It's time to talk together, Gordon County Schools families!
Week 3 of our "We Did It!" Family Challenge begins Monday. As part of Family Engagement Month, we are encouraging families to slow down, spend time together, and strengthen their connections through meaningful conversations.
November 9–15: Talk Together!
Next week's challenge is all about making time to listen, share, and learn more about one another. Whether you're sitting around the dinner table, riding in the car, or spending time together at home, a simple conversation can create meaningful connections.
Not sure where to start? Try asking your family some of these conversation starter questions:
- What was the best part of your day?
- What made you laugh today?
- What are you proud of?
- What was something hard today? How did you handle it?
- What is one thing you would like to learn more about?
- What is something you are looking forward to?
Take turns answering, listen to one another, and enjoy learning something new about your family members!
Enter for a Chance to Win a Family Engagement Prize Basket!
Once your family completes the challenge, take a selfie with a homemade "We Did It!" sign and submit your entry through our website or email Kerri Chatman at [kchatman@gcbe.org](mailto:kchatman@gcbe.org).
Be sure to include the following information with your entry:
- Student's name
- School
- A short description of your family's conversation activity
Each Gordon County Schools school will select a winner through a random drawing from the entries received.
Family engagement doesn't have to involve a special event or a big activity. Sometimes, the most meaningful connections happen through everyday conversations. Taking a few minutes to ask questions, listen, and show interest in one another can help children feel supported, valued, and connected.
Small conversations can make a BIG difference!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
Reminder: Week 2 of our "We Did It!" Family Challenge is here! As part of Family Engagement Month, we are encouraging families to spend time together, stay active, and have fun with our Week 2 Challenge: Get Moving!
This week's challenge is all about being active together as a family. Take a family walk, play outside, ride bikes, visit a park, or come up with your own family exercise challenge. It doesn't have to be complicated! The goal is to spend quality time together while building healthy habits and making memories.
Enter for a Chance to Win a Family Engagement Prize Basket!
Once your family completes the challenge, take a selfie with a homemade "We Did It!" sign and submit your entry through our website or email Kerri Chatman at kchatman@gcbe.org.
Be sure to include the following information with your entry:
- Student's name
- School
- A short description of what your family did and how you got moving together
Each Gordon County Schools school will select a winner through a random drawing from the entries received.
Family engagement doesn't always mean attending an event or participating in a school activity. Sometimes, it's as simple as spending time together, encouraging one another, and having fun. We hope our families will use this week's challenge as an opportunity to connect and enjoy being active together.
Healthy families build stronger communities!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
Week 2 of our "We Did It!" Family Challenge begins Monday, November 2nd! As part of Family Engagement Month, we are encouraging families to spend time together, stay active, and have fun with our Week 2 Challenge: Get Moving!
Next week's challenge is all about being active together as a family. Take a family walk, play outside, ride bikes, visit a park, or come up with your own family exercise challenge. It doesn't have to be complicated! The goal is to spend quality time together while building healthy habits and making memories.
Enter for a Chance to Win a Family Engagement Prize Basket!
Once your family completes the challenge, take a selfie with a homemade "We Did It!" sign and submit your entry through our website or email Kerri Chatman at kchatman@gcbe.org.
Be sure to include the following information with your entry:
- Student's name
- School
- A short description of what your family did and how you got moving together
Each Gordon County Schools school will select a winner through a random drawing from the entries received.
Family engagement doesn't always mean attending an event or participating in a school activity. Sometimes, it's as simple as spending time together, encouraging one another, and having fun. We hope our families will use this week's challenge as an opportunity to connect and enjoy being active together.
Healthy families build stronger communities!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
From October 26 through November 1, families are encouraged to read together for at least 20 minutes. Spending time reading as a family helps build literacy skills, strengthens relationships, and creates meaningful learning experiences at home.
Families can also enter for a chance to win a Family Engagement Prize Basket in one of two ways:
1. Send a selfie with a homemade “We Did It!” sign to Kerri Chatman at kchatman@gcbe.org. Include the student’s name and school.
2. Email a short description of what and how your family read together to kchatman@gcbe.org. Include the student’s name and school.
We hope families across Gordon County Schools will join in this week and make reading together part of their family time!
Students mapped out the parts of the heart and reviewed how blood moves through the body, using their own artistic representations to demonstrate what they have learned. The activity gave students a creative way to reinforce important healthcare concepts while discussing and comparing their work with classmates.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #GordonCentralHigh
Gordon County Schools is excited to celebrate Family Engagement Month with our “We Did It!” Family Challenge, taking place October 26 through November 20!
Strong families help build strong schools, and we know that even small moments spent together can make a big difference. Throughout these four weeks, we are encouraging families across our district to participate in simple, meaningful activities that help them grow, connect, and succeed together.
Each week features a different family challenge:
Week 1: Read Together
Spend 20 minutes reading together as a family. Whether it is a favorite book, a bedtime story, or something new, take time to enjoy reading with one another.
Week 2: Get Moving!
Get active as a family! Take a walk, play outside, or complete a family exercise challenge. Find a fun way to enjoy physical activity together.
Week 3: Talk Together
Make time for a family conversation using conversation starters that will be provided. This challenge encourages families to communicate, share experiences, and strengthen their connections.
Week 4: Give Together
Do something kind for another person. Whether it is helping a neighbor, supporting someone in need, or finding another way to show kindness, families are encouraged to make a positive difference together.
Participate for a Chance to Win a Family Prize Pack! Families who complete a challenge can enter for a chance to win a Family Prize Pack! Each school will select a winner through a random drawing from the entries received.
Families can submit their participation in one of two ways:
1. Take a selfie of your family completing the activity while holding a homemade “We Did It!” sign.
OR
2. Send a brief written description of the activity your family completed together.
Be sure to include your student's name and school with your submission. Email your entries to Kerri Chatman at kchatman@gcbe.org.
We encourage all Gordon County Schools families to take part in this special month of activities. You do not need elaborate plans or expensive experiences to make meaningful memories. Reading a book, sharing a conversation, getting outside, or showing kindness can help strengthen family relationships and support student success.
We look forward to seeing how our families participate throughout Family Engagement Month!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
Students worked together, discussed techniques, and focused on the precision and discipline required to improve their performance. Their training also supports their progress toward earning medal recognition through the JROTC program.
Senior Army Instructor Col. Steinbrecher guided students throughout the activity, helping them build confidence, responsibility, and attention to detail.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
Leah Newsom is in her 27th year as an educator and her 5th year as principal of the Gordon County Schools College and Career Academy.
One of the things Mrs. Newsom values most about serving as principal is the opportunity to support both students and staff in a caring and encouraging environment. She especially enjoys leading a school where students choose to attend based on programs that connect directly to their career interests and future goals.
Mrs. Newsom believes the College and Career Academy is special because students are able to focus on relevant, hands on learning in an environment where they feel comfortable and supported. She is proud of the relationships within the school and the way students and staff genuinely care about one another.
A message she wants every student to know is that she believes in them and wants to support them throughout their journey. For Mrs. Newsom, being a principal means helping students and staff recognize their potential, encouraging them to grow, and supporting them as they work toward becoming their best.
Outside of school, Mrs. Newsom enjoys spending time with her husband, Brian, and their grandson, Caleb, who is a 2nd grade student at Sonoraville Elementary. Their family enjoys traveling and taking both small and large adventures together. Mrs. Newsom also grew up on a large farm, showed horses, and has experience with row crops, cattle, and farm life. She also enjoys offshore fishing.
Although Calhoun and Gordon County were not originally her hometown, Mrs. Newsom has called the community home for the past 27 years. She remains grateful for the opportunities she has had throughout Gordon County Schools and for the people who supported her early in her career.
During National Principals Month, Gordon County Schools is proud to recognize Leah Newsom for her leadership, dedication, and commitment to the students and staff of the College and Career Academy.
Our coaches play an important role in helping students and staff grow, whether they are leading on the field, court, track, or supporting teaching and learning throughout our schools. Their leadership, encouragement, knowledge, and commitment help others build confidence, develop skills, and reach their goals.
Thank you to all of our athletic coaches and instructional coaches for the time, energy, and heart you invest in Gordon County Schools each day!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
Students were willing to get their hands dirty as they practiced important skills connected to plant growth, agriculture, and greenhouse management. This hands on experience gave them the opportunity to apply what they are learning in class while building confidence through real world work.
These Warriors definitely have a green thumb!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #GordonCentralHigh
W.L. Swain Elementary kindergarten students had a special visit to Gordon Central High School today, where they worked alongside high school students in Mrs. Albright’s Teaching as a Profession classes.
Our future Warriors visited several classrooms, including those of Ms. Mills, Mrs. Hice, and Mrs. Lee, and participated in fun, hands on activities throughout the day. Pictured here, students were having a great time learning in Mrs. Lee’s Healthcare class.
We always love seeing our older students connect with younger learners and share their knowledge, encouragement, and school spirit. Experiences like this bring our schools together as one community and give students of all ages opportunities to learn from one another.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #WLSwainElementary #GordonCentralHigh #GCCCA
Talent Connect gives students the opportunity to learn directly from local business and community professionals while developing practical skills they can use as they enter college, careers, and the workforce. During the visit, students learned about the importance of building a strong resume and how to effectively showcase their talents, abilities, accomplishments, and work experience.
Thank you to Becky Hale from the Shaw Industries Human Resources Department for serving as the guest speaker and sharing valuable insight with students. We also appreciate Gordon County Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Rachel Holbert and Elizabeth Cash for working directly with students to help them develop resumes they can continue using and improving as they pursue real-world opportunities.
We are grateful for the leadership of Gordon County College and Career Academy Principal Leah Newsom and Work-Based Learning advisors Andrea Walraven and Daniel Worley for continuing to create meaningful experiences that help students connect what they learn in school with the skills they will need for their future.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
Sonoraville High School SkillsUSA students are preparing for competition through a realistic, hands-on experience! Bo Dooley’s construction team participated in a mock regional event using official competition timing and judging criteria.
Thank you to SHS graduate Zane Stewart, assistant project manager with Momon Construction, for being there today to support these future skilled professionals and share in their preparation for competition! #SonoravilleHigh #GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
These future educators gained valuable hands-on experience in a real school setting. Experiences like this help students better understand this future career path.
The group was even willing to pose for a picture, and AMS PE teacher Coach Moore joined in on the fun for one of them!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #GordonCentralHigh #AshworthMiddle
We’re inviting community members to join us for Volunteer Training and learn how you can support our students through opportunities like reading with students and our Lunch Buddies program.
📅 Friday, September 4, 2026
🕘 9:00 a.m.
📍 Central Office Board Room
(7300 Fairmount HWY SE, Calhoun, GA 30701)
Whether you’re helping a student build confidence as a reader or simply sharing a smile and conversation at lunch, your time and kindness can make a meaningful difference.
Let's help every student Grow, Connect, Succeed!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
Welding is a strong career option for students, and GCCCA provides hands on learning that helps students build real skills for life after high school. Through practice, precision, and problem solving, students are preparing for future opportunities in a high demand field.
We are proud to see our students growing their skills and preparing for success beyond graduation.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
First level students begin by building a strong foundation in safety before moving deeper into the pathway. These early lessons help prepare students for future skills, industry expectations, and the many career opportunities connected to industrial maintenance.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools
If you have not yet completed the 2027-2028 School Calendar Survey, please take a few moments to share your preference between Option 1 and Option 2. The primary difference between the two proposed calendars is the timing of Fall Break.
The survey also includes an optional section about school and district communications. These questions will help us better understand how you receive information, which communication tools you prefer, and whether there is interest in exploring a more centralized approach to communication.
The communications portion is completely optional and is not required in order to submit your calendar selection.
The survey closes September 1. Please submit your response using this link: https://forms.gle/wM3v9A7N4SfNDoRg6
Thank you for taking a few moments to provide your feedback!
Mrs. Stodghill worked with students as they created collage projects that represented their interests and personalities. Through this project, students explored how graphic design can combine images, color, layout, and meaning to communicate a message.
Graphic design gives students the opportunity to think creatively while building skills they can use in future careers.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #GCCCA
Col. Steinbrecker worked with his level 3 students as they completed uniform inspections, an important part of learning discipline, professionalism, and pride in presentation. Through experiences like this, students gain a deeper understanding of the values connected to military service, including respect, accountability, teamwork, and personal excellence.
These lessons help prepare students to lead with confidence both in and out of the classroom.
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #GCCCA