Fairmount Elementary was filled with Phoenix and Bulldog pride today as students and staff held a pep rally to celebrate the Sonoraville High School Competition Cheer team and wish them luck as they travel to the GHSA State Competition!
The SHS cheerleaders put on an awesome performance for the crowd, giving our Bulldogs a chance to see the energy, talent, and school spirit of some of their future Phoenix classmates. FES students, faculty, and staff brought plenty of excitement of their own, and the entire gym was rocking as they celebrated the team. These Lady Phoenix athletes have been phenomenal, and it starts with the great coaching job by Taylor Ballew and Kirsten Lyles!
It was a great example of our schools coming together to support one another and celebrate student success. Good luck to the Lady Phoenix as they compete at state!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #FairmountElementary #SonoravilleHigh
Students in second-block Contemporary Issues in Education, the second course in our TAP pathway, enjoyed their first trip to Shorter University! The admissions office led a tour of the main campus, including a stop at the cafeteria, before students headed to the Thornwood Campus to meet with the education department.
Thank you, Shorter University, for welcoming our Phoenix and helping them explore their next steps toward a future in education!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #GCS #SonoravilleHigh #PhoenixNation
#gafccla #FCCLA #CTAEdelivers #GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #GCS #SonoravilleHigh #PhoenixNation
Thank you to all of the veterans, families, and community members who attended and helped make the event so meaningful. The Sonoraville High School Marching Band, under the direction of Justin Burke, also helped make the celebration special with a performance for those gathered.
We are grateful for the opportunity to honor our veterans and recognize the service, sacrifice, and commitment they have given to our country.
Thank you, Veterans!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #SonoravilleElementary #SonoravilleHigh
Sonoraville High School and Sonoraville Elementary School are proud to welcome our nation’s veterans to campus tomorrow, November 11, for our annual Veterans Day Parade. We look forward to celebrating these heroes and expressing our gratitude for their service and sacrifice.
📍 All parade participants should use the recreation department entrance to access the staging area.
🚧 Please pardon our construction and thank you for your patience as we make improvements to our campus!
Thank you, veterans, for your dedication to our country! ❤️🤍💙
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #GCS #SonoravilleHigh #PhoenixNation
Apple Distinguished Schools are recognized for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence through the meaningful use of technology in teaching and learning. This distinction reflects W. L. Swain Elementary’s continued commitment to creating engaging learning experiences, encouraging creativity, and helping students develop skills that support success now and in the future.
As part of the recognition, Board members and guests viewed the video presentation W. L. Swain submitted to Apple during the application process. The video was filmed, edited, and produced by the Sonoraville High School Video Production team under the direction of teacher and advisor Brandon Hufstetler.
Principal Tara Green and Assistant Principal Carrie Christophel were recognized, along with teacher leader India Bennett, for W. L. Swain’s achievement. Sonoraville High School Video Production students Nic Dutton, Easton Fletcher, Lukas Holmes, Emily Roberts, and graduates Jayden Johnson and Joey Mayes were also recognized, along with Mr. Hufstetler, for their work in helping tell the school’s story.
Instructional Technology Coordinator Whitney Prather was also recognized for working closely with W. L. Swain throughout the application process and helping showcase the innovative learning opportunities available to students.
Congratulations to W. L. Swain Elementary and everyone who helped make this recognition possible!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #WLSwainElementary #SonoravilleHigh
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
If you didn't make it but still want to apply to college or technical school, please stop by the counseling office or email Dr. Sexton at dsexton@gcbe.org, because applying to most GA schools is still free throughout November!✨
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #GCS #SonoravilleHigh #PhoenixNation #ApplyToCollege #GAFutures
Sonoraville High School senior Braxen McMahan and Head Coach Denver Pate visited WJTH Radio today to share more about Braxen’s incredible performance and his selection as the AJC Varsity/Georgia High School Football Daily State Player of the Week.
It was a great opportunity to highlight Braxen’s accomplishments and the team culture Coach Pate has created in Phoenix Nation.
Don’t forget, Sonoraville High School’s season finale has been moved to Thursday night at the Furnace as the Phoenix take on Rockmart. Come out and support SHS as they close out the regular season!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #SonoravilleHigh
SHS students, gather your team and help spread holiday cheer at Shop with a Phoenix! We need 50 teams to sign up and volunteer.
📅 Saturday, December 12, 2026
⏰ 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
🎁 Each team will donate $150.
📝 Forms and money are due December 9.
See Mrs. Farmer to sign up. Let’s make the season brighter together! ❤️🖤
#ShopWithAPhoenix #GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #GCS #SonoravilleHigh #PhoenixNation
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
Monday, November 2
• Apply to College Week: 9–11 a.m. in the media center.
• District Honor Chorus.
Tuesday, November 3
• Apply to College Week: 9–11 a.m. in the media center.
Wednesday, November 4
• Apply to College Week: 9–11 a.m. in the media center.
• Jostens Senior Celebration during all lunches.
Thursday, November 5
• Senior portrait sessions for students with scheduled appointments.
• Pep rally.
• Football vs. Rockmart: Senior Night, with kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, November 6
• Digital Learning Day.
Let’s have a great week, Phoenix!
This past weekend the cross-country team ran in their sectional meet to try to advance to the state meet! The top 20 individuals and top 12 teams advance to the State meet this Saturday.
Our boys came up short finishing 13th overall, however, Freshman - Julian Alvarez placed 18th overall qualifying him to individually compete. Other team runners were - Yobani Correa, Luke Walker, Stryker Black, Darinel Reyes, Carson Duncan, and Nathan Turner.
Our girls finished 4th overall advancing the whole team to compete! Individually Sarai Moran placed 10th, Monse Barrios placed 12th and Karla Correa placed 20th! Other girl runners were - Kinley Hicks, Lizeth Correa, Ashley Rojas, and Kassandra Rubio.
Please congratulate all cross-country runners on an amazing season and wish the girls and Julian luck for this Saturday!
Deadline: Friday, December 11, 2026.
Before submitting, please review these requirements:
• Students may submit the form only once, with up to three separate entries. Have all entries ready before submitting.
• Each entry must be a PDF or Word document and may not exceed 1,900 words.
• Students must affirm that each entry is their own original, unassisted work, including all edits and revisions. Assistance from adults, peers, or generative AI is not permitted.
• Entries must not have been published online or in print prior to or during the current academic year.
Complete rules and submission requirements are included in the form. Scan the QR code on the flyer or submit here:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/5PewbbXz43
Questions? Contact Lee Ann Patterson at lpatterson@gcbe.org.
Let your voice be heard!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #GCS #SonoravilleHigh #PhoenixNation
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
Veterans Day will be here soon, and Sonoraville High School, in partnership with Sonoraville Elementary School, is planning to continue our tradition of recognizing and honoring your service and sacrifice once again. If you are a veteran, we would love to have you as part of our parade that will be held Wednesday, November 11 at 10:00 A.M. Please click the link below to fill out the form:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=WsAN2ysHz0KrRIXzSqdrc9Rm5UXAq1dLv4VlzEQT3jpUOU1MMzlKVTZLTkI0NzA0RUZYOExGTTNPRy4u
Paper copies of this form are also available at both schools for students to bring home if you would rather fill out a paper copy.
We hope that you can join us as we honor and recognize the veterans who have served our country.
Please email laurabethcrow@gcbe.org with any questions.
Place your order online at https://secampussupply.com/sonoraville/cap-gown/ or call Jostens at 706-226-4446. You can also scan the QR code on the flyer.
If you need assistance or have any questions, please contact Mrs. Amanda Farmer at afarmer@gcbe.org.
We can’t wait to celebrate our Phoenix seniors!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #GCS #SonoravilleHigh #PhoenixNation
Apply to College Week is November 2–4 at Sonoraville High School! College representatives will be in the Media Center from 9–11 a.m. each day to answer questions and help students with the application process.
Monday, November 2:
Georgia Highlands College, Piedmont University, Shorter University, University of North Georgia, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Valdosta State University, and Young Harris College.
Tuesday, November 3:
Dalton State College, Georgia Highlands College, Georgia Northwestern Technical College, and University of West Georgia.
Wednesday, November 4:
Dalton State College, Georgia Highlands College, Jacksonville State University, Kennesaw State University, and Shorter University.
Stop by, explore your options, and take the next step toward your future!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #GCS #SonoravilleHigh #PhoenixNation
McMahan earned the statewide honor following an incredible performance in Sonoraville’s 43-32 victory over LaFayette on October 23. He finished the night with five receptions for 132 yards and a touchdown, blocked a field goal, recovered a fumble, and recorded three interceptions. Braxen sealed the victory with his final interception, returning it for a touchdown and shutting the door on any comeback.
The performance came against a strong LaFayette team that entered the game with only one loss. The State Player of the Week honor is determined each week as scouts and head coaches review game film and identify outstanding individual performances in competitive match-ups. From more than 400 high school football teams across Georgia and thousands of players competing each week, Braxen was selected for this statewide recognition.
The award was presented at Sonoraville High School by Ted Langford of AJC Varsity/GHSF Daily and Philip Pulliam of Alfa Insurance. Head Coach Denver Pate praised Braxen’s speed, versatility, and ability to impact the game in so many ways, noting that what he can do on offense, defense, and special teams makes him an extraordinary athlete. Langford also noted that Braxen has been clocked as the fifth-fastest high school football player in Georgia. His teammates and the Red Bud Phoenix football team were in attendance.
Congratulations to Braxen on this historic accomplishment and an unforgettable performance for the Phoenix!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #SonoravilleHigh
Belwood Elementary students and faculty members helped send off the Sonoraville High School Lady Phoenix softball team as they traveled to the state playoffs to defend their state championship title in the Elite 8 tournament.
SHS celebrated the team before they loaded up and headed out, and the Lady Phoenix then drove by other schools across the district where students and staff cheered them on along the way.
We love seeing our schools come together to support one another. Good luck to the Lady Phoenix as they compete for another state title!
#GrowConnectSucceed #GordonCountySchools #BelwoodElementary #SonoravilleHigh