Belwood Elementary School

Mrs. Hales class enjoyed learning about guinea pigs from Mr. Gilreath. He brought Sugar, Zuri, Isabella and Emma and taught us about their habits, safety, and nutrition. We love guinea pigs! Thank you Mr. Gilreath for sharing your pets with us:)

Circus McGurkus Mondays highlighted a game taught by Coach Mac last week in PE. The game was entitled, Lava Boats! It required critical thinking skills and team work to achieve the most points in each game!

A little rain doesn't stop Ms. Walraven's 2nd graders from having fun! YAY for indoor recess!

Circus McGurkus Mondays kicked off last Monday during Specials! Each week classes will meet whole group in the gym to review skills learned in Music, STEAM, PE, and the Library. Students will compete in various ways to display their understanding of each specials lesson from the previous week! Points are given and will culminate with a SURPRISE CELEBRATION with the winning class!

Please join us for an important presentation Tuesday, August 29th from 6 pm - 8 pm. ALL parents and guardians are encouraged to attend Keeping Kids Safe in a Digital World Parent Workshop at Rockbridge Community Church on Curtis Parkway! No Cost to attend!

Hi Belwood Families, This year our theme is "No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else" by P.T. Barnum. We are focusing on each other's wonderful qualities that make them part of the Belwood Family and the qualities that go into that. We had the opportunity to kick off our celebration of our theme as well as our Belwood's Bright Behavior with a performance from Air Elite. Air Elite promotes the principles of good behavior and good choices that reflect the same messages we stand on. They emphasized attitude is everything and treat others the way you want to be treated. The kids had a blast and Air Elite provided a phenomenal program and a good time. A big thank you to Air Elite for providing a program that reflects the school wide expectations we discuss each morning in their own unique way: We are kind and respectful. We listen and follow directions. We are prepared for class and ready to learn. We will do our very best at all times. We take pride in ourselves, our work, and our school. We strive to be leaders. We have good manners and character. We will be exceptional students. Mrs. Holt

Belwood teachers are happy to welcome students back to school!

Get ready to embark on an incredible learning adventure because TOMORROW is the first day of school! We're so excited to welcome back our amazing students and greet new faces with open arms. Teachers and staff are all set to make tomorrow a day to remember. Let's make it count! Also, when you post those first day of school photos make sure you tag us! Use the hashtag #GoCoFirstDay or email them to kpannell@gcbe.org. We will be featuring back to school photos on our social media channels and the September issue of the Gordon County Schools Connection newsletter. Parents and families - thank you for entrusting us with your children's education. We promise to make this school year unforgettable! #GoCoSchools #OneBIGFamily

Mrs. Holt and Mr. Fox are thrilled to get the new school year started at Belwood where "No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else" PT Barnum

🚍 It's back-to-school season, and that means it's time to brush up on school bus safety! Let's ensure our kids have a safe and enjoyable journey to school every day. 🎒📚 SCHOOL BUS SAFETY TIPS - AT THE BUS STOP: •Arrive at the bus stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to come. •Wait at the bus stop in a safe place, 12 feet away from the road. •Wait in an orderly group: Form an orderly line as the bus approaches, with the first student in line standing 12 feet away from traffic. •If you miss the bus, return home and get help or phone a parent/guardian for assistance •NEVER chase after the bus. •NEVER wear headphones/ear buds or hoodies while loading or unloading the bus: the driver needs to be able to make eye contact and communicate. •NEVER walk or drive to another bus stop:your bus driver will not be expecting you. #SchoolBusSafety #GoCoSchools #OneBIGFamily

📢 Attention parents and families! Don't miss out on the opportunity to apply for free and reduced meal benefits for your child. It's a simple process that can provide significant support. Visit our website by visiting www.gcbe.org/mealapplications for more information. #MoreThanJustAMeal #GoCoSchools #GCSN

Gordon County Schools (GCS) is pleased to announce the 2023-24 School Teachers of the Year Winners. In the spring semester each school year, each GCS school is asked to select its own Teacher of the Year using nominations received from fellow staff members and community stakeholders. All school-level winners then become eligible to compete for the honor of being named the Gordon County Schools System Teacher of the Year. The annual system-wide competition is judged by a panel of community partners, retired educators, and system leadership based on applications submitted by school-level winners and classroom observations. Three system finalists will be announced the week of March 27th and the 2023-24 Gordon County Schools System Teacher of the Year will be announced at the annual banquet tentatively scheduled for May 2nd. The winner of the system-wide honor will represent Gordon County Schools on the state level for the Georgia Teacher of the Year competition. Gordon County Schools 2022-23 School-Level Teachers of the Year: Ashworth Middle: Judson Peacock Belwood Elementary: Brenda Gilmor Fairmount Elementary: Christy Smith Gordon Central High: Neal Crawford Red Bud Elementary: Brooke Cigainero Red Bud Middle: Jacqueline Cascio Sonoraville Elementary: Heidi Murphy Sonoraville High: Carmelita Everett Tolbert Elementary: Cathy Musacchio W.L. Swain Elementary: India Bennett Learn more about the 2023-24 School-Level Teachers of the Year by visiting www.gcbe.org/2023-24teacheroftheyear #GoCoSchools #GETGCS #OneBIGFamily

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.

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

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

🚨🚨DELAYED DISMISSAL ANNOUNCEMENT🚨🚨 Due to inclement weather, Gordon County Schools will be delaying student release today, January 12th, by approximately 30 minutes. The Afterschool Program (ASP) at our elementary schools will operate as normal. Please continue to monitor the Gordon County Schools website, all social media handles, and notifications received from the mass notification system for the most up to date information.

We hope that everyone has a joyous and restful Thanksgiving Break! Don't forget that there is no school next week. Students will return on Monday, November 28.