Lots of events have taken place during our first full month at Gordon Elementary School!  Students have been busy with Student Council Elections, MAP Testing, Benchmark Testing, and After-School Clubs!  We have several new faculty members who have joined our team at Gordon this year!  We would like to welcome Mrs. Stephanie Long and Ms. Christen Bucy, 4th Grade teachers, Mrs. Gloria Frierson, 5th  Grade teacher, Sgt. Jerry Rivers and Mrs. Grace Currie, Assistants, and Mrs. Jamilah Campbell, Literacy Coach.  
During the last week in August, ninety-two students ran for the offices of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer or Gordon Elementary School’s Student Council.  The students were required to campaign for the positions, which meant creating posters and giving speeches that were shown to the entire student body.  The students did an excellent job and had a great time running for the offices of Student Council.  The students elected the following for positions:  Nigel George (President), Mattie McIntyre (Vice President),  Logan Grice (Secretary), and David Ryan Camp (Treasurer).
All students at Gordon Elementary School were given the ELA and Math Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Tests during the times of September 2nd and September 25th.  This test is computerized and individualized for each student, based on his or her academic ability.  Students will be given this test again in January and April.  Teachers use the information from this assessment to drive instruction in their classrooms.
Another assessment that has been given to students is the benchmark test.  Students answered twenty Common Core based multiple choice questions on both ELA and Math topics.  Teachers are able to assess which standards the students have mastered and which ones may need more review.  Students were tested on standards that have been taught this year, as well as several review standards from their previous grade.
Parents attended conferences on Friday, September 26th, to discuss both the MAP and Benchmark Assessments.
The month of September also kicked off Gordon’s After-School Clubs!  This semester, Gordon has ten after-school clubs students could choose from.  These clubs include Community Service, Art, Drama, Sports, Spanish, Games, Technology, Science, Music, and Book.
There are currently 247 students signed up for clubs, which meet two Tuesdays each month.  Both students and teachers enjoy this time together after-school to gain more knowledge in one specified area of their choice!
Every month, Gordon Elementary School will recognize one student from each class with a Positive Attitudes and Working Students (PAWS) Award.  
This student will receive a certificate and pencil, as well as be recognized over the announcements and in the local newspaper.  These students are chosen based on good grades and/or good behavior.
As you can see, there are LOTS of great things going on at Gordon Elementary School this year, and it is only the first nine weeks!!!   We have A LOT of wonderful activities and events planned this year and over 500 amazing students working hard to achieve great things!  We encourage our students to do their best every day!  
“The administration believes in you.  Your teachers believe in you.  But most importantly, you must believe in yourself!”  Until next time Wildcats!

PAWS AWARD WINNERS—The following students were chosen by their teachers for the month of September:  (4th Grade)- Ka’Nyia Manning, Kanasia Hines, Madison Coward, Ramiyah Gillespie, Makayla Ellison, Mar’Quazion Morrison, Andrew McLeod, Marissa McGaha, Fantashi Davis, Gabby Locklear, Nathan Lane.  (5th Grade)- Brallom Marroquin-Gomez, Makia Harris, Jakiedric Eagle, Preston Smith, Nicholas Gullien, Karen Rojas, Daijah Breeden, Jania Owens, Malayisha Jacobs, Mikiera McColl, Doreen Harerimana.  (L. Page)- Lanisha Gamble. (M. Smith)- Daniel Clewis. (Contributed Photo)

STUDENT COUNCIL—Pictured from Left to Right:  Logan Grice (Secretary), Mattie McIntyre (Vice President), Nigel George (President), and David Ryan Camp (Treasurer). (Contributed Photo)