Gaston Virtual Academy

Congratulations to the Class of ‘26!!! We are so proud of you!!

Attention students in grades 6-12! Want to earn some extra credit this summer? Check this out!

Each book counts for 3 points of extra credit. In order to get those points, your answers must be thoughtful, and complete. No one-word sentences when the questions ask you to tell us about your book.

https://forms.gle/EL9BBvh7mAx86Xke8

✨ We are so proud to celebrate Gaston Virtual Academy’s Star Teacher and Star Student! ✨

Teacher Melissa Holland was selected by graduating senior Rachelle Sainvil as someone who made a lasting impact on her educational journey. Although Ms. Holland was unable to attend the ceremony, our principal Dr. Sharon Potts proudly stood alongside Rachelle to honor this special recognition. 💚

Rachelle shared that Ms. Holland played a major role in shaping her success as a virtual learner:
“Ms. Holland told me that if I use Google to complete my work, it will never help me grow academically.”

That lesson became much bigger than schoolwork. Rachelle explained that Ms. Holland helped her understand the value of integrity, accountability, perseverance, and asking for help when needed.
“She helped me realize that taking my time, asking for help, and doing the hard work honestly is what builds a strong future.”

Moments like these remind us that great teachers do so much more than teach content—they help shape character, confidence, and lifelong values. 🌟

Congratulations to both Rachelle and Ms. Holland on this incredible honor!

One incredible leader, one lasting impact. 💼✨

Dr. Sharon Potts, your leadership goes far beyond guiding—you uplift, support, and inspire everyone around you. Thank you for being a steady presence for staff and students alike and for creating a school where people truly grow. You are the heart behind it all. 💚👩‍💼

To Yeva Hall-Williamson, Leah Lasco, Irene Martin, Laurieann Ratz, DeAnn Cummings, and Justine Bartlett—your dedication keeps everything running behind the scenes while supporting students and staff every single day. 💛

Thank you for the countless ways you step in, lift others up, and keep things moving forward. Your impact is felt in every corner of our school, even when it’s not always seen. 🌼💪

High school is where big dreams start to take shape—and these educators are right there, guiding every step. 🎓✨

Shoutout to Allison Dawson, Deb Elmore, Laura Kiser, Melissa Holland, Beth Phillips, and April Wilson-Goodwin for supporting our students through important decisions, encouraging independence, and helping them step confidently into what’s next. Your impact goes far beyond the classroom. 🌟💙

Middle school is a whole adventure—equal parts growth, change, and figuring things out—and these teachers show up for it all. 💙

Huge shoutout to Jaime Anderson, Jennifer Yount, Britnee Reid, and Jill Faile for guiding our students through the ups and downs, cheering them on, and helping them build confidence along the way. You make the middle years matter in the best way. 🙌✨

Today we’re shining a spotlight on the magic-makers in our K–5 classrooms! ✨

Our K–2 team: Melissa Chapple and Tracy McKoy
Our 3–5 team: Jaime McGee and Lisa Wilson

Thank you for creating spaces where curiosity grows, confidence builds, and every child feels seen and supported. The impact you make reaches far beyond the classroom—and it does not go unnoticed. 💛🍎

It’s that time of the year—Teacher Appreciation Week! 💐📚

All week long, we’ll be spotlighting the incredible people who make our school so special. From the first day jitters to graduation day hugs, they show up with heart, humor, and a whole lot of magic. 💫

Keep an eye out as we celebrate our amazing elementary teachers, middle and high school staff, support teams, and leadership. It’s time to say thank you in a big, bright way. 💖

Let the love-fest begin! 🎉

Message from Superintendent Houchard, Gaston County Schools
Optional Teacher Workday on Friday, May 1
For Friday, May 1, Gaston County Schools will operate on an optional teacher workday, which means there will be no school for students.
As you may know, there is a rally scheduled this Friday in Raleigh where educators will advocate for better compensation and well-resourced public schools across North Carolina. We have been closely monitoring the effect of this on our schools and have determined that we will not have enough substitutes and central office personnel to cover adequately.
The Board of Education and I respect and support teachers and the teaching profession, and we are always committed to what is best for our students and schools. We are grateful for the work our teachers do each day and recognize that they are the most important factor in providing high-quality teaching and learning.
We appreciate the understanding of our families as we make this adjustment to ensure the smooth operation of our schools. Thank you for your continued support.
Once again, for Friday, May 1, there will be no school for students as Gaston County Schools will operate as an optional teacher workday.

Message from Superintendent Houchard, Gaston County Schools
Optional Teacher Workday on Friday, May 1

For Friday, May 1, Gaston County Schools will operate on an optional teacher workday, which means there will be no school for students.

As you may know, there is a rally scheduled this Friday in Raleigh where educators will advocate for better compensation and well-resourced public schools across North Carolina. We have been closely monitoring the effect of this on our schools and have determined that we will not have enough substitutes and central office personnel to cover adequately.

The Board of Education and I respect and support teachers and the teaching profession, and we are always committed to what is best for our students and schools. We are grateful for the work our teachers do each day and recognize that they are the most important factor in providing high-quality teaching and learning.

We appreciate the understanding of our families as we make this adjustment to ensure the smooth operation of our schools. Thank you for your continued support.

Once again, for Friday, May 1, there will be no school for students as Gaston County Schools will operate as an optional teacher workday.