W.L. Swain Elementary 2nd grade teacher Heather Payne reviewed the day’s learning targets with her students as they practiced identifying possessive pronouns. Students also worked on sequencing parts of a story by cutting out sections and arranging them in order using transition words.

The activity helped reinforce both grammar and reading comprehension skills while keeping students actively engaged in the learning process.
#ExtraordinaryGCS #ExtraordinaryWLS
9 days ago, Gordon County Schools
An elementary teacher leads a reading lesson on sequencing while students sit on the floor and follow along with a presentation displayed on an interactive board.
W. L. Swain Elementary School
Invites you to join us for a night of fun and learning!

Family STEAM Night
March 19, 2026
5:30 pm - 7:30pm

STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math.
This exciting night brings them all together through hands-on activities for the whole family.

Enjoy Free Pizza and Water!

For more information contact Connie Van Houten
706-629-0141 or cvhouten@gcbe.org
10 days ago, Connie VanHouten
Family STEAM Night
WE NEED YOUR INPUT!
All parents, families, school staff, students, and community members:
We need your input to plan for the 2026–2027 school year. This is an opportunity for you to provide input and suggestions to build new ideas and create positive change in our school.

We will review and revise the following:

School-Parent Compact
School Improvement Plan
School Parent & Family Engagement Policy
District Parent & Family Engagement Policy
Consolidated LEA Improvement Plan (CLIP)

Come and share ideas about how the 1% set aside for Parent & Family Engagement can be best used.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS
March 18, 2026
7:30 am - 12:30 pm Drop-in Session
Swain Elementary School

For more information, you can contact us or visit our website:
Telephone: 706-629-0141
Fax: 706-879-5291
Email: tgreen@gcbe.org
Website: www.gcbe.org/o/wls
11 days ago, Connie VanHouten
Shared Decision Meeting
Shared Decision Meeting

Gordon County families, this is the last week to register for Pre-K if you want to be included in the Pre-K lottery!

Pre-K Registration Period: Ends March 6th

Pre-K Lottery: March 27th

Kindergarten Registration: Now Open!

Pre-K registration for Gordon County Schools is open until March 6th. The Pre-K Lottery will take place March 27th. Children must be four years old on or before September 1st. Children who are five years old by September 1st may attend Pre-K if they have not previously attended a Georgia Pre-K.

For detailed information about Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration, follow the links below or scan the QR Code from the graphics. You may also call your child's in-district school for more information about kindergarten enrollment.

- Pre-K Registration Information: https://www.gcbe.org/page/prek-program

- Kindergarten Registration Information: https://www.gcbe.org/page/student-enrollment

Join our EXTRAORDINARY school system, where we are committed to student success!

12 days ago, Gordon County Schools
GCS Pre-K Registration is Open Now through March 6th, Pre-K Lottery will be held March 27th
GCS Kindergarten Registration is Now Open
🎉⭐️🎸February ROCKSTAR ALERT! 🎸⭐️🎉 Our spotlight continues to shine on some of AMAZING Rockstars at WLS! 🌟 This month, teachers and staff nominated someone who shows true PRIDE—Polite, Responsible, Inclusive, Determined, and Engaged. For the month of February, our focus was on being Responsible, and these Rockstars make sure they show this every day ✨ 👏 A HUGE congratulations to our PRIDE Winners: 🍎 Teacher Rockstar: Heather Payne 🦸 Staff Rockstar: John Latimer These two incredible educators were chosen for their dedication to students and staff and for always going above and beyond in everything they do. 💙 Let’s give them a big round of applause in the comments belo
15 days ago, India Bennett
feb
W.L. Swain Elementary families — we want to hear from you!

Join us on March 18, 2026, from 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM to help plan for the 2026-2027 school year. This is your opportunity to share ideas and suggestions as we review our School Improvement Plan, School-Parent Compact, Parent & Family Engagement policies, and more.

Your partnership makes our school extraordinary. We hope to see you there!

#ExtraordinaryWLS #ExtraordinaryGCS
19 days ago, Gordon County Schools
TITLE I Parent Invitation Flyer with Dates and Times
TITLE I Parent Invitation Flyer with Dates and Times in Spanish
We are excited to announce that Carrie Arnold will serve as the assistant principal of W.L. Swain Elementary beginning in the 2026-2027 school year!

Carrie has been a dedicated member of the Swain family since 2018, serving as the lead special education teacher. She has taught in inclusion, resource, and severe and profound settings. Carrie has been an educator since 2011 and was selected last year as W.L. Swain Elementary Teacher of the Year. Her commitment to students, staff, and families makes her a wonderful fit for this new role.

We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to current assistant principal Stacy Calvert for her outstanding service to W.L. Swain Elementary. We wish her the very best as she retires at the end of this year and thank her for the lasting impact she has made on our school community.
about 1 month ago, Gordon County Schools
W.L. Swain Elementary Assistant Principal Carrie Arnold

Gordon County Schools Registration Information

Pre-K Registration Period: Now - March 6th

Pre-K Lottery: March 27th

Kindergarten Registration: Now Open!

Pre-K registration for Gordon County Schools is open now through March 6th. The Pre-K Lottery will take place March 27th. Children must be four years old on or before September 1st. Children who are five years old by September 1st may attend Pre-K if they have not previously attended a Georgia Pre-K.

For detailed information about Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration, follow the links below or scan the QR Code from the graphics. You may also call your child's in-district school for more information about kindergarten enrollment.

- Pre-K Registration Information: https://www.gcbe.org/page/prek-program

- Kindergarten Registration Information: https://www.gcbe.org/page/student-enrollment

Join our EXTRAORDINARY school system, where we are committed to student success!

about 1 month ago, Gordon County Schools
GCS Pre-K Registration is Open Now through March 6th
GCS Kindergarten Registration is Now Open

Gordon County Schools Registration Information

Pre-K Registration Period: Today - March 6th
Pre-K Lottery: March 27th

Kindergarten Registration: Begins Today!

Pre-K registration for Gordon County Schools opens today and closes March 6th. The Pre-K Lottery will take place March 27th. Children must be four years old on or before September 1st. Children who are five years old by September 1st may attend Pre-K if they have not previously attended a Georgia Pre-K.

For detailed information about Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration, follow the links below or scan the QR Code from the graphics. You may also call your child's in-district school for more information about kindergarten enrollment.

- Pre-K Registration Information: https://www.gcbe.org/page/prek-program
- Kindergarten Registration Information: https://www.gcbe.org/page/student-enrollment

Join our EXTRAORDINARY school system, where we are committed to student success!

about 1 month ago, Gordon County Schools
GCS Pre-K Registration is Open Now through March 6th
GCS Kindergarten Registration is Now Open
🎉⭐️🎸January ROCKSTAR ALERT! 🎸⭐️🎉 Our spotlight continues to shine on some of AMAZING Rockstars at WLS! 🌟 This month, teachers and staff nominated someone who shows true PRIDE—Polite, Responsible, Inclusive, Determined, and Engaged. For the month of January, our focus was on being Polite, and these Rockstars make sure they show this every day ✨ 👏 A HUGE congratulations to our PRIDE Winners: 🍎 Teacher Rockstar: Rebekah Weaver 🦸 Staff Rockstar: Christine O’Mahony These two incredible ladies were chosen for their dedication to students and staff and for always going above and beyond in everything they do. 💙 Let’s give them a big round of applause in the comments below! 👏 Way to go, Rockstars! 🎤⭐️ #ExtraordinaryWLS #SwainNation
about 1 month ago, India Bennett
January
Gordon County Schools looks forward to returning to a regular schedule on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. All campuses will resume normal operations, including classes, transportation services, and extracurricular activities.

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.
about 2 months ago, Gordon County Schools
Schools are open Tuesday, January 27
Gordon County Schools Registration Information

Pre-K Registration Period: February 2nd - March 6th
Pre-K Lottery: March 27th

Kindergarten Registration: Begins February 3rd

Pre-K registration for Gordon County Schools opens February 2nd and closes March 6th. The Pre-K Lottery will take place March 27th. Children must be four years old on or before September 1st. Children who are five years old by September 1st may attend Pre-K if they have not previously attended a Georgia Pre-K.

For detailed information about Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration, follow the links below or scan the QR Code from the graphics. You may also call your child's in-district school for more information about kindergarten enrollment.

- Pre-K Registration Information: https://www.gcbe.org/page/prek-program
- Kindergarten Registration Information: https://www.gcbe.org/page/student-enrollment

Join our EXTRAORDINARY school system, where we are committed to student success!
about 2 months ago, Gordon County Schools
Pre-K Registration Information
Kindergarten Registration Information

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.

about 2 months ago, Gordon County Schools
Gordon County Schools are closed Monday, January 26th
Congratulations to Our 2026–2027 Teacher of the Year!

This morning, we had the pleasure of naming our 2026–2027 Teacher of the Year, and we are so proud to announce that this well-deserved honor goes to Mrs. Erin Proctor!

Mrs. Proctor has been teaching for 22 years, with 2 of those years right here at W.L. Swain Elementary. She holds a Master’s Degree from Kennesaw State University and a Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont University—and she brings that knowledge and passion into her classroom every single day.

When asked about her favorite part of teaching, Mrs. Proctor shared that she values the openness of young learners during their “aha” moments and enjoys witnessing the rapid growth students make in such a short period of time. She also appreciates the strong relationships she builds with her students, noting their genuine desire to please and connect with their teacher, which reflects the positive classroom environment she creates.

Her colleagues say it best:
“Mrs. Proctor demonstrates excellence in every way as an educator. She has an amazing understanding of the kindergarten standards, and her classroom has such a positive atmosphere that promotes learning and student growth. She is a valuable member of our school family and goes above and beyond every single day for her students and our school.”

Mrs. Proctor, your dedication, heart for children, and love for WLS truly make a difference, and we are so thankful to have you on our team. 💙

Congratulations, Mrs. Proctor — our 2026–2027 Teacher of the Year!
LS
about 2 months ago, India Bennett
TOTY
TOTY

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.

about 2 months ago, Gordon County Schools
Important Notice
W. L. Swain Elementary 5th grade teacher India Bennett welcomed C.H.A.M.P.S. instructor Deputy Erik Ochoa from the Gordon County Sheriff’s Department to speak with students about the dangers of vaping, especially how these products are marketed toward younger audiences. The lesson encouraged students to think critically about choices and the long term impact on their health and safety.

C.H.A.M.P.S. stands for Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety. More than 400 5th grade students across all six elementary schools participate in this program, which covers a wide range of topics that matter to students, including alcohol, bullying, choices and consequences, internet safety and social media, prescription and illicit drug abuse, tobacco, stress, avoiding violence, and more.

We appreciate the continued partnership with the Gordon County Sheriff’s Department and the important role this program plays in helping students make safe and healthy decisions.
#ExtraordinaryGCS #ExtraordinaryWLS
about 2 months ago, Gordon County Schools
Deputy Erik Ochoa teaching 5th grade students about vapes

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!

about 2 months ago, Gordon County Schools
Elementary Technology Competition Winners
Middle and High Technology Competition Winners
Gordon County Schools Registration Information

Pre-K Registration Period: February 2nd - March 6th
Pre-K Lottery: March 27th

Kindergarten Registration: Begins February 3rd

Pre-K registration for Gordon County Schools opens February 2nd and closes March 6th. The Pre-K Lottery will take place March 27th. Children must be four years old on or before September 1st. Children who are five years old by September 1st may attend Pre-K if they have not previously attended a Georgia Pre-K.

For detailed information about Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration, follow the links below or scan the QR Code from the graphics. You may also call your child's in-district school for more information about kindergarten enrollment.

- Pre-K Registration Information: https://www.gcbe.org/page/prek-program
- Kindergarten Registration Information: https://www.gcbe.org/page/student-enrollment

Join our EXTRAORDINARY school system, where we are committed to student success!
about 2 months ago, Gordon County Schools
Pre-K Registration Information
Kindergarten Registration Information
W. L. Swain Elementary REACH teacher Monica Nacey had her 3rd grade students building, writing, and coding today as they created and described a character through storytelling. Students identified their character’s traits, feelings, and actions, then wrote a story and brought it to life by animating it using Scratch Jr.

This creative lesson blended writing, critical thinking, and technology while giving students an engaging way to express their ideas!
#ExtraordinaryGCS #ExtraordinaryWLS
about 2 months ago, Gordon County Schools
Teacher working with students
Gordon County Schools Registration Information

Pre-K Registration Period: February 2nd - March 6th
Pre-K Lottery: March 27th

Kindergarten Registration: Begins February 3rd

Pre-K registration for Gordon County Schools opens February 2nd and closes March 6th. The Pre-K Lottery will take place March 27th. Children must be four years old on or before September 1st. Children who are five years old by September 1st may attend Pre-K if they have not previously attended a Georgia Pre-K.

For detailed information about Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration, follow the links below or scan the QR Code from the graphics. You may also call your child's in-district school for more information about kindergarten enrollment.

- Pre-K Registration Information: https://www.gcbe.org/page/prek-program
- Kindergarten Registration Information: https://www.gcbe.org/page/student-enrollment

Join our EXTRAORDINARY school system, where we are committed to student success!
2 months ago, Gordon County Schools
Pre-K Registration Information
Kindergarten Registration Information