FIRED UP FOOD DRIVE: The annual fired up food drive starts MONDAY!
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.
#GoCoSchools #GETGCS #OneBIGFamily
SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: Congratulations to Gordon Central High School senior, Gavin Holmes, on being named a School Winner for the 2022 Heisman High School Scholarship!
The Heisman High School Scholarship program extends the Heisman prestige to the nation’s most esteemed high school seniors by celebrating and rewarding outstanding male and female scholar-athletes who understand that the most important victories happen not only on the field, but also in their schools and communities.
#GoCoSchools #GETGCS #OneBIGFamily
SES LUNCH BUDDIES: Check out some of the lunch buddies at Sonoraville Elementary School today!
The Lunch Buddy program pairs mentors with elementary school students for a lunch meeting twice a month where students are able to speak with their mentors about their studies, classes, friends and what's going on in their world.
This fantastic mentoring program first started in Gordon County Schools in 2018 and has made a positive impact in our schools. We are extremely thankful for the continued community support of this program!!
#GoCoSchools #GETGCS #OneBIGFamily
Our theme for the 2022-2023 school year is #OneBIGFamily.
We asked Leigh-Ann Hunt, Media Specialist at Ashworth Middle School, what it means to be part of our One BIG Family:
"I am thankful that I am a part of Gordon County’s One Big Family because of the impact we collectively make on the lives of our students, families, and coworkers. None of us can do it all on our own, but when we work together, we see great results. What I love most about being an educator is that it allows us opportunities to serve others every day, and it warms my heart to see so many teachers and staff pouring into our students – developing their skills, providing support, and showing them love.
I personally benefitted from the love and support of countless Gordon County employees and families when I experienced an extended illness six years ago. Our people come from various backgrounds and experiences, but they pull together and show up when it counts. This quote sums it up well. “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up!” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10"
#GoCoSchools #GETGCS
November is Parent and Family Engagement Month!
To celebrate Parent & Family Engagement Month, we are posting weekly tips filled with activities and ideas to help you engage with your child. Please post photos or videos of your family engaging in the activities on our Gordon County Schools social media pages or email them to kpannell@gcbe.org
-Each post made by your family will enter you in a drawing to win a Family Prize Pack.
-The drawing will take place on November 18, 2022 and the winners will be announced on our website and social media channels!
Week 1 tips are available below and on our website at www.gcbe.org/pfemonth
#GoCoSchools #GETGCS #OneBIGFamily #FamilyEngagement
We are thinking of our friends and family in the Chattooga High School community who lost several students in a tragic accident this weekend.
#ChattoogaStrong #OneTribe #OneBIGFamily
TOTY CELEBRATION: We have some amazing teachers at Gordon County Schools. Please help us to celebrate the 2022 Fairmount Elementary School & Gordon County Schools System Teacher of the Year, Katy Waters!
Waters knew from a very young age that she wanted to be an educator. “I have always wanted to be a teacher. I have never imagined myself doing anything else,” said Waters. “Growing up, I had a very close family member who struggled with adult illiteracy. I learned from a very young age the importance of a strong foundation in reading. Reading has always been my passion, so naturally teaching my first graders to read brings me great joy.”
Leaving a lasting impression throughout her career for always going “above and beyond” for the students she has taught and the staff she has worked with, we asked Ms. Waters if there were any teachers that left a lasting impact on her: “I have been blessed with some amazing educators in my life. I vividly recall my first-grade teacher Mrs. Carlan and paraprofessional, Mrs. Parks. They made learning so much fun. Mrs. Parks made the best homemade cookies. My high school ag teacher, Mr. Barnes, taught me to be confident and helped train me in public speaking. My mom taught first grade for most of her career, she is a never-ending resource for great strategies and new ideas. Even though my husband teaches middle school, we still spend our evenings bouncing ideas off each other and doing our best to design lessons our students will remember.”
We also asked Ms. Waters what made her so passionate about her students and career: “A parent posted once on her social media page that her little girl said a verse of scripture every day. Not just some days, but everyday... "This is the day the Lord has made; rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24). This was so powerful to me, and it has stayed with me since reading it,” said Ms. Waters. “Do what you love and love what you do, and all the pieces just seem to fall into place.”
Prior to teaching first grade, Ms. Waters would host the morning announcements at FES. Each day, she would leave a lasting impact on each student and staff member in the school by saying, "You have control over your day, your actions, and your attitude. Make it a great day or not, the choice is yours."
Congratulations Ms. Waters!!
#GoCoSchools #GETGCS #OneBIGFamily
We encourage all members of our #OneBIGFamily community 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
#GoCoSchools #GETGCS
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
#GoCoSchools #GETGCS #OneBIGFamily
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.
#GoCoSchools #GETGCS #OneBIGFamily
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!
#GoCoSchools #GETGCS #OneBIGFamily
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.
#GoCoSchools #GETGCS #OneBIGFamily
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!
#GoCoSchools #GETGCS #OneBIGFamily
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!
#GoCoSchools #GETGCS #OneBIGFamily
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
#GoCoSchools #GETGCS #OneBIGFamily
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.
#GoCoSchools #GETGCS
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. "
#GoCoSchools #GETGCS
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.
#GoCoSchools #GETGCS #OneBIGFamily
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!!
#GoCoSchools #OneBIGFamily #GETGCS #TOTY
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!
#GoCoSchools #GETGCS #OneBIGFamily
