Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Cherryville, NC (WNN) - Students across Gaston County woke up early this morning to attend their first day back to school on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. For W.B. Beam Intermediate, the return carries added significance for students and families following months of uncertainty about the school’s future.
Earlier this year, Gaston County Schools began discussions about potentially closing and consolidating W.B. Beam Intermediate. By July, the Gaston County Board of Education announced that the school would remain open for the 2026-2027 school year.
This means that bright-eyed fifth-grade students are returning to a familiar building, while fourth-grade students are beginning their next chapter at a school that has been part of the Cherryville community for the past 22 years.
Beam Intermediate’s new principal, Carolina Falter, welcomed students and families back to campus.
“We are so excited to welcome our students and families back for a brand-new school year! We are incredibly excited about this new school year and can’t wait to see our students back in the building! Thank you for your continued support of B.E.A.M. Intermediate.”
- Carolina Falter, Principal at W.B. Beam Intermediate
Along with the students and families, staff also return to campus for the year. According to the Gaston County Schools Employment Portal, only two positions are open at the intermediate school. That being a 5th-grade and an EC teacher position. With these two open, the school is almost fully staffed and ready to tackle the upcoming year.
As students were being picked up for dismissal, the school marquee along East First Street offered a heartfelt message to the community: “Falcons Soar, Thank You Cherryville.” A simple reminder of the community resilience that has supported Beam Intermediate and its students along the way.
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