Head is one amazing Director. They are what makes my job easy,” said Ms. Fuller.
Originally pursuing a career in school nutrition to allow her to be close with her kids and family, she considers each student that she has served and continues to serve to be part of her extended family. When asked what she enjoys the most about her role, Ms. Fuller stated, “For me, it’s the relationships, the smiles, and the conversations with both the students and staff.”
Ms. Fuller has worked with Gordon County Schools Nutrition Department for 33 years, with all but one year of her service being spent at Gordon Central High School.
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We encourage all members of our #OneBIGFamily to complete the Gordon County Moving Forward Together Survey from our friends at the NW GA Regional Commission.
This survey offers the opportunity for people that live or work in Gordon County to provide guidance about improving various aspects of our community.
Link to survey: http://s.alchemer.com/s3/Gordon-County-Moving-Forward-Together-Survey
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Gordon County Schools is currently seeking public comment and parental input for the adoption of both a middle school and a high school textbook for health.
To view the table of contents for the textbook the health and PE departments have chosen for this adoption and for more information about the instructional materials review and adoption process, visit our website at www.gcbe.org/textbookadoption
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OCTOBER BOARD RECOGNITIONS: Recently, Sonoraville Elementary School was celebrated at the October Board Meeting for winning the month-long Attendance Awareness Competition amongst Gordon County Schools.
Attendance Awareness Month takes place each September to spread awareness regarding why maintaining attendance in school is essential for academic success.
SES Principal, Amy Beason, was present to accept the recognition on behalf of the school!
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PARENT & FAMILY ENGAGEMENT TIP OF THE WEEK: Try creating an inviting writing corner for young writers. Create a "Writer's Box" full of pencils, crayons, paper, cards, stickers, and other writing tools in a shoebox or small plastic bin. Ask your child to decorate the box. Children are more likely to take a moment to write something when they can quickly grab what they need. Decorate the writing space by hanging notes from family members, cards, or stories your child has written. This will provide inspiration and examples for your child to model their writing on. Keep a list of fun writing ideas and topics so that young writers don't have to look far for inspiration.
Visit www.gcbe.org/pfe to learn more about GCS Parent & Family Engagement today.
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Our theme for the 2022-2023 school year is #OneBIGFamily.
We asked Whitney Prather, Instructional Technology Coordinator for Gordon County Schools, what it means to be part of our One BIG Family:
"I am thankful to be a part of Gordon County Schools’ One BIG Family because of a uniquely professional yet personal atmosphere where we all support one another as we work together to provide our students with opportunities that lead them to success. Our BIG Family’s is built on the solid foundation of relationships.
As the Instructional Technology Coordinator, I get the privilege of working in all our schools, and while each one is different, all of them create a welcoming environment for students and families. It is easy to see how our teachers, leaders, and staff are fully invested in and understand the communities they serve. They are committed to providing students with diverse opportunities and experiences for growth with the necessary encouragement and guidance. Helping to support that mission and vision through classroom technology integration makes coming to work a joy where every day is an exciting adventure, and I am always discovering new things and making new friends."
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SSAC: Congratulations to the 2022-2023 Superintendent's Student Advisory Council members!
About the SSAC: The goal of the SSAC is to have a diverse group of students with different activities and interests to provide comprehensive insight into how our system can improve. Through the SSAC, students have the opportunity to be representatives of and a voice for their schools and the Gordon County
student body.
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OCTOBER BOARD RECOGNITIONS: Gordon County School Nutrition Director, Nicole Head, received recognition for her exemplary work in leading the efforts that resulted in the recent Golden Radish Awards presented to Gordon County Schools in September!
GCS was recognized with the Golden Radish Award for our Farm to School programming excellence during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years.
The Golden Radish Award publicly recognizes Georgia school districts for best practices in farm to school programs. These best practices include local food procurement, exposing students to new foods through taste tests, and incorporating cooking and gardening activities in curriculum.
Nicole Head, Director of School Nutrition for Gordon County Schools, was present at the Georgia Department of Education Food Nutrition Director’s Conference to accept the awards.
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