JT Barber Elementary School

Please welcome Ms. Rodnesha Minor back to the Croc Family!

Please welcome Semantha Watkins to the Croc Family!

Please welcome Mrs. Jules to the Croc family!

Please welcome Ms. Mertens to our Croc Family!

For 75 years, J.T. Barber has been more than just a school; it has been the heart of a community, a place where generations of families have learned, grown, built lifelong friendships, and created lasting memories. 💚🐊

This special Community Fun Day Celebration is our way of honoring the rich history, culture, legacy, and impact that J.T. Barber has had on New Bern and the surrounding communities since its doors first opened in 1951. From elementary to middle to high school years, J.T. Barber has touched countless lives and continues to stand as a symbol of pride, resilience, excellence, and community.

We are excited to bring families, alumni, former staff, students, and community members together for a FREE day of fun, fellowship, music, laughter, memories, and celebration as we reflect on the past and look forward to the future.

This celebration is about UNITY.
This celebration is about LEGACY.
This celebration is about COMMUNITY.

Join us as we celebrate 75 Years of Educational Excellence and the generations of champions who helped shape the J.T. Barber story. 💚

This event is being hosted by the J.T. Barber Elementary School PTO.

📍 J.T. Barber Elementary School
📅 Saturday, September 5, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
ONE Team. ONE Goal. OUR Students. 🐊

📚🐊 J.T. Barber Crocs Attendance Success Story 🐊📚

At J.T. Barber Elementary School, we know that attendance matters because every day of learning counts! Our students, families, and staff have worked together to make being present a priority, and the results speak for themselves.

Over the past three school years, our attendance rate has increased from 82% in 2023-2024 to 93% in 2024-2025, and now to an impressive 94% in 2025-2026. During that same time, we have significantly reduced unexcused absences from 2,383 to 1,120 and lowered unexcused tardies from 1,569 to 1,205.

These gains represent more than numbers—they represent students spending more time learning, building relationships, participating in the arts, and achieving academic success. When students are present, they are better prepared to grow, succeed, and reach their full potential.

As we celebrate this progress, we remain committed to ensuring every Croc is in school, on time, and ready to learn each day.

💚💛 Every Day Counts. Be Present Today, Prepared for Tomorrow!
🐊 ONE Team, ONE Goal, OUR Students!
🏆 Champions Represent Our Culture.

💚💛 We're Hiring for the 2026-2027 School Year! 💛💚

J.T. Barber Elementary School is seeking Exceptional Children Teacher Assistants/Bus Drivers (Dual Position) to join our Croc Family!

If you are passionate about supporting students, making a difference, and being part of a positive school culture, we would love to hear from you. Our school is built on strong relationships, supportive staff, and amazing students who make every day rewarding.

ONE Team. ONE Goal. OUR Students.

Apply online today: https://craven.schoolspring.com/

Thank you to 🩷💚Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Theta Beta Omega Chapter of New Bern for their generous donation to our food pantry! Because of your support, we were able to send home 95 food bags with our students last week.

Your kindness helps ensure that our students and families have access to nutritious food outside of school hours, allowing students to come to school ready to learn, grow, and succeed. Partnerships like yours make a meaningful difference in supporting the well-being of our entire school community. We truly appreciate your generosity and commitment to our students.