It’s TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK!

We’re celebrating our incredible educators, the true rock stars of our schools! Thank you to this amazing group of professionals for the work you do each and every day. Their dedication, passion, and commitment to our students make a lasting impact that goes far beyond the classroom.

Our teachers consistently go above and beyond, creating meaningful experiences and lifelong memories for all learners. We hope they know that their efforts do not go unnoticed! We are deeply grateful for all that they do.

We encourage our families and community to join us in celebrating and showering these outstanding teachers with appreciation all week long!

A special thank you to our school leaders, PTOs, Board of Education, and local businesses for their continued support and generosity. This recognition means so much to our educators.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to all of our amazing teachers!

School Lunch Hero Day Celebrated Across the District

On Friday, May 1, schools across the district came together to celebrate School Lunch Hero Day, recognizing the dedicated school nutrition staff who play a vital role in supporting student success each day.

Often working behind the scenes, these team members ensure that students are fueled, cared for, and ready to learn. Their commitment to preparing nutritious and delicious meals creates a positive impact that extends far beyond the cafeteria.

In honor of their hard work and dedication, school nutrition leaders surprised staff with a special gift, reminding them that they are the “light” in their school communities and encouraging them to continue shining brightly in all they do. As an added celebration, staff members were also given the opportunity to order School Lunch Hero T-shirts that proudly showcase their “superpowers” and the important role they play each day.

School leaders expressed their gratitude for the school nutrition teams, recognizing the care, consistency, and positivity they bring to their work. Their efforts help create welcoming environments where students feel supported and ready to succeed.

School Lunch Hero Day served as a meaningful reminder of the essential role these individuals play in the daily lives of students and school communities. Their dedication does not go unnoticed, and their contributions are appreciated not only on this special day but throughout the entire year.

Craven County Schools Earns Purple Star District Designation for Fifth Consecutive Year

THANK YOU TO OUR SCHOOL LEADERS FOR YOUR HELP IN MAKING THIS RECOGNITION POSSIBLE

New Bern, NC – Craven County Schools has once again been recognized as a Purple Star District by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, marking the fifth consecutive year the district has received this distinguished honor for its commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families.

For the 2025–26 school year, nearly 600 schools across North Carolina earned Purple Star recognition, highlighting the state’s continued dedication to serving military families. Craven County Schools is among 13 districts statewide in which every school met the requirements to be designated a Purple Star School.

The recognition was celebrated during a statewide ceremony on Friday, April 24, featuring remarks from State Superintendent Maurice Mo Green and leaders from the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.

“This continued recognition reflects our district’s deep commitment to serving the needs of our military-connected students,” said Dr. Matthew Cheeseman, Superintendent. “We are proud to support the families who serve our nation and to ensure their children feel welcomed, supported, and successful in our schools.”

The Purple Star Award recognizes schools and districts that demonstrate military-friendly practices, including having designated staff members to support military families, providing professional development for educators, and offering resources and transition support for students entering or leaving schools due to military relocation.

Craven County Schools ongoing recognition underscores its strong partnership with the military community and its dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all students.

We are proud to introduce the most recent leadership positions approved by the Board of Education at the April 16th Board Meeting:

Andrea Lilley brings more than two decades of experience in public education to her new role as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for Craven County Schools. A seasoned district-level leader, she has served in education for over 23 years, including more than 18 years in district leadership and 11 years as a cabinet-level executive. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong ability to align curriculum, instruction, accountability, and student services to drive meaningful and sustained improvements in student outcomes.

Most recently, Ms. Lilley served as Chief Officer of Academics and Student Affairs for Martin County Schools, where she led a comprehensive K–12 portfolio that included curriculum and instruction, student services, career and technical education, federal programs, accountability, and school improvement. In this role, she worked closely with the superintendent and the board of education to guide strategic planning, strengthen instructional coherence, and ensure the alignment of resources with district priorities. Her leadership contributed to expanded academic opportunities for students, the development of innovative school models such as Early College and specialized middle and elementary programs, and the successful consolidation of high schools to enhance both student offerings and operational efficiency.

Before her time in Martin County, Ms. Lilley held multiple leadership roles in Beaufort County Schools, including Chief Academic Officer, Chief Technology Officer, and Executive Director of Instructional Services. She played a key role in leading district transformation efforts that resulted in zero low-performing schools, while also strengthening curriculum alignment, data-informed instruction, and leadership capacity across the district. Her work has included directing large-scale initiatives such as districtwide virtual learning implementation, 1:1 technology expansion, grant development, and the strategic use of federal funding to support long-term academic priorities.

Ms. Lilley began her career in education as a teacher and instructional leader and has held roles spanning accountability, instructional design, and career and technical education. She is widely recognized for her ability to lead complex organizational change, build collaborative teams, and maintain a clear and consistent focus on student achievement.

She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She also holds a Master of Arts in Education and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from East Carolina University. Lilley is actively engaged in professional service, serving as Secretary of the Martin Community College Board of Trustees and as a member of the NCDPI School Accountability Redesign Work Group and the NCDPI CAO Connect Advisory Council. 



In her new role with Craven County Schools, Ms. Lilley is most excited about the opportunity to build on the district’s strengths to further align curriculum, instruction, and support systems in service of student success. She looks forward to working collaboratively with educators, leaders, families, and the community to expand opportunities for all students, strengthen instructional practices, and continue advancing academic excellence across the district.

Kristina Lowe began her career in education in 2010 as a teacher in Robeson County, North Carolina, where she taught for nine years. In 2019, she joined Craven County Schools, serving two years at H.J. MacDonald Middle School and one year at Havelock High School.

She later transitioned into school leadership, serving as an assistant principal at Grover C. Fields Middle School for three years. Following that role, she moved to Bridgeton Elementary, where she has proudly served as Assistant Principal for the past year. In this position, she has supported younger learners, collaborated with staff to strengthen foundational skills, and contributed to a school culture centered on growth, relationships, and student success.

Ms. Lowe reflects on her time at Bridgeton Elementary as one of meaningful connection and collaboration, noting the privilege of working alongside a dedicated staff and community focused on student achievement. Building relationships with students and families has been a particularly rewarding aspect of her work and remains central to fostering a supportive and engaging school environment.



Looking ahead, Ms. Lowe is excited to continue building on the strong foundation already in place and to further strengthen a positive, nurturing learning environment where all students feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. She is proud to be part of the Clippership!

Dr. Alexis McKeel is excited to serve as the Principal at AH Bangert for the 2026–2027 school year.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education with concentrations in math and English from East Carolina University, as well as a Master’s in Middle Grades Education. She also earned a Doctorate in School Administration and Supervision from Liberty University and, most recently, completed an Education Specialist degree in School Administration along with a Superintendent’s License from East Carolina University.

Dr. McKeel began her career in the classroom, teaching 8th-grade math, Math 1, and 8th-grade English Language Arts. She later served as an Assistant Principal in Beaufort County for three years and, most recently, in Onslow County.

Outside of school, she enjoys playing tennis and golf, watching ECU football, spending time with her husband, Will, and their three dogs—Macy, Levi, and Merle—and volunteering at her church.

As an educator, Dr. McKeel values building strong partnerships with students, families, and staff. She believes that excellence is intentional and that there is always room to grow. She looks forward to meeting the students and families of AH Bangert and is excited to become a Bangert Bear.

James W. Smith Elementary Strengthens Emergency Preparedness Through Project ADAM Initiative

James W. Smith Elementary recently hosted a Project ADAM Heart Safety Initiative, bringing together healthcare professionals, emergency responders, and school staff to focus on cardiac awareness and emergency preparedness.

The training event was supported by representatives from Duke Health, including Danielle Sturkey, MSN, CPNP-PC, CEPS, as well as local first responders from Cove City EMS and Fort Barnwell EMS. Their collaboration provided valuable expertise and hands-on guidance throughout the day.

During the initiative, school staff participated in interactive mock scenarios that simulated real-life cardiac emergencies. Participants practiced critical skills such as CPR and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), reinforcing their ability to respond quickly and effectively in high-pressure situations. Each session concluded with a team debrief, allowing staff to reflect on their performance, discuss key takeaways, and strengthen their response strategies.

A central theme of the training was the importance of immediate action during a cardiac emergency, with presenters emphasizing that every second can make a life-saving difference.

Project ADAM, a nationally recognized program, works with schools to enhance emergency response plans and provide staff with the training and tools necessary to respond confidently in critical situations.

“This event highlights our commitment to student and staff safety,” said JWS school nurse Katherine Dunham. “By partnering with medical experts and first responders, we are strengthening our preparedness and ensuring a safer environment for our school.”



The success of the initiative reflects the school’s proactive approach to safety and its ongoing commitment to creating a secure and supportive learning environment for all.

West Craven Middle School Students Put Gratitude into Action Through AVID Lesson

Students at West Craven Middle School are learning that small gestures can make a big impact. Recently, seventh-grade AVID students participated in a meaningful lesson on the importance of writing thoughtful thank-you notes in both personal and professional settings.

Under the guidance of AVID teacher Ms. Mixson, students explored how expressions of gratitude can strengthen relationships, build communication skills, and leave a lasting impression. The lesson emphasized not only proper format and tone, but also the deeper value of recognizing others’ contributions.

To apply what they learned, students wrote heartfelt thank-you notes to staff members who have positively influenced their school experience. The notes reflected genuine appreciation and highlighted the strong connections between students and educators within the school community.

The project will continue as students expand their outreach to include elected officials and community leaders, providing them with additional opportunities to practice real-world communication skills and civic engagement.

School leaders say this type of hands-on learning helps students develop confidence, empathy, and professionalism, skills that extend far beyond the classroom.



West Craven Middle School is proud of its students’ growth and thoughtfulness, as they continue to demonstrate what it means to be part of a supportive and connected school community.

Arthur W. Edwards Elementary Celebrates

Month of the Military Child with “Takeoff Celebration Parade”

Arthur W. Edwards Elementary School concluded its Month of the Military Child festivities with a vibrant and imaginative “Takeoff Celebration Parade,” bringing together students, staff, and families for a memorable show of appreciation and school spirit.

The event featured participation from the entire student body, with younger students in kindergarten through second grade represented the jets, while students in grades three through five took on the roles of flight crew. The creative theme transformed the campus into a lively runway, filled with energy, excitement, and pride.

The parade not only showcased students’ enthusiasm and creativity but also served as a meaningful tribute to military-connected families within the school community. Families joined in the celebration, adding a personal and heartfelt element to the day’s events.

School leaders expressed their gratitude to military families for their service and ongoing support, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the unique experiences and contributions of military-connected students.

The success of the event reflected the strong sense of community at Arthur W. Edwards Elementary, where staff, students, and families worked together to create what many described as a “jet-tastic” celebration. The parade served as a fitting conclusion to a month dedicated to honoring resilience, service, and connection.

Craven County Schools Honors Retirees at 2026 Banquet

Celebrating Years of Service

Craven County Schools recognized the dedication and impact of its retiring staff during the 2026 Retirement Banquet, an evening marked by gratitude, reflection, and celebration.

A total of 60 retirees were honored for their collective 1,356 years of service to the district. The event highlighted the lasting contributions these individuals have made to students, schools, and the broader community throughout their careers.

Each retiree received a commemorative certificate and a personalized yard sign to mark the milestone. A special recognition was given to Mrs. Missy Murphy, who was presented with the traditional rocking chair in honor of her 35 years of service, an award symbolizing both appreciation and legacy within the district.

District leaders and board members attended the event, offering remarks and reflections on the retirees’ impact. Superintendent Dr. Matthew Cheeseman delivered remarks acknowledging the dedication and commitment shown by the honorees, while Board Chairman Lee Kirkman concluded the evening with a story that captured the spirit of service and community.

The banquet also served as an opportunity to thank those who helped organize the event, including the district’s Human Resources team, whose efforts contributed to a meaningful and memorable celebration.

Throughout the evening, speakers emphasized that the retirees’ influence extends far beyond their years of service. Their work has helped shape generations of students and strengthened the foundation of the school system.

As the retirees close this chapter of their professional lives, district leaders encouraged them to look ahead to new opportunities while remaining connected to the school community.

“Once you are part of the CCS family, you are always part of the CCS family,” was a sentiment echoed throughout the evening.



The 2026 Retirement Banquet served not only as a farewell, but as a tribute to a legacy of service that will continue to resonate across Craven County Schools for years to come.