Gaston County School leaders welcomed students back for 2024-25 school year

Gaston County Schools Superintendent Morgen Houchard joined Robinson Elementary School Principal William Winston in welcoming elementary school students to class on the first day of school Wednesday.

Winston, a 16-year educator who was formerly the assistant principal at Hunter Huss High School, said the biggest difference he has noticed so far between high school students and elementary students is the excitement level.

Houchard and Winston both said creating an environment that breeds excitement is one of the top goals going into the school year.

Robinson kindergarten teacher Whitney Marr described the energy at drop off on the first day back as electric.

“They’re excited,” she said as multiple children approached her to show off back-to-school hair and clothes and give her a hug.

That kind of energy is exactly what Winston is looking for, he said.

“I want everyone to be excited to come to school every day,” he said.

Over the course of this year, Winston said, he is most excited to see how everyone grows from the staff and children to himself.

District-wide, Houchard said he is prepared to focus on offering Gaston County students high-quality teaching and learning this year.

Houchard said he plans to achieve that goal by creating a positive and supportive workplace for teachers and administrators in the district.

According to a press release from the district, approximately 30,000 students and more than 1,900 teachers returned to school Wednesday for the 2024-25 school year.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Gaston County School leaders welcomed students back for 2024-25 school year