New Leadership Announcement

At the March 19, 2026, Board of Education meeting, Board members approved Ms. Jessica Szymanski as the new principal of Brinson Memorial Elementary School, effective April 1, 2026.

Ms. Szymanski holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and licensure in Specific Learning Disabilities from Barton College, along with a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University. She began her career in education with three years of teaching in Wake County before dedicating the past twenty years to serving students and families in Craven County Public Schools. During that time, she taught at Graham A. Barden Elementary School for fifteen years and has spent the last five years as Assistant Principal at Brinson Memorial Elementary.



As she steps into her new role, Ms. Szymanski is excited to continue building a positive, safe, and collaborative school culture where students, staff, and families feel valued and supported. She is committed to empowering educators and ensuring every student has the support and resources needed to thrive.

Please help us congratulate her on this leadership role.

Mrs. Nicole Avolis is Named BT Mentor of the Year During SURPRISE ANNOUNCEMENT!

Craven County Schools is proud to celebrate a historic milestone! On Tuesday, March 24th, at A.H. Bangert Elementary School, an exceptional educator was surprised with a well-deserved honor. Mrs. Nicole Avolis was named our very first Mentor Teacher of the Year!

Ms. Avolis has made a lasting impact on both students and fellow educators, especially Beginning Teachers. She is known as “an incredibly supportive and inspiring presence,” consistently offering guidance, encouragement, and wisdom to help new teachers thrive from day one.

With 10 years of experience as a second-grade teacher, she creates a classroom where students grow academically and emotionally, while also going above and beyond to support her colleagues. From sharing resources to celebrating successes, big and small, her dedication truly makes a difference.

Throughout the school year, 19 mentors from across the district were nominated and celebrated through the new Gateway to Greatness Mentor Recognition Program. 8 of these very worthy candidates applied for CCS Mentor Teacher of the Year, and Mrs. Avolis rose to the top! She will now represent Craven County Schools as she advances to the Southeast Regional Mentor Teacher of the Year competition.

Please join us in congratulating Nicole Avolis on this incredible achievement and for setting the standard of excellence in mentorship across our district!

“In observance of Autism Awareness/Acceptance Month, we invite everyone to participate in a 15-question Trivia challenge.

Come on, test your knowledge!”

The participants who answer all questions correctly

will be recognized.

The  Trivia challenge will be open from April 7 to April 16, 2026

To take on the challenge, simply click HERE.

Caring for Cancer Event Makes Meaningful Impact

On Wednesday, March 25th, Ben D. Quinn Elementary School held its 4th Annual Caring for Cancer Event, led by incredible fourth-grade students who demonstrated compassion, empathy, and a heart for service.

Through thoughtful planning and teamwork, students raised over $1,300 through DonorsChoose to create 120 comfort care packages for newly diagnosed cancer patients, offering support and encouragement during a difficult time.

This special event honors the memory of Lynn Barnhill, a beloved teacher whose strength, dedication, and love for students continue to inspire the entire school community.

We are so proud of our students for making a difference and showing what it means to care for others.

Oaks Road Academy Career Day Inspires Future Leaders

The Craven County Schools Department of Public Relations and Communications recently had the honor of participating in Oaks Road Academy’s Career Day, engaging students in grades Pre-K through 5 in an exciting and educational experience.

This special event brought together a wide range of community partners who shared their expertise and provided students with valuable insight into their professions. Participants included representatives from Craven County Government – Soil & Water Conservation District, Craven County Parks & Recreation, Craven County Environmental Health, Craven County Animal Protective Services, New Bern Police Department, Tryon Palace, Craven Community College, New Bern-Craven County Public Library, Sound Rivers, a U.S. Marine Corps officer, Duke Energy, and a local attorney.

Career Day serves as an important opportunity for students to explore potential career pathways, ask meaningful questions, and gain real-world perspectives from professionals across our community. Through these interactions, students can better understand the wide range of opportunities available to them in the future.

The knowledge, experience, and dedication to service demonstrated by each presenter made a lasting impact on our students. Events like this highlight the strong partnerships between our schools and community organizations, all working together to inspire the next generation.

Craven County Schools extends sincere appreciation to all who participated and contributed their time to make this event a success.

NEWS FROM NEW BERN HIGH SCHOOL

On Friday, March 20, NBHS and the Junior League of Greater New Bern hosted a prom dress boutique where students could pick a prom dress, shoes, and accessories to make prom more meaningful and special. Over 30 dresses were given away to students. New Bern High would like to thank all the generous donors and the volunteers from the Junior League of Greater New Bern for their help.

On Wednesday, March 25, Craven Community College, in conjunction with the New Bern High School library, hosted mock interviews for seniors. Seniors in English classes fine-tuned their interview skills and prepared for the workforce.

 Volunteers came from the following locations: Reeshema Walker (NC WORKS), Drew Meadows, Rosa Davis, Tammie Aldana, Carla Williams, and Yasmine Musah (Craven CC). From NBHS, Nicole Houston, Rheta Meyer, and Lori Prescott. John Ipock, Missy Lewis, Serena Bryant (Blue Arbor), and SSgt Mark Bouteiller (USMC).

The mock interview session wrapped up the career lab for the students. During the career lab, students learned how to put together a resume and cover letter, search for jobs, and prepare for the world ahead.

Thanks to our Craven CC Career Coach Heather Rardin for putting this together.

CLEAN SWEEP Reel Contest!

Craven County Schools + Craven County Government are excited to launch the CLEAN SWEEP Reel Contest—a districtwide challenge encouraging ALL students, staff, and schools to help promote a cleaner, greener community!

Create a Reel (up to 120 seconds) showcasing:

• The importance of a clean community
• How students can help keep Craven County beautiful
• Creative ways your school supports cleanliness & sustainability
• Bonus: All entries will be featured on Craven County Schools social media platforms!

Judging & Prizes

Entries will be judged on:

• Creativity
• Clarity of message
• Positive impact
• 1st Place – $100
• 2nd Place – $75
• 3rd Place – $50

Important Dates

• Submission Deadline: May 1, 2026
• Winners Announced: May 15, 2026

Thank you for helping us spread the message of a cleaner,

stronger Craven County!

Let’s show what community pride looks like!

Submit your entry here: https://bit.ly/CleanSweepReelContest_26

NC House and Senate Programs Accepting Applications

North Carolina high school students can experience state government up close through the NC House and Senate Page Programs for the 2026 Session. This four-day program gives students the opportunity to learn how laws are made and see the legislative process in action. Current sophomores, juniors and seniors are encouraged to apply.

Learn more about the Senate Page Program and apply here.

Learn more about the House Page Program and apply here. 

2026 Student Advisory Council Applications Now Open

Calling all rising juniors (current 10th graders) in high school! Apply today to serve as a Student Advisor on State Superintendent Mo Green's Student Advisory Council. If you are interested in state K-12 education issues, advocating on behalf of peers and serving as an advisor to decision-makers in K-12 education, this opportunity is for you!

Learn more about the Student Advisory Council and apply here. The application closes on May 1. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION