🎉 Rockingham County Schools Announces New Principal at Huntsville Elementary 🎉
Rockingham County Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Michelle Casto as Principal of Huntsville Elementary School, effective October 6, 2025. Ms. Casto was approved for a two-year contract by the Rockingham County Schools Board of Education.
A proud product of Rockingham County Schools and graduate of Dalton L. McMichael High School, Ms. Casto brings more than two decades of educational experience and leadership to her new role. She has served as Assistant Principal and Interim Athletic Director at Western Rockingham Middle School, Interim Principal at Wentworth Elementary, and previously as an Instructional Coach, AIG Specialist, and Science Teacher across multiple schools in the district.
Ms. Casto holds a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, an Add-On Licensure in School Administration from UNC Wilmington, and an Add-On Licensure in Academically/Intellectually Gifted Education from Duke University. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Textile Chemistry from North Carolina State University.
Ms. Casto shared,
“I am honored and excited to serve my community as principal of Huntsville Elementary. Huntsville is a special place, and I am committed to continuing our work to build a strong, supportive community for our students and families. I look forward to meeting and getting to know each of our families as we partner together to help every child grow and succeed.”
Recognized for her strong instructional leadership, collaborative spirit, and dedication to student success, Ms. Casto is deeply committed to fostering positive school culture and strong community partnerships.
Please join us in congratulating Ms. Michelle Casto on her new role as Principal of Huntsville Elementary School! 🍎💛💙
#RCSExcellence #RockinghamCountySchools #HuntsvilleElementary #WelcomeMsCasto
Rockingham County Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Michelle Casto as Principal of Huntsville Elementary School, effective October 6, 2025. Ms. Casto was approved for a two-year contract by the Rockingham County Schools Board of Education.
A proud product of Rockingham County Schools and graduate of Dalton L. McMichael High School, Ms. Casto brings more than two decades of educational experience and leadership to her new role. She has served as Assistant Principal and Interim Athletic Director at Western Rockingham Middle School, Interim Principal at Wentworth Elementary, and previously as an Instructional Coach, AIG Specialist, and Science Teacher across multiple schools in the district.
Ms. Casto holds a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, an Add-On Licensure in School Administration from UNC Wilmington, and an Add-On Licensure in Academically/Intellectually Gifted Education from Duke University. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Textile Chemistry from North Carolina State University.
Ms. Casto shared,
“I am honored and excited to serve my community as principal of Huntsville Elementary. Huntsville is a special place, and I am committed to continuing our work to build a strong, supportive community for our students and families. I look forward to meeting and getting to know each of our families as we partner together to help every child grow and succeed.”
Recognized for her strong instructional leadership, collaborative spirit, and dedication to student success, Ms. Casto is deeply committed to fostering positive school culture and strong community partnerships.
Please join us in congratulating Ms. Michelle Casto on her new role as Principal of Huntsville Elementary School! 🍎💛💙
#RCSExcellence #RockinghamCountySchools #HuntsvilleElementary #WelcomeMsCasto
🎉 Rockingham County Schools Welcomes New Director of Safety and Communications, Eric Goodykoontz 🎉
Rockingham County Schools is pleased to announce the hiring of Mr. Eric Goodykoontz as our new Director of Safety and Communications. He will begin this role on January 2, 2026.
Mr. Goodykoontz brings more than two decades of progressive leadership experience in law enforcement and public safety. He most recently served as Captain and Commanding Officer of the Operational Support Division with the Greensboro Police Department, where he provided oversight to School Resource Officers, Behavioral Health Response Teams, Traffic Safety, Canine, and multiple specialized tactical units.
He holds a Master of Public Administration in Public and Non-Profit Management from Liberty University, dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Forensic Accounting and Criminal Justice from Guilford College, and an Associate in Applied Science in Fire Protection Technology from Guilford Technical Community College. Mr. Goodykoontz is also a graduate of the Administrative Officers Management Program at NC State University and the Other Voices Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Development Program through the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce.
Recognized for his ability to build strong partnerships, implement strategic initiatives, and lead with integrity, Mr. Goodykoontz is deeply committed to fostering safe learning environments and strengthening community relationships.
Please join us in welcoming Eric Goodykoontz to the Rockingham County Schools family! 💛💙
#RockinghamCountySchools #RCSExcellence #SchoolSafety #WelcomeEricGoodykoontz
Rockingham County Schools is pleased to announce the hiring of Mr. Eric Goodykoontz as our new Director of Safety and Communications. He will begin this role on January 2, 2026.
Mr. Goodykoontz brings more than two decades of progressive leadership experience in law enforcement and public safety. He most recently served as Captain and Commanding Officer of the Operational Support Division with the Greensboro Police Department, where he provided oversight to School Resource Officers, Behavioral Health Response Teams, Traffic Safety, Canine, and multiple specialized tactical units.
He holds a Master of Public Administration in Public and Non-Profit Management from Liberty University, dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Forensic Accounting and Criminal Justice from Guilford College, and an Associate in Applied Science in Fire Protection Technology from Guilford Technical Community College. Mr. Goodykoontz is also a graduate of the Administrative Officers Management Program at NC State University and the Other Voices Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Development Program through the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce.
Recognized for his ability to build strong partnerships, implement strategic initiatives, and lead with integrity, Mr. Goodykoontz is deeply committed to fostering safe learning environments and strengthening community relationships.
Please join us in welcoming Eric Goodykoontz to the Rockingham County Schools family! 💛💙
#RockinghamCountySchools #RCSExcellence #SchoolSafety #WelcomeEricGoodykoontz
Mrs. Vickie McKinney served on the Rockingham County School Board of Education for the past five years. While Mrs. McKinney loved serving on the Board of Education and advocating for students, she resigned her position as of October 13, 2025 due to her health. The school district appreciates Mrs. McKinney's unwavering advocacy for our students.
Leaksville-Spray Elementary:
Rockingham County Schools Recognizes the Teacher of the Year for 2025-2026:
Heather Kelley
Justin Conkle
Taylor Apple
Amy Dowdle
Elizabeth Richardson
Stephanie Knight
Kenneth Dowdle
Taneshia Artis
Reba Johnson
Heather Kelley
Justin Conkle
Taylor Apple
Amy Dowdle
Elizabeth Richardson
Stephanie Knight
Kenneth Dowdle
Taneshia Artis
Reba Johnson
Rockingham County Schools Recognizes the Teacher of the Year for 2025-2026:
Ashley Bloss
Sydney Gammons
Brittany Pratt
Linda Bullock
Lucas Conkle
Gina Gammons
Andrea Brune
Shannon Land
Kayla Teague
Sally Blackwell
Ashley Bloss
Sydney Gammons
Brittany Pratt
Linda Bullock
Lucas Conkle
Gina Gammons
Andrea Brune
Shannon Land
Kayla Teague
Sally Blackwell
Rockingham County School Recognizes The Assistant Principal of the Year for 2025-2026:
Amanda Wall
Amanda Wall
Rockingham County School Recognizes The CTE Teacher of the Year for 2025-2026:
Mary Catherine Huss
Mary Catherine Huss
Rockingham County School Recognizes The Beginning Teacher of Excellence Runner Up for 2025-2026:
Allison Huss
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is pleased to announce that Valencia Abbott has been named the 2025 National History Teacher of the Year.
Abbott is an educator with over two decades of experience and serves as the Social Studies Department chair and a civics teacher at Rockingham Early College High School in Wentworth, North Carolina. Her dedication has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2024 Civil Rights/Civil Liberties Excellence in Teaching Award and the 2024–2025 RECHS Teacher of the Year honor. She is also a 2024 United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Teacher Fellow and serves on multiple advisory boards, underscoring her commitment to education and civil rights.
Being named the 2025 National History Teacher of the Year is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the power of storytelling in education. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to inspire students to see themselves in history, to amplify voices that have long been overlooked and undertold, and to remind every young scholar that their story matters.
–Valencia Abbott
As the national winner, Abbott will receive a $10,000 grand prize at a special ceremony on November 5, 2025, at the Harvard Club of New York City. The award will be presented by Pulitzer Prize–winner Stacy Schiff.
Congratulations, Valencia!
Rockingham County Schools Celebrates Excellence in Education at Teacher of the Year Banquet
Rockingham County Schools proudly honored outstanding educators and leaders during the annual Teacher of the Year Banquet held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. The celebration brought together School Board members, district administrators, and special guests to recognize the exceptional contributions of teachers and school leaders across the district.
This year’s district-level honorees include:
2025–2026 Rockingham County Schools Teacher of the Year: Elizabeth Joyce, Western Rockingham Middle School
2025–2026 Beginning Teacher of Excellence: Jessica Boothe, Dalton McMichael High School / Morehead High School
2025–2026 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teacher of the Year: Mary Catherine Huss, Holmes Middle School
2025–2026 Assistant Principal of the Year: Amanda Wall, Leaksville-Spray Elementary School
2025–2026 Principal of the Year: Dr. Kelly Nelson-Danley, Moss Street Elementary School
In addition to these district-wide awards, each school’s individual Teacher of the Year was recognized for their commitment and service to students.
Both Ms. Elizabeth Joyce and Dr. Kelly Nelson-Danley will advance to the state regional selection process for North Carolina Teacher of the Year and North Carolina Principal of the Year, respectively.
Superintendent Stover praised the honorees, stating:
“Our educators and leaders go above and beyond each day to inspire, challenge, and support our students. This celebration is a reflection of their tireless efforts and the positive impact they make on our schools and community.”
Rockingham County Schools proudly honored outstanding educators and leaders during the annual Teacher of the Year Banquet held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. The celebration brought together School Board members, district administrators, and special guests to recognize the exceptional contributions of teachers and school leaders across the district.
This year’s district-level honorees include:
2025–2026 Rockingham County Schools Teacher of the Year: Elizabeth Joyce, Western Rockingham Middle School
2025–2026 Beginning Teacher of Excellence: Jessica Boothe, Dalton McMichael High School / Morehead High School
2025–2026 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teacher of the Year: Mary Catherine Huss, Holmes Middle School
2025–2026 Assistant Principal of the Year: Amanda Wall, Leaksville-Spray Elementary School
2025–2026 Principal of the Year: Dr. Kelly Nelson-Danley, Moss Street Elementary School
In addition to these district-wide awards, each school’s individual Teacher of the Year was recognized for their commitment and service to students.
Both Ms. Elizabeth Joyce and Dr. Kelly Nelson-Danley will advance to the state regional selection process for North Carolina Teacher of the Year and North Carolina Principal of the Year, respectively.
Superintendent Stover praised the honorees, stating:
“Our educators and leaders go above and beyond each day to inspire, challenge, and support our students. This celebration is a reflection of their tireless efforts and the positive impact they make on our schools and community.”
📢 Reidsville High School Welcomes New Assistant Principal
Reidsville High School is excited to announce the recommendation of Toi Jackson as our new Assistant Principal, beginning September 29, 2025
Jackson brings over 20 years of experience in education, including 15 years teaching English Language Arts and 5 years as an Assistant Principal. She has also served as Dean of Students, Testing Coordinator, Graduation Coach, and GEAR UP Liaison.
Recognized as Assistant Principal of the Year in her previous district for both the 2023–24 and 2024–25 school years, Jackson is passionate about building relationships and creating a positive school culture where students and staff can thrive.
Join us in welcoming her to the Reidsville High School family! 💙💛
Reidsville High School is excited to announce the recommendation of Toi Jackson as our new Assistant Principal, beginning September 29, 2025
Jackson brings over 20 years of experience in education, including 15 years teaching English Language Arts and 5 years as an Assistant Principal. She has also served as Dean of Students, Testing Coordinator, Graduation Coach, and GEAR UP Liaison.
Recognized as Assistant Principal of the Year in her previous district for both the 2023–24 and 2024–25 school years, Jackson is passionate about building relationships and creating a positive school culture where students and staff can thrive.
Join us in welcoming her to the Reidsville High School family! 💙💛
Dr. John Stover, III and other distinguished guests welcomed Dr. Sylvia Cox as the sixth President of Rockingham Community College. The Installation Ceremony was held in the campus’s Keys Gymnasium.
Reidsville High School students will need be dismissed today, Wednesday, September 17, at 9:30 AM due to electrical issues that require a Duke Energy power outage for the remainder of the day.
Students led remembrance ceremonies on September 11th.
Holmes Middle School:
Revised BOE 2025 Meeting Schedule:
The Rockingham County Board of Education approved a revised meeting schedule during its meeting last night. The updated schedule reflects a change in the meeting times for the Work Sessions on September 22 and October 27, 2025, which will now begin at 6:00 PM instead of 1:00 PM.
The Rockingham County Board of Education approved a revised meeting schedule during its meeting last night. The updated schedule reflects a change in the meeting times for the Work Sessions on September 22 and October 27, 2025, which will now begin at 6:00 PM instead of 1:00 PM.
Ms. Valencia Abbott was recognized at the September 8th Board of Education meeting for being the North Carolina History Teacher of the Year. NC Department of Instruction Representative, Mr. Doughtery, stated, "There were eighty applicants, but only one was selected!" Ms. Abbott states she does what she does for her students. Congratulations.
Coach Candice Langel , 3A Softball Coach, was recognized at the September 8th Board of Education meeting for being the NC State Coach of the Year! We are so proud of Coach Langel who attributes her success to her assistant coaches and the TEAM.
Rockingham County Schools families. We are excited to begin the 2025-26 school year! We are asking each family or guardians to go to the Rockingham County website at www.rock.k12.nc.us. Once on the site, click on the tab entitled Parents and then click on FERPA OPT OUT Information. On that page are different FERPA information forms for elementary and secondary parents. We ask that you read those carefully. Once you have done so and have determined if you would like your child to opt out of any of the areas listed, go to either the elementary or secondary opt out form to complete it. Complete the form for each child in your home. If you would like a hard copy of the information form or the opt out form, you may contact your school administrator. We ask that you return to the school or submit to the forms online by Friday, September 12, 2025. Thank you.