Character Ed – West Fannin
Rebel's Corner, West Fannin Elem February 4, 2021
The Character Ed word for the month of December was Dependability. The definition is “deserving trust or confidence; able to be counted on.”
The following students and staff were chosen for consistently displaying this character trait throughout the month. Congratulations to all of you!
Pictured from top to bottom and left to right- Row 1: Ximena Leal, William Acevedo, Camryn Dockery, Ethan Erwin, and Nathan Gourley. Row 2: Carmen Gorton, Alivia Hurd, Tommy Turner, Noah Carroll, Kage Cook, and Will Henderson. Row 3: Mallory Dickey and Bristol Hawkins. Row 4: Connor Reddin and Wyatt Craine. Row 5: Mariana Garcia, Bentley Cole, Melissa Acevedo, Mahlon Lunsford, Ella Barfield, and Rylee Ledford. Row 6: Manning Sandefur, Cyrus Bell, Jordan Garland, Lana Hicks, and Staff Winner Charlene Hubbard.
West Fannin Spelling Bee
Community, Rebel's Corner, West Fannin Elem December 27, 2020
Congratulations to Abby Pickard for placing first place in our West Fannin Spelling Bee. Congratulations to our runner up, Elaina Davis.
Mrs. Rice with 5th grade: Bea Painter, Trinity Parker, Abby Pickard, and Tucker Griggs, Mrs. Danner. Front row 4th grade: Mahlon Lunsford, Kaydee Parris, Elaina Davis, and Ava Curtis.
The spelling bee went seven rounds and the winning word was combed.
Abby Pickard and Elaina Davis
Abby will be competing in our county-wide spelling bee at the PAC on January 14th at 1:00.
Special Recognition given by Board of Education
Community, Fannin County EMA/EMS, Rebel's Corner February 17, 2020
Blue Ridge, Ga. – The Fannin County Board of Education took time at their Feb. monthly meeting to give special recognition to those who have positively impacted the school system recently.
First to be recognized was West Fannin Elementary School (WFES) First Grade teacher Katy Roberson and WFES Student Governance Team member Jocelyn Miller for their work which has brought state and national attention to the Fannin County School District.
What all began with the reading of a book, Stellaluna, to a class, has become an ongoing project that is now in its third year.
A former student of Roberson told her of a “bat house” that they have at home and from there the project evolved.
“She (Roberson) was able to take the concept of bats and integrate all of the subjects into it and the kids were basically learning math. They were reading. They were doing science, all through the lens of bats,” Miller spoke of the teacher’s work with children.
Miller, who is now going for her doctoral degree, along with Roberson wrote an article about the project titled “At Home with Bats”. This article was published in the National Science Teachers Association peer-reviewed journal “Science and Children”.
Since then the article has gone on to be published on university websites, garnering even more attention for education in our area.
Next to be recognized for their work with the school system was Fannin County’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA).
Through their Stop the Bleed Campaign, Fannin County EMA Director Robert Graham, Fannin County Training Officer Ryan McDavis, and EMS Child Advocate Rebecca Huffman were all recognized for the work put into training staff of the school district.
Stop the Bleed is a program set in place by the American College of Surgeons and works to train people worldwide on how to stop bleeding in a severely injured person.
After training, the school district received several Stop the Bleed kits which have been put in place not only in the schools but also on every bus, along with a standard first aid kits.
Fannin County School System Director of Transportation Denver Foster called these kits, “a little bag with a lot of life saving power in it”.
Foster also thanked Fannin County’s EMA/EMS for their ongoing role in working with the school system to provide safety to its students on a daily basis.
Click here to read about those honored at last month’s meeting.
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WFES Principal’s List and Honor Roll : 2nd nine weeks
Rebel's Corner, West Fannin Elem January 28, 2020
Principal Alison Danner announces the West Fannin Elementary 2nd nine weeks Principal’s List and Honor Roll.
West Fannin Elementary Principal’s List students must have a 93 or higher average in all classes, Honor Roll students must have an overall average of 90 or higher.
Fifth Grade Principal’s List:
Lesly Alvarado, Jonathan Bewley, Cayden Cantrell, Matthew Cash, Katelyn Clark, Albany Cole, Ady Collins, Avery Collis, Lillie Dean, Bella Frazier, Peyton Grindstaff, Meredith Hedden, Benjamin Holsonback, Trent Hughes, Izzie Jabaley, Aiden Jones, Will Jones, Megan Jones, Elohi Law, Logan Long, Easton Mathis, Cayson Mitchell, Roni Oyster, Garrett Pittman, Odin Rea-Gutierrez, Joseph Riendeau, Michael Robertson, Ava Twiggs, Emmy Vogel, Isaac Watkins, and Sawyer White.
Fourth Grade Principal’s List:
Colton Bradburn, Brody Graham, Sadie Patton, Abby Pickard, Allie Potts, Gabriel Salat, Manning Sandefur, and Lyla Strange.
Fifth grade Honor Roll:
Brayden Barker, Alyssa Bolling, Eli Coffey, Miley Combs, Christopher Correa, Colin Daugherty, Madison Deal, Isaiah Dell, Madison Earley, Makayla Ellis, and Madison Fults, Mailey Gibbs, Richard Hansen, Baron Harry, Dawson Hawkins, Garet Hughes, Lucas Jarrett, Ashley Kinard, Sean Knight, Braxton Lawrence, Kaieda Lenz, Grahym Maloof, Mattie Mathis, Luke McFarland, Star Morris, Isabella Mulcare, Delilah Naylor, Ella Oliver, Rylan Patterson, Reid Patterson, Jamari Patterson, Matthew Payne, Eli Plush, Eli Queen, Chance Raymer, Grayson Rhoads, Ruby Rhodes, Braedan Rose, Fancisco Saldana, Brooklynn Siler, Evan Smith, Dalton Stiles, Evan Thurman, Kaylee Trotter, Brandon Valdez, Bryan Valdez, Yarley Vargas-Garcia, Trenton Vaughan, and Morgan Worley.
Fourth grade Honor Roll:
Emily Buttram, Aeryauna Byrd, Emma Chambers, Reed Chancey, Brady Cole, Caroline Cole, Raygan Corn, Clay Dillard, Ryder Dunkum, Kaylee Dyer, Ellijah Ensley, Garrison Ensley, Tucker Griggs, Toni Harrison, Georgia Hasson, Lana Hicks, Konnor Housley, Cooper Huffman, Bentlee Jackson, Ashlyn Jones, Marshall McDaniel, Selena Meissner, Keats Miller, Landin Owens, Bea Painter, Allana Palmer, Alaina Pickelsimer, Addy Plott, Cayden Reece, Landon Reid, Tamara Tollai, Abby Waters, Levi White, Leksi Wollschlager, and Ryan Wood.
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West Fannin Elementary School and the Lit’l Pond Hospitality Group
Rebel's Corner October 6, 2019
West Fannin Elementary School and the Lit’l Pond Hospitality Group have developed a new and exciting partnership. Lit’l Pond Hospitality Group, owned and led by Ms. Michelle Moran and Mr. Danny Mellman, is in charge of the following family of restaurants in Fannin County: Harvest on Main, Masseria Kitchen, The Cook’s Farm, La Pizzeria, Cucina Rustica, and Blue Smoke Barbeque. With the guidance of Mrs. Mary Jean Pace, the fourth grade students and Garden Club students at West Fannin have grown, are currently growing, and will continue to grow specialty crops that the Lit’l Pond Hospitality Group will use in its restaurants for certain menu items. To begin this wonderful partnership, the students grew tomatoes and butternut squash that Melisa Gardner, the kitchen manager at Masseria Kitchen, used over the weekend of September 27th through September 29th to help create two specials called Autumn Pizza and Tomato-Pesto Pasta. The students will be growing and harvesting many more specialty crops in the near and distant future in order to expand this partnership. In addition, Michelle, Danny, kitchen managers, and chefs from the restaurants will be visiting West Fannin Elementary to work with the students on recipe development and the cooking process. We are very thankful at West Fannin to have dedicated partners like the Lit’l Pond Hospitality Group that have a positive impact on our students and are willing to assist in providing our students with a well-rounded education.
Front: Abigail Gardner (4th grade student at West Fannin) & Lila Roof (kindergarten student at West Fannin). Back: Melisa Gardner (Kitchen Manager at Masseria), Krista Arrington (Front of House Manager at Masseria), Lucas Roof (Principal of West Fannin Elementary), Miranda Roof (FCSS teacher)
All 4th grade students at West Fannin. Reed Chancey, Bea Painter, Abigail Gardner, Skylar Gazaway, Luke Sosebee 
Youth Art Month being held at Art Center
Downtown Blue Ridge, Lifestyle March 9, 2019
Many talented Fannin County and Copper Basin young artists had their pieces displayed recently at the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Center to kick off Youth Art Month.
Blue Ridge Elementary School, East Fannin Elementary School, West Fannin Elementary School, Fannin Middle School, Fannin County High School, and Copper Basin High School were well represented with various arts from rock painting to canvas.
The following Art teachers/mentors were on hand as well:
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Nancy Watkins
Nancy Watkins – Blue Ridge Elementary School.
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Kimberly Huffman
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Kimberly Huffman- East Fannin Elementary School.
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Ben Sexton
Ben Sexton- West Fannin Elementary School.
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Dana Stone
Dana Stone- Fannin Middle School.
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Holly Viccaro
Holly Vicarro- Fannin County High School.
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Jennifer Danner
Jennifer Danner- Copper Basin High School.
Bethany Musselman, Fannin County High School reads the Youth Art Month Proclamation
Bethany Musselman, a Fannin County High School Art student, helped dedicate the month of March as Youth Art Month by reading the 2019 Proclamation.
Each First Place winner from the various schools represented received a Gift Certificate to The Art Center’s store.
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Hudson York- Blue Ridge Elementary School.
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Presley Daves- East Fannin Elementary School.
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Ava Acker- West Fannin Elementary School.
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Vanessa Medrono- Fannin County Middle School.
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Bethany Musselman- 2D- Fannin County High School.
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Alyssa Anderson- 3D- Fannin County High School.
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Aidan Garcia- Copper Basin High School.
Watkins, Huffman, Sexton, and Stone accepted the First Place prize awards for the students in their respective schools who were not able to attend.
Executive Director Nicole Potzauf commented the Youth Art Month event was one of her favorites at the Art Center which showcases and honors students to help develop creativity in the community.
One young artist, Ireland Wilson, a freshman at Copper Basin High School, sold her first acrylic painting.
Ireland Wilson
She said in a candid interview the inspiration behind her painting was, “I love space. I gave Ms. Danner the idea of a ‘night sky’. We just went with it.”
To view all the wonderful pieces of art from our local youth, please visit the Blue Ridge Mountains Art Center at 402 West Main Street in beautiful downtown Blue Ridge, GA. Call (706) 632- 2144 or email [email protected] for more information on March Youth Art Month.
Susie Delauriers, Carolyn Molder, and Brooke
Nations
2019 Upcoming Youth Art Events
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WFES Character Education Winners for being Peaceful
Rebel's Corner, West Fannin Elem November 30, 2018
The Character Ed word for the month of November was Peaceful. The definition is “a person who avoids problems and is not violent; solves problems in a peaceable way”
These students were chosen for consistently displaying this character trait throughout the month. Congratulations to all of you!
Pictured above from left to right- Front row: Dustyn Green, Mallory Dickey, Tinsley Plush, Jennifer Morales-Lozano, Silas McFarland, Daniel Carder, Ailyn Espinoza-Leal, and Haygen Mathis. Middle row: Lillie Potzauf, Mahlon Lunsford, Luke Strobel, Jillian Cramer, Kaylee Dyer, Karleigh Cruce, Gabe Salat, and Allie Potts . Back row: Aiden Jones, Francisco Saldana, Evan Thurman, Christopher Correa, Harley Stanley, Castle Barnett, and Lauryn Sherbert. Not pictured: Kalyn Martin.
West Fannin Character Ed Recognition for September – Respect!
Rebel's Corner, West Fannin Elem October 1, 2018
The Character Ed word for the month of September was Respect. The definition is “treating others the way that you would like to be treated; being considerate of others’ feelings.”
These students were chosen for consistently displaying this character trait throughout the month. Congratulations to all of you!
Pictured from left to right- Front row: Olivia O’Neal, Landon Millsaps, Eliza Carroll, Trent Taylor, Jeremiah Woolsey, Arianna Riendeau, Rylan Gilmore, and Ella White. Middle row: Brody Ingle, Carson Callihan, Emma Dills, Ava Curtis, Keats Miller, Christian Vazquez-Rosales, and Lyla Strange. Back row: Moriah Carter, Benjamin Holsonback, Lucas Jarrett, Brayden Barker, Casi Mealer, Kierce Trammell, Vince Foster, and Abbie Dillard. Not pictured: Chasity Teague
Gov. Deal signs 2019 budget enabling new North Georgia campus in Blue Ridge
News, Politics May 3, 2018
BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – Gov. Nathan Deal made a stop in Blue Ridge Wednesday, May 2, to sign the state budget – House Bill 684 – for the 2019 fiscal year in Georgia and also bring good news for the University of North Georgia (UNG) Blue Ridge campus.
The $26.2 billion budget, which Deal stated was the largest in the history of the state, will include $5.5 million for a permanent relocation project for the UNG Blue Ridge campus.
Also, during the budget signing, Georgia Speaker of the House and Fannin County resident David Ralston announced the location of the forthcoming facility to be just off of state Route 515 and east of Industrial Park Road.
Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, seated, signs House Bill 684, the state budget for fiscal year 2019, into effect Wednesday, May 2, at the Art Center. Seen here with Deal are, from left, Dr. Bonita Jacobs, president of the University of North Georgia, David Ralston, speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, Deal, and Terry England, state representative from District 116 and chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. (Photo: Amanda Anthros, FetchYourNews)
Of the size of the budget itself, Gov. Deal said, “It reflects the growth of our economy.”
“When I came into office in January 2011, it was a bleak time in our state,” Deal explained of the state’s economy.
As a result of the Recession of 2008, Deal went on to say, by the time he took office, the state revenue had dropped by 18 percent and the “rainy-day fund,” or reserves, was essentially depleted with only enough funds to keep the state government open for approximately two days.
Since then, a dramatic increase in state revenue not only allows for a higher state budget in 2019 but also has allowed for a state income tax rate cut for the first time since the tax was instituted in Georgia in 1934, according to Deal. Deal also noted he expects another income tax cut to come again in 2019.
Regarding the state’s “rainy-day fund,” Deal explained conservative spending has enabled the state to increase reserves to the current amount of $2.3 billion.
“So, we are doing exceptionally well on many fronts,” Deal said.
In his Blue Ridge stop, which was one of five locations across the state of Georgia the governor visited Wednesday to sign the budget, Deal focused his address on spending with regard to higher education.
Georgia Governor Nathan Deal. (Photo: Amanda Anthros, FetchYourNews)
“We have to meet the needs of today and anticipate the needs of tomorrow,” Deal stated. “(Businesses) need an educated and trained workforce. Without that, we’re not going to be able to see companies expand in our state nor are we going to be in a position to recruit new companies to come here.”
Deal explained the Recession of 2008 also affected state lottery proceeds for the Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally (HOPE) Scholarship but announced the 2019 budget will add $68 million more to the HOPE program for higher education opportunities. The governor also stated the state currently has $1.1 billion in reserves for the HOPE Scholarship.
Also, Deal told of the success of dual enrollment, which allows high school juniors and seniors to take college, university, or technical college courses at no cost to serve as credits toward both their high school diploma and a higher education degree or certificate. The 2019 budget provides $26.2 million for dual enrollment programs, Deal stated.
The REACH Scholarship is another opportunity for students seeking higher education. According to Deal, the REACH Scholarship, which was launched in 2012, is needs-based and provides selected eighth-graders with a $10,000 trust account for future higher education. Promising students who come from families with limited financial resources are selected by teachers and school administrators, and once designated as REACH scholars, the students sign a contract agreeing to maintain a good grade point average, to meet with their mentors regularly and also not to partake in crime or drug use.
In addition to the REACH Scholarship, Deal said every institution in the University System of Georgia, which includes 26 public institutions, has agreed to match the $10,000 trust account for REACH scholars.
Since 2012, Deal explained, the state has invested over $689 million in the University System. In the 2019 budget, one of those University System institutions, the University of North Georgia, will not only receive $5.5 million for the Blue Ridge campus, but also $3 million in bonds to renovate its Oakwood campus in Hall County and $4.7 million in bonds to purchase property to expand its main campus in Dahlonega.
“We know that there are many students who will take advantage of these opportunities, and when they do, it will help us to retain them in the state of Georgia. It will help them to have the credentials that will be necessary to get the higher paying jobs that are here today and be able to attract those jobs for the future. For a personal standpoint of a family, when your child gets those kind of credentials, the likelihood that they can stay in Georgia and not have to leave to find a good job is greatly enhanced,” Deal concluded.
Georgia Speaker of the House of Representatives David Ralston. (Photo: Amanda Anthros, FetchYourNews)
Introducing Gov. Deal at the engagement held at the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association Art Center, Speaker Ralston called the event “historic in many respects,” being the first time in the history of Fannin County that a state budget bill has been signed within the county.
Of Georgia’s 82nd governor, Ralston said, “Governor Deal has led this state to become the best in all the 50 in which to do business in this country. He has truly been a great governor, and frankly, I want to say this state is going to miss his leadership.”
For Fannin County, Ralston explained the 2019 budget will provide over $273,000 to the Fannin County Board of Education. Statewide, Ralston stated, over $360 million will go toward the state’s teacher retirement system. Also, statewide public school campus funding will account for $16 million, over $44,000 of which will go to Fannin County, according to Ralston.
Additionally, the budget will provide $25,000 in bonds to renovate the community center in Epworth and $277,000 for a new roof at West Fannin Elementary School.
“And today, I guess the highlight of the event is, (the budget) contains $5.5 million for the new, permanent campus for the University of North Georgia at Blue Ridge,” Ralston announced.
Georgia House Speaker and Fannin County resident David Ralston, left, welcomes Governor Nathan Deal to Blue Ridge Wednesday, May 2. (Photo: Amanda Anthros, FetchYourNews)
Ralston then explained when the campus first opened in the fall of 2015, only 18 students were enrolled at the campus. After three years, Ralston said, “That number is more than 150 students. UNG Blue Ridge’s growth rate has far exceeded our expectations and that’s something I think we can all be proud of.”
According to Ralston, the new facility, which will be 13,000 square feet, will more than triple the campus’s available space and will accommodate 500 students. “That’s 500 futures,” Ralston added, “that will be made brighter, right here in our community.”
After announcing the aforementioned location, Ralston explained the contract is pending final approval from the Board of Regents, which is expected to occur within the next 30 to 45 days.
Speaking of the day’s proceedings with regard to the UNG Blue Ridge campus, Campus Director Sandy Ott stated, “This is a wonderful opportunity for growth and expansion for the University of North Georgia to increase programs, course offerings and educational opportunities in the region. The campus has experienced significant growth since opening in the fall 2015. The opportunities that will be available are endless.”
[Featured image: Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, center, prepares to sign into effect the state’s 2019 fiscal year budget Wednesday, May 2, at the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association Art Center in downtown Blue Ridge. Joining Governor Deal for the signing are, from left, Dr. Bonita Jacobs, president of the University of North Georgia, David Ralston, speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, Deal, Terry England, state representative from District 116 and chairman of the state House Appropriations Committee, and Jason Ridley, state representative from District 6.]
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West Fannin Elementary School competes in robotics
Education, West Fannin Elem January 24, 2018
BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – West Fannin Elementary School (WFES) continues toward its goals of becoming top notch in the areas of science and math.
WFES is slated to become certified this year as an official STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) school in the state of Georgia.
RoboDoctors: back row: Jaime Russell, Mrs. Rice, Mrs. Patterson; middle row: Bryce Mitchell, Matthew Ponton, Reid Hilton, Keton Wilson; front row: Emily Dickey and Jaclyn Cracknell.
In keeping with progresses made in the field of science and engineering, WFES formed its first ever robotics team.
WFES Principal Lucas Roof spoke of this new team at the January Board of Education meeting. “This is something that when I was honored and lucky enough to become the principal at West Fannin, one of the goals was to have a competitive robotics team that could go out and compete,” Roof said.
The WFES robotics team, RoboDoctors, participated in their first competition, held at Union County High School, on Saturday, Dec. 16.
The RoboDoctors team was named as a tribute to Roof’s late father, Dr. Jack B. Roof Jr.
Dr. Roof was a beloved physician whose practice at Fannin Regional Hospital served residents of our area for 26 years.
“It’s kind of touching for me too,” Roof explained,”because Kim Patterson and Milly Rice, they’re sponsors of this team and they did that as a tribute to my dad.”
The tribute doesn’t end with the name RoboDoctors. “One of the things he would always say is be nice and work hard, work hard and be nice to people,” Roof stated, “so they put that as their logo.”
RoboDoctors: back: Lucas Roof; front: Emily Dickey, Bryce Mitchell, Keton Wilson, Matthew Ponton, Jaclyn Cracknell, Jaime Russell and Reid Hilton.
The RoboDoctors scored a respectful amount of points and were awarded a first-place trophy in the category of Core Values. The Core Values Award goes to the team who embodies teamwork, inspiration and gracious professionalism.
“It is a very challenging award to win, and especially for a team that this was their first ever competition,” Roof beamed about the progress of the team. “To win that award, that was very exciting.”
Speaking of the future of the RoboDoctors at WFES, Roof stated, “The goal is to have two competitions a year.”
The two coaches, Kim Patterson and Milly Rice, could not be more proud of these robotics students.
Featured Image : Winning the Core Values Award: Jaclyn Cracknell, Keton Wilson, Matthew Ponton, Emily Dickey, Reid Hilton, Bryce Mitchell and Jaime Russell.
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Parents question the finances of Fannin County Athletics
News, Rebel's Corner February 13, 2018
BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – The Feb. 8 Fannin County Board of Education (BOE) meeting was packed, with many left at standing room only, as parents and supporters of Fannin County Athletics gathered once again to voice concerns over the direction of the program.
The Board of Education listens as public commentary focuses on athletics.
Fannin County School Superintendent Dr. Michael Gwatney addressed the crowd before the meeting got underway saying, “Safety is always the top priority. With that in mind, ladies and gentlemen, we have received a maximum number that’s allowed in this room from the state fire marshal, and we must adhere to that number.”
School principals were present to help usher the crowd and school resource officers were stationed at all emergency exits.
“Our room is at capacity,” Gwatney continued. Gwatney announced that the BOE had set up accommodations in expectations of the large turnout. The meeting would be streaming online and alternate locations had been set up at the high school as an overflow where supporters could watch the live-stream.
Ten community members signed up prior to the meeting to ensure that their voices would be heard during public commentary.
Donnie Kendall, who spoke at the January BOE meeting, led the way again and spoke first during the public’s allotted time.
“The last four weeks the administration has not only been helpful, but they have also made theirselves available in hearing all of my concerns, ” Kendall began. “The problem is our administration is reactive instead of proactive.”
Kendall voiced that the same accountability that is placed on educators in the school system should also be placed on coaches, citing the boys basketball team finishing with just three wins and 21 losses.
In comparing this with an academic classroom where only three students were passing with 21 failing, Kendall stated that that educators job would come into question, and the likelihood of their position being renewed would be slim.
Donnie Kendall addresses the board first during public commentary at the BOE meeting.
“If you choose coaching as career path, you will ultimately be judged by your wins and losses,” Kendall added.
A point of concern among many of the public commentators and mentioned first by Kendall is a need for the BOE to produce total financial transparency of the athletic departments. Kendall, like many others, would like to know what formulas are in place for the funding and who is responsible for the financial decisions.
Speaking of the numerous booster clubs throughout the different athletic departments, who are responsible for raising tens of thousands of dollars every year, Kendall stated, “What we can do and what we are prepared to do is refuse to support that program financially.”
Another commentator, Cliff Shirah spoke from experience on the financial transparency that is desired by parents. Shirah has been treasurer of the Dugout Club for four years.
In those four years, Shirah cited that approximately $192,000 had been raised by the community for this club and the money directly supports Fannin County Athletics.
“We want to know how programs are funded and from what budget, and what is the process or guidelines that those decisions are made?” Shirah questioned the BOE.
Shirah pointed out that the Dugout Club had spent $34,000 in field maintenance and asked, “Why are parents forced to pay for these facilities and field expenses?”
Brian Johnson counters reasons given by administration about the state of Fannin County Athletics.
Brian Johnson, former president of the Basketball Booster Club, also touched on finances, stating the Tip Off Club had raised upwards of $200,000 in four years, and asked the board, “What will the school board’s actions be if financial support is taken away from these programs?”
Johnson also addressed what many parents felt were excuses being given by administration for the current state of Fannin County Athletics: “excuses have been given from, ‘we don’t have talent’ to ‘we’re rural and secluded’ to ‘other teams should be playing in higher classifications.'”
Johnson countered these arguments by stating, “What in your minds makes us more secluded than Union County, Murphy, North Carolina, Hayesville, Towns County, or Hiawassee, Georgia? We have struggled against these very schools that are as small or much, much smaller than we are.”
Ryan Walton, who also spoke alongside Donnie Kendall at the January BOE meeting, did not agree with the explanations that the administration has offered. “All I’ve heard is excuses on why we don’t compete. I haven’t heard any answers,” Walton said.
Walton added, “I will say that the coaches at Fannin County right now are doing a great job of teaching our kids that life is not fair and that the best person does not always get the job, but the athletic director and board are doing a terrible job by showing these kids that you can be terrible at your job and not get fired.”
Other parents were present giving testimonials on how success in athletics directly correlates with success in a child’s personal life and their academics. These parents expressed concern over what they saw as the coaches’ lack of involvement with or enthusiasm displayed for their athletes.
Ultimately, the parents and supporters united under a common theme of change. They wish to see a winning culture come back to Fannin County and want the full chain of command, from the BOE down to the coaches, to take responsibility for this turn around.
Follow FetchYourNews as we look into obtaining full financial transparency for the Fannin County Athletics Department.
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S-P-E-L-L-I-N-G Bee champion moves forward to regional competition
Community, Rebel's Corner February 7, 2018
BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – After a lot of practice and many rounds, Fannin County School System (FCSS) named their champion speller. Eighth-grader Chloe Carter will advance for a third year to the Region 1 Competition held in Rome, Georgia, later this month.
FCSS held school-wide spelling bees in the month of January, and the winners from each school met on Jan. 31 at the Board of Education to determine a champion.
Spelling Bee contestants at the Board of Education. From left to right, Fox Sharp, Jade Dlugokinski, Chloe Carter, and Cole White.
“Before I say anything else, I would like to say how proud I am of each of you for reaching the Fannin County School System spelling bee,” Superintendent Dr. Michael Gwatney said, welcoming the competitors.
With family and faculty present, each principal introduced their respective champion.
From Blue Ridge Elementary School, Principal April Hodges introduced school champion Jade Dlugokinski. Cole White, winner of East Fannin Elementary School, was presented by Principal Matt Price. Principal Keith Nuckolls announced the Fannin County Middle School Champion Chloe Carter, and West Fannin Elementary School Principal Lucas Roof introduced their champion Fox Sharp.
Curriculum Director Robert Ensley read the rules and formalities of the spelling bee. These rules must be strictly adhered to within each district for champions to move forward in hopes of reaching the national bee.
Fannin County High School Literacy Coach Sarah Welch was the official caller for the event, giving each student his or her word and further clarification if needed.
The second round saw two competitors eliminated, with a third contestant being eliminated in the following round.
Students Chloe Carter and Cole White battled it out for another round with Carter spelling the winning word for the round, “cruiser”.
Spelling Bee winner Chloe Carter will advance to the Region 1 Competition in Rome, Georgia, later this month.
As dictated by the rules Carter then had to spell an additional champion word. “Ninja” was spelled with ease by Carter and solidified her as Fannin County spelling champion.
“We are proud to have Ms. Chloe Carter as our eighth grade spelling champion,” Welch announced, officially bringing the bee to a close.
Carter is no stranger to this honor. It is Carter’s third year winning the Fannin County School System spelling bee. Last year, Carter also advanced from the Region 1 Competition to compete at the state level.
The Region 1 competition will take place on Feb. 24 in Rome, Georgia. Carter will face other district champs in hopes of progressing to the state finals.
“Your achievement sets a fine example for the students across our county,” Gwatney beamed to the contestants and congratulated all of the students on their achievements.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
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Thanksgiving meals at West Fannin Elementary
West Fannin Elem November 29, 2017
West Fannin Elementary School hosted two days of Thanksgiving meals for students and their families on Nov. 7 and 8. Our cafeteria staff served over 1,200 meals during the two-day period. The smiles and warm fellowship felt during these meals was so special. Thank you to the many volunteers that made this event possible, but most of all, thank you to our wonderful cafeteria staff.
Pictured above is: Daniel Bolling, Alyssa Bolling, Lilly Bolling, Leann Bolling
Pictured above is: Vanessa Nye, Bella Messer, Peyton Messer
Pictured above is: Jocinda Padrutt and Danica Padrutt
Pictured above is: Brittany Sanders and Patricia Kimsey
Pictured above is: Gary Weaver, Stephen Weaver, Amanda Weaver
West Fannin Elementary School becomes STEM certified
Community, News, Rebel's Corner March 26, 2018
BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – A vision led to a goal, and diligent work led to accomplishment as West Fannin Elementary School (WFES) officially became STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) certified by the Georgia Department of Education.
Students from all grade levels meet with a STEM certification team.
Out of thousands of elementary schools in the state of Georgia, WFES is only the 36th school to have this recognition, and only the fourth in the north Georgia area.
Assistant Principal Alison Danner spoke about how this vision came about: “Five or six years ago there were several of us at the STEM conference at Athens at the University of Georgia, and we all said this is what we want.”
Danner spoke of Fannin County Curriculum Director and previous WFES Principal Robert Ensley: “He was the one that was kind of the forefront, that saw this as a part of the vision for West Fannin in years to come.”
Seeing this vision become a reality took years of hard work from WFES. After initiating a school STEM program and integrating its teachings into day-to-day classroom activities, the school then had to apply for certification.
WFES went through a series of pre-visits in which a team consisting of representatives from math, science, CTAE (career, technical and agricultural education), technology, and business would come to West Fannin and give feedback on how to reach certification level.
“When they do these pre-visits they give you tons of feedback on anything and everything,” Principal Lucas Roof said, describing the process, “and so we received all the feedback that we could possibly receive from them, and the cool thing about it is that we didn’t just sit on that feedback.
“We used that feedback. Our teachers used that feedback, and we got better and better.” Roof added. “We took that constructive criticism, and we put it to use.”
Nov. 3, 2017, was the third and final pre-visit to WFES, and the team at that time felt that the school was ready for a final visit.
“When the team comes in, they don’t talk to us. They don’t talk to the teachers. They talk to the kids. It’s all about what the kids can articulate to them,” Roof added, explaining the final visit, “and kids are going to tell the truth.”
Students at WFES show a STEM certification team how they use skills used at school to solve real world problems.
What this means for WFES is that they are teaching children these fields in ways in which the children become critical thinkers and can apply the skills they are learning to real-world problems.
“It means you are doing what’s right for the kids in terms of hands on learning, in terms of math and science integration, involving the community,” Roof explained of what the Georgia Department of Education looks for in the certifying process.
The students at WFES have applied the skills taught and integrated them into improving their own school environment through Project 1954.
According to Danner, this project involves each grade level to focus on a particular area and come up with ways to improve these areas. An example can be scene in the nature trail created by fourth-grade students.
Roof says that none of this would be possible without the effort of an entire team: “I would like to thank our entire faculty and staff for working so hard and so diligently. I also want to thank our parents, community business partners, our Fannin County School System county office directors, and our Board of Education members for always supporting us throughout this lengthy process. Most of all, I want to thank our students.”
Danner pointed out that while Roof would not acknowledge it himself, a huge thank you is due to him as well: “He was the integral part that took us to the final phases. Mr. Roof just came in and filled that piece that solidified that this was what was going to happen.”
Ensley, the educator credited with the vision of STEM certification, commented on the news that WFES had finally reached its goal. “It has been a dream of mine. I cannot be more excited for West Fannin. They put a lot of time, a lot of effort into making this a success. They did a phenomenal job,” Ensley said.
“Hands down, so proud of them,” Ensley added with a beaming smile.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
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Jingle Jam & Hot Chocolate Fun Run
West Fannin Elem December 5, 2017
5th grade students at West Fannin were challenged to do a community service project that would affect the Fannin County area. Fifth grade teachers asked the kids to come up with problems facing their own community. They felt that the largest problem impacting students that they know is poverty. So, 5th graders brainstormed ways they could help. Mrs. Arp found a grant by Youth Service America as part of their Kindness Rising Campaign, called Be FEARLESS Be KIND. They applied, and won! YSA is donating $250 for WFES 5th graders to use towards a fundraiser that the kids wanted to host. It was a student’s idea to do a Fun Run at the school, and they wanted to make it holiday themed, so they decided on the 1stAnnual West Fannin Jingle Jam and Hot Chocolate Fun Run. They are holding it on Saturday, December 9th at 10 am at WFES. The registration fee is $5, and all funds raised will benefit The Fannin County Empty Stocking Program. The students have been fully running the fundraiser. They have been planning out the events of the day, designing graphics for advertising, and even brainstorming marketing ideas.
Pictured are Mason McDaniel and Hayleigh Cook, holding the graphics they designed for the fundraiser.
Home Depot visits West Fannin
West Fannin Elem January 22, 2018
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On Friday, Jan. 12, five Home Depot associates came to help our second-graders build wooden calendars. The Home Depot employees brought all the students their own orange Home Depot smocks. The students were so excited when each of them received a smock with their name on it. Once they put their smocks on, they went to work on our cafeteria floor building their calendars. Each student was given a kit that contained instructions, the wooden pieces, nails, and stickers for the dates and months. Our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Engineering and Design Loop teaches our students to Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, and Improve. By using this philosophy, students were able to rise above the occasion. If they did not succeed the first time, they took the calendar apart until they figured out how to put it together correctly. It took over an hour. However, after a lot of hammering, each student had a calendar that made he/she proud. Thank you, Home Depot, for giving these second-graders the opportunity for hands on learning that embodies our West Fannin STEM initiative. A special thank you to these Home Depot associates who were wonderful with the students and staff: Becky Coleman, Bryan Urguhart, Nicole Marcus, Pattie Shearouse, and Lisa Cohn.