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Way to go, marching band seniors!
It is a tradition for the Marching Band Fanfare to conclude with the senior members of our high school bands coming together for a group picture. The seniors led the way as the band students put on stellar, crowd-pleasing performances for those who attended the annual marching band showcase.
In Pictures: Marching Band Fanfare
Are you ready for some football?
Seven of our high school football teams are advancing to the state playoffs, which begin on Friday, November 7. Ashbrook is leading the charge into the playoffs with a perfect 10-0 record and conference championship. South Point, Hunter Huss, Cherryville, Stuart W. Cramer, Highland, and Forestview also are seeing post-season play.
A new approach for classroom management
Twelve of our schools are using a research-based approach called no-nonsense nurturing to help teachers with classroom management. In their role as no non-sense nurturers, teachers are creating a structured and consistent classroom environment for students that focuses on engagement, respect, and academic success.
Engaging our parents, hearing their voice
Each school selected parent representatives to serve on the Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council. During the Council’s first meeting of the school year, the parents heard a presentation from Superintendent Morgen Houchard and participated in small-group discussion to provide input on our new strategic plan.
They are state champions, again!
The South Point High School girls golf team won the state championship for the second consecutive year. Additionally, the Stuart W. Cramer girls golf team finished as the state runner-up. These are impressive achievements, and we are so very proud of the championship athletics in Gaston County Schools.
Action-packed academics
Not all heroes wear capes. Our teachers are the superheroes of public education, and they guarantee a 2025-2026 school year that’s filled with action-packed lessons and activities that take teaching and learning to a higher level.
American Education Week is November 17-21.
Join us in celebrating our outstanding educators!
It’s cool to be in school
Good school attendance matters for both students and teachers/staff. Showing up every day is the most important aspect of school, and it has a direct link to a student’s academic and future success. Bottom line, teachers cannot teach and students cannot learn if they are not at school.
Record-high graduation rate
Gaston County Schools has achieved its highest graduation rate ever – 88.8 percent. Our graduation rate is higher than the state graduation rate of 87.7 percent for the Class of 2025.
Providing care for students at school
Thanks to our partnership with Kintegra Health, we offer a telehealth clinic here at our school. Students, who are experiencing a minor illness or condition, can be seen by a medical provider virtually. This allows us to provide care for students without them having to leave school to go to the doctor.
A focus on championship athletes
Our fall sports teams are giving the community something to cheer about. From football and soccer to volleyball, cross country, cheerleading, softball, golf, and tennis, our middle school and high school student-athletes are working hard with achieving a championship season always in mind.
Our Leader in Me Lighthouse School
Congratulations to Carr Elementary School in Dallas! The school has earned recertification as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School for infusing leadership education across the curriculum.
He’s riding in style
Thank you, Courage Kia in Gastonia, for providing a vehicle lease agreement to our Gaston County Teacher of the Year. John Ramos, who teaches science at Forestview High School, is riding in style because of Courage Kia.
A showplace in the heart of Gastonia
W.P. Grier Middle School is experiencing a major transformation. This school year, students, teachers, and staff moved into a new 155,000-square-foot building that serves as a showcase for teaching and learning in the heart of Gastonia.
Stay Updated
Stay informed with the latest news and updates from Gaston County Schools.
District News
![Fanfare features marching band performances]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762443859/gastonk12ncus/rwfkqpxpgfa9rbnbftwh/eastgastonmarchingbandfanfarethumb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762443859/gastonk12ncus/rwfkqpxpgfa9rbnbftwh/eastgastonmarchingbandfanfarethumb.jpg","width":380}])
The Gaston County Schools Marching Band Fanfare showcased crowd-pleasing performances by our high school bands.
![Parent reps offer input on strategic plan]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762445793/gastonk12ncus/ivtlcwbxnicjl8fupv27/parentadvisorythumbnail_25.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762445793/gastonk12ncus/ivtlcwbxnicjl8fupv27/parentadvisorythumbnail_25.jpg","width":380}])
Parent representatives from each school had an opportunity to weigh in on Gaston County Schools’ new strategic plan.
![Schools put the fun in fundraising for United Way]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762374420/gastonk12ncus/mrfgyqzpiibs2dfcatfb/UnitedWayHST.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762374420/gastonk12ncus/mrfgyqzpiibs2dfcatfb/UnitedWayHST.jpg","width":380}])
All kinds of fun fundraising activities are happening in schools to support our annual campaign for the United Way.
![Telehealth is available to address minor illnesses]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761928824/gastonk12ncus/c2ishi7uvo88dgqssbuy/Kintegrahealthsmall.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1761928824/gastonk12ncus/c2ishi7uvo88dgqssbuy/Kintegrahealthsmall.jpg","width":380}])
Students can receive medical attention for minor illnesses without having to miss a lot of class time.
![Board of Education recognizes “good news” honorees]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761671197/gastonk12ncus/ibxk2fgiimkdnqcyassj/BOEGoodNewsThumbnail_SeptOct2025.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1761671197/gastonk12ncus/ibxk2fgiimkdnqcyassj/BOEGoodNewsThumbnail_SeptOct2025.jpg","width":380}])
Find out who was recognized during the September and October meetings.
![New approach helps with classroom management]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761246626/gastonk12ncus/zrof9wkr0urpcubgs7ic/nonon-sensenurturingthumbnail.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1761246626/gastonk12ncus/zrof9wkr0urpcubgs7ic/nonon-sensenurturingthumbnail.jpg","width":380}])
A new approach is being implemented at 12 schools in Gaston County to help teachers with classroom management.
![Property donated to Gaston County Schools]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761140095/gastonk12ncus/ey9o16scqfleksce97ys/armstrongfitnessthumbnail.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1761140095/gastonk12ncus/ey9o16scqfleksce97ys/armstrongfitnessthumbnail.jpg","width":380}])
The former Armstrong Athletic Club property is a generous gift presented to Gaston County Schools by Don and Mary Doctor.
![Make regular school attendance a priority]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759859143/gastonk12ncus/hlvpfgmynizeqcilflfn/schoolbusthumbnail.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759859143/gastonk12ncus/hlvpfgmynizeqcilflfn/schoolbusthumbnail.jpg","width":380}])
Showing up every day is the most important aspect of school, and it has a direct link to a student’s success.
Announcements
Gaston County Schools is partnering with Kintegra Health to provide a school-based telehealth clinic, giving students access to medical care without leaving campus.
Through the telehealth clinic, students can connect with a Kintegra Health medical provider using secure video technology. A trained clinical professional will be with the student during the visit to assist with the exam and communicate with the provider.
For more information, visit the Gaston County Schools / Kintegra Health Telehealth Clinic webpage.
The Gaston Regional Science and Engineering Fair for students in grades 3-12 will be held at Belmont CityWorks, 1401 East Catawba Street in Belmont. The elementary division is scheduled for December 4-5 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., with awards beginning at noon, and the high school division will take place January 8-9 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., with awards beginning at noon. This annual event gives students the opportunity to showcase their projects, explore new ideas, and celebrate the importance of science, technology, engineering, and math.
The next training class for people interested in becoming a bus driver for Gaston County Schools is scheduled in January. The training is for people who do not have a commercial driver license (CDL), which is required to drive a school bus.
The training will be held January 5-7 from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Gaston County Citizens Resource Center, 1303 Dallas-Cherryville Hwy., Dallas. For more information and to register for the training, contact Crystal Laughrun, (704) 866-6223.
The class is limited to 50 people, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. People signing up for the class must have a valid driver license (for a regular vehicle) at the time of registration.
Bus drivers are hired throughout the school year. Anyone who currently holds a CDL with an S (school bus) endorsement can apply on our website, go through a driving overview, and begin driving without having to complete the training program.
Tuesday, November 11 is a holiday for students and employees. All schools and central level offices will be closed. We salute and thank all veterans who have served our country.
UNC-Chapel Hill’s School of Education is offering a Master of School Administration (MSA) degree with two upcoming virtual sessions for interested candidates to learn about the program. The virtual sessions will be held on November 6 and December 18 from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
The program is for educators seeking to lead in an administrator role for K-12 education. Coursework can be completed in two years in hyflex format. For more information and to register for one of the virtual sessions, contact the university’s School of Education or click the following link: Master of School Administration (MSA) program.
Why Gaston County Schools?
We provide outstanding educational opportunities for our students.
Academics
Our students have access to a variety of programs and courses, including Advanced Placement (AP), college prep, and other classes.
Athletics
Athletics is a source of pride for Gaston County Schools and the community. Our teams consistently capture county, regional, and state championships.
Career and Technical Education
Classes ranging from health science and welding to automotive, carpentry, and cosmetology allow hands-on learning in a variety of career fields.
College Prep
Students can take Advanced Placement (AP) classes, enroll in courses offered through Gaston College, and participate in online AP and college classes.
Fine Arts
We offer a fine arts program where students can explore their creativity and develop their talents in chorus, band, art, dance, and theater.
Magnet School and Academies
We have 17 magnet schools and academies that focus on careers, college prep, health sciences, leadership, performing arts, STEAM, and other areas.
School Safety
School safety, alongside academic achievement, continues to be a priority for our schools.
Student Support
We provide a range of student support services to help meet students’ academic, social, and emotional needs.
