Let's recognize these principals in Gordon County Schools!
Ashworth Middle School - Danny Lowrance
Belwood Elementary - Matt Fox
Fairmount Elementary - Rebecca Champion
Gordon County College & Career Academy - Leah Newsom
Gordon Central High School - Dr. Amy Parker
Red Bud Elementary - Debra Brock
Red Bud Middle School - Chad Moore
Sonoraville Elementary - Kelly Rampy
Sonoraville High School - Amy Stewart
Tolbert Elementary - Dr. Rebecca Owen
W.L. Swain Elementary - Tara Green
#ExtraordinaryGCS
Calhoun, GA — Cadets from multiple North Georgia high schools recently conducted a joint leadership and career exploration visit to Fort Benning, one of the U.S. Army’s premier training installations. Participating programs included Gordon County Schools JROTC, Ridgeland High School JROTC, and LaFayette High School JROTC.
The collaborative visit brought together cadets from across the region to observe Army training, tour key facilities, and engage directly with active-duty soldiers. Through these experiences, cadets gained insight into military leadership, teamwork, and the wide range of career opportunities available through military service.
During the visit, cadets observed a rappel demonstration at the Air Assault School and observed instruction on harness systems at the Airborne School. They also spoke with Army Drill Instructors about the physical requirements and expectations of Basic Combat Training, gaining a realistic understanding of the discipline and fitness needed to succeed. The trip concluded with a tour of the National Infantry Museum, where cadets explored the history and legacy of the United States Army Infantry.
“This joint visit allowed our cadets to not only learn from the Army, but also from each other,” said Colonel Wallace Steinbrecher, Senior Army Instructor for Gordon County JROTC. “By bringing multiple programs together, we strengthened teamwork, shared perspectives, and reinforced the leadership principles we teach every day.”
Cadets observed live demonstrations and participated in discussions focused on decision-making, accountability, and goal setting. The visit provided a practical extension of classroom instruction, allowing students to see leadership applied in real-world environments.
“Experiences like this give cadets a clearer understanding of what it means to serve and lead,” said Lieutenant Colonel Mike Mansi, Senior Army Instructor at LaFayette High School. “They leave with a stronger sense of purpose and a better appreciation for the discipline required to succeed.”
The opportunity to interact with soldiers and leaders at Fort Benning also allowed cadets to explore both military and civilian career pathways while building confidence in their own leadership potential.
“Our cadets benefit tremendously from seeing leadership in action,” said Major Jenna Turnipseed, Senior Army Instructor at Ridgeland High School. “This experience reinforces the values of responsibility, resilience, and teamwork that are central to the JROTC program.”
The joint visit reflects the continued commitment of North Georgia JROTC programs to develop responsible citizens and leaders of character through meaningful, real-world learning opportunities.
For more information about these JROTC programs, please contact your local high school or JROTC department.
Zillionaire Li Ou, a sophomore at Gordon Central High School, won 1st place in the 9th–10th grade Animation category with an animated short film, under the guidance of his sponsoring teacher, Mrs. Heather Stodghill from the Gordon College and Career Academy.
Red Bud Middle School 8th grade students Elijah Dacus and Dalton Evans earned a 2nd place finish in Web and Mobile Apps for 7th–8th grades for the e-commerce website they built. Another team of Red Bud Middle School 8th grade students, Rebecca Nuam and Rosslyn Rodriguez, placed 3rd in 7th–8th grade Video Production, producing a video that showcased the Georgia Aquarium. Their sponsoring teacher is RBMS STEAM instructor Mrs. Carrie Greeson-Parish.
Overall, Gordon County Schools took 11 students who won first place at the Northwest Georgia Regional Technology Competition to the state event, another record for the district. We are extremely proud of all students who participated in the Georgia State Technology Competition and represented GCS so well.
Congratulations to this year’s state winners! We are proud of your achievement! #ExtraordinaryGCS
Gordon County Schools will operate on a two-hour delay Monday, March 16, due to the potential for severe weather in the morning. Weather conditions can be unpredictable, and this delay is being implemented to help ensure the safety of our drivers, bus riders, faculty, and families tomorrow morning.
Please adjust your child’s morning drop-off time by two hours. Buses will also operate on a two-hour delay behind their usual route times. Elementary schools will begin at 9:30 a.m. Middle and high schools will begin at 10:30 a.m.
We will continue to monitor weather conditions closely and are working with local agencies as needed. If any additional changes become necessary, families will be notified promptly through our communication channels.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we prioritize the safety of our school community.
This opportunity gave his student leaders an opportunity to collaborate, plan, and take pride in improving their program’s facilities.
#ExtraordinaryGCS #ExtraordinaryCCA
We hope that our students, staff, and families have remained safe during this recent period of severe weather. The safety and well-being of our school community remain our top priority, and we appreciate the patience and cooperation shown by our families and employees.
Due to the latest weather forecast from GEMA indicating the potential for severe weather in the northwest Georgia region, Gordon County Schools will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026.
This precautionary measure is being taken to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and families amid potentially hazardous and unpredictable winter weather conditions. Gordon County Schools will continue to assess conditions in coordination with local and state partners.
Updated information regarding Tuesday’s school day will be provided as weather conditions are monitored tomorrow. Families should be prepared for the possibility of additional school closure dates and are encouraged to remain informed by our official district communication channels, including phone calls, text messages, social media, and the Gordon County Schools website.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support as the safety of our school community remains our highest priority.
Weather conditions expected this weekend and early next week could impact school operations, and Gordon County Schools wants families and staff to be aware that there may be potential school closures and/or delays.
District leaders are working with local and state agencies to watch conditions closely and make decisions soon with the safety of students and employees as the top priority. Updates will be shared through phone calls, text messages, social media, and our school and district websites.
Thank you for your continued understanding and support as we prioritize safety for our school community.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2025–2026 Gordon County Schools Technology Competition!
Students in grades 3–12 from across the district showcased their creativity and innovation by submitting original technology projects. Students competed individually or in pairs/teams across grade bands (3–4, 5–6, 7–8, 9–10, 11–12) in categories such as 3D Modeling, Animation, Game Design, Programming, Robotics, Video Production, Web & Mobile Apps, and more.
This year’s competition doubled in participation, with 200+ students, 138 projects, and representation from every campus. From those entries, 38 winning projects by 60 students were selected to advance to the Northwest Georgia Technology Competition on January 30 at Georgia Highlands College!
Regional Qualifiers by School:
Belwood Elementary
3rd: Harper Fox, Nora Greeson, Olivia Nasco, Nora Osborne, Lizzy Richards
4th: Nolan Ensley, Isaiah Milian
5th: Avril Brown, Audrey Psaila
Sponsoring Teacher: Tim Gilreath
Fairmount Elementary
5th: Elien Hess, John Thompson
Sponsoring Teacher: Kelly DeFrench
Red Bud Elementary
3rd: Keegan Hall
5th: Nora Gulledge, Ella Priest
Sponsoring Teacher: Ashley Davis
Sonoraville Elementary
4th: Layla Fowler, Michael Eifler, Whit Mashburn, Millie VanMeter
Sponsoring Teachers: Dr. Jennifer Farist, Jessica Hughes
Swain Elementary
4th: Anthony Nguyen
Sponsoring Teacher: Monica Nacey
Tolbert Elementary
4th: Lukas Hernandez, Rebekah Sanchez
5th: Olivia Hawkins, Olivia Hernandez, Amerie Tipton
Sponsoring Teachers: Katie Edwards, Belinda Smith
Ashworth Middle
6th: Peyton Bodiford, Gracelyn Manis
Sponsoring Teacher: Matt Wiley
Red Bud Middle
6th: Levi Cochran, Koltyn Earl, Connor Gazerro, Rayce Johnston, Abigail Patel, Ryder Quarles, Isaac Salmeron
7th: Carly Bailey, Allison Charette, Rylee Cook, Preston Greeson, Jacobi Johnston, Peter Obi, Grayson Tumlin
8th: Laney Kate Bennett, Elliott Cooper, Elijah Dacus, Dalton Evans, Desmond Green, Parker Holland, Landon Holmes, Kolton Hudec, Oliver Monica, Adelyn Murphy, Rebecca Naum, Rosslyn Rodriguez, Jacoby Weaver
Sponsoring Teacher: Carrie Greeson-Parish
Gordon Central High / College & Career Academy
9th: Noah Childers, Zillionaire Li Ou
11th: Daniela Macias Sanchez
12th: Baxley Burnette, William Parish, Tristan Zufelt
Sponsoring Teachers: Mackenzi Hice, Heather Stodghill
Sonoraville High / College & Career Academy
9th: Corbyn Morgan
Sponsoring Teacher: Heather Stodghill
Best of luck to all students representing Gordon County Schools at the regional competition! We’re proud of you!
At the Gordon County College and Career Academy of Design and Advanced Manufacturing, students are putting their welding skills to the test in Andrew Troglin’s class. Sonoraville High School senior Kaysen Mashburn showcased his creativity by designing and building a custom skateboard. Hands-on learning like this gives students the opportunity to apply their skills in unique and exciting ways. #ExtraordinaryGCS #ExtraordinaryGCCCA
#ExtraordinaryGCS #ExtraordinaryAgTeachers #TeachAgDay
