Greetings WC Friday Cavalier parents and families!

My name is Mr. Craig Short and I am the principal of WC Friday Middle School. I am excited and eager about becoming a part of the Cavalier Family for the remainder of this school year and, hopefully, for years to come. I am currently in my 26th year of education. This will mark a return to Gaston County Schools for me, and I could not be more thrilled about the opportunity. Prior to my return to Gaston County Schools, I served as an administrator with Lincoln County Schools. I taught Social Studies at the high school level for 19 years. I was also a varsity coach where I held both assistant and head coaching responsibilities. My wife, Missy, and I have four beautiful children: Molly, Cooper, Emma, and Gabriel, who are as ready to join the Cavalier family as I am.

WC Friday Middle School is steeped in a long and rich tradition that has been well established over many years. In that time, our alumni and community, as a whole, have gone to great lengths to remain supportive and involved in and with our school. Your student will now be added to that group. They will be a part of something bigger than them. They will carry on the rich traditions and heritage of our proud school. Even though your student’s history is still being written, their names are being added to a long list of proud and distinguished Cavaliers that have come before them. Your son or daughter will experience how wonderful WC Friday Middle School is, and the many things that make our school so special.

Each and every staff member works diligently to prepare our school for high-quality learning each day. Our dedicated teachers are the best in the county! They are excited and ready to help each student reach far beyond their potential. The WC Friday custodial staff worked tirelessly to keep our building looking immaculate and clean during this time of transition. Our office and support staff continue to focus on the small details that have a huge impact on our entire school. At WC Friday, we are a team and our common goal is to positively impact each and every student. We put students first. Always.

My plan is to harness the incredible energy, along with the storied traditions and history of WC Friday, and continue to build on our Cavalier pride. Through hard work and dedication, our school will maintain its place of excellence in our community. In order to accomplish this goal, we will need the help and support of all of our stakeholders, which includes you and your family.

I look forward to walking alongside you as we begin this journey and build upon the tremendous legacy of WC Friday Middle School.

Cavalier Pride!

Craig Short
Principal
jcshort@gaston.k12.nc.us