Our Youngest Learners Begin Their Educational Journey in Craven County Schools

New backpacks, big smiles, a few nervous goodbyes, and plenty of excitement marked the start of Pre-K for some of Craven County Schools’ youngest learners this week!

September 8 and 9 marked the first days of Pre-K classes across the district, welcoming our newest students into classrooms filled with opportunities to learn, explore, play, and grow.

Pre-K students began their school year at Ben D. Quinn Elementary, Bridgeton Elementary, Havelock Elementary, James W. Smith Elementary, J.T. Barber Elementary, Oaks Road Academy, Roger Bell New Tech Academy, Vanceboro Farm Life Elementary, and W.J. Gurganus Elementary.

For many of these young learners, stepping into a Pre-K classroom is their first experience as a Craven County Schools student. While they may be our smallest students, these first days represent a big milestone. Pre-K gives children opportunities to build early academic skills while learning to interact with classmates, follow classroom routines, communicate, solve problems, and become more independent.

Our Pre-K teachers and staff have been busy preparing welcoming environments where students feel safe, supported, and excited to come to school each day. From learning classroom routines and meeting new friends to exploring books, centers, art, music, and hands-on activities, these first days focus on helping our youngest learners develop a love for learning.

The start of Pre-K is also an important milestone for families. Sending a child to school for the first time can bring a mix of excitement, pride, and perhaps a few tears. We are grateful to our families for trusting Craven County Schools to be part of these important early years and for partnering with our educators as their children begin their educational journey.

To our newest students: Welcome to Craven County Schools! We cannot wait to watch you learn, discover new things, make new friends, and grow throughout the year.

The Class of 2040 is officially on its way, and their journey is just beginning!

Ohana Means Family — and Family Means Being Surrounded by Love

The J.T. Barber Elementary School family recently came together in a very special way to remind one of their own that she is loved, missed, and surrounded by an entire community cheering her on.

Sandria, a beloved third-grade student at J.T. Barber, is currently battling an aggressive form of brain cancer. While she has been away from school, her Croc family wanted to find a meaningful way to brighten her day and let her know that she remains very much a part of their school family.

Knowing that Lilo & Stitch is one of Sandria’s favorites, J.T. Barber declared a special Lilo & Stitch Day in her honor. Students and staff filled the school with Lilo & Stitch gear, but the celebration didn’t end on campus.

With assistance from the New Bern Police Department and New Bern Fire Department, Sandria’s school family took their love and support directly to her with a special parade past her home.

As students and staff passed by, Sandria watched from her porch. Then came the moment everyone had hoped for—a gentle smile and a wave from the young Croc they had all come to support.

It was a simple moment, but one that meant so much.

The day was a beautiful reminder that a school is much more than classrooms, hallways, and lessons. It is a community that celebrates together, supports one another through difficult times, and shows up when a member of its family needs some extra love.

As Lilo & Stitch reminds us, “Ohana means family”—and Sandria’s J.T. Barber family made sure she knows that she is never far from their hearts.

Our thoughts remain with Sandria, her family, the entire J.T. Barber community, and everyone who loves this very special young lady.

Keep shining bright, Sandria. Your Croc family is cheering you on every step of the way!

Dressed to the 9’s at A.H. Bangert Elementary!

A.H. Bangert Elementary is bringing a little extra style, confidence, and SWAG to the school day!

This year, the Bears are “Dressing to the 9’s on the 9th” of each month, giving students and staff an opportunity to showcase their finest while continuing to work their hardest in the classroom.

The idea is simple: sometimes when you dress to impress, you feel ready to do your best! And if the first Dress to the 9’s Day is any indication, A.H. Bangert knows how to show up in style.

The halls and classrooms were filled with pearls, dresses, suits, ties, sequins, and plenty of smiles as students and staff kicked off this fun new tradition. From polished looks to a little extra sparkle, everyone brought their own personality and flair to the day.

But behind all that style is an important message: come to school feeling confident, take pride in yourself, and be ready to learn.

We love seeing our schools create traditions that build community, encourage school spirit, and give students and staff something special to look forward to throughout the year.

Keep looking sharp, working hard, and bringing that AHB pride, Bears! We can’t wait to see what you wear when you Dress to the 9’s on the 9th next month!

 We are excited to share that Duke Football will be celebrating Education Appreciation Day in less than 2 weeks!

As a special thank-you for the incredible impact educators and school communities make every day, we're offering exclusive discounted tickets for this special game day celebration.

 Date: Saturday, September 19^th at 4:00pm

 Location: Wallace Wade Stadium

 Opponent: Stanford

We’d love for you to join us as the Blue Devils take on Stanford and help us celebrate our educators! If you’ve joined us in the past, thank you for being part of Duke Football. We hope to see you back at Wallace Wade soon!

Please feel free to share the link below with your colleagues, school community, and anyone else who may be interested in attending:

Duke Football Education Appreciation Day Discounted Tickets!.

Thank you, and we hope to see you on September 19^th!