LUMBERTON — Public Schools of Robeson County Early College High School students returned to school Monday with smiles and an eagerness to take on the 2023-2024 academic year.
Principal Andrew Davis could be seen greeting students as they arrived.
Davis is the school’s new principal this year. The role was formerly occupied by Dr. Anthony Barton, who now serves as Fairmont High School’s new principal following the retirement of Ronald Kent Prater.
“The first day was a huge success. You could see the smiles and joy on our scholar's faces as they returned to campus, eager to learn and ready to see their teachers and classmates,” Davis said.
But the school still felt a void left from the loss of Ethan Brown, a student who passed away recently.
“Our great first day was bittersweet as our staff greeted our scholars, emotions were high with the tragic passing of one of our own. Our caring staff and extra support from our district office were exactly what the students needed, a friendly face and the comfort of knowing they were not alone and that we were there for them,” Davis said.
Davis has big plans for the school this year. As teachers returned to campus last week, he held his first staff meeting with them, in which he shared words of encouragement ahead of the school year.
“Our goals for this school year are commitment, collaboration, and relationships,” Davis said.
Davis said the school is committed to the work “so that all students can be successful.”
The school will collaborate with Robeson Community College, staff, students, parents, and the community to ensure Scholars are prepared, informed, and supported as they transition from Early College to the University and workforce setting, he said.
He also said building relationships with students, staff, parents, and Robeson Community College for the well-being of students is one of the school’s goals.
“These relationships are vital for our student's success,” Davis said.