This year, because of Covid-19, we are encouraging our supporters to donate thru the PIE website, Go Fund Me, or purchasing items thru our Target Gift Registry. These funds and supplies will be distributed thru the principals of Craven County Schools.

As school begins, school supply lists are made available to students and parents, but not all families can afford the items required to put their young learners on the road to success.  On average, parents spend $200 in school supplies, and teachers spend $1,000 of their own money on supplies for their classroom.

To assist those students and teachers, Partners In Education (PIE), in partnership with Craven County Schools, will have a bright yellow school bus and colorful totes set up in front of Staples in New Bern on August 15, 2020, from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.  Generous shoppers can donate school supplies for students who have been identified as in-need by their school counselors and principals.

However, if you are not comfortable purchasing supplies and dropping them off, we are making it easy to support our students:

• Donate thru Go-Fund-Me by following this link.
• Donate thru the PIE website.
• Purchase items thru the PIE Stuff the Bus Target Registry – (to ensure that items arrive before the event, please order by August 7th). Items will be delivered to the event for you!

Or, you can drop off your supplies at an Advanced Drop Off Location thru August 14:

• Century 21 Zaytoun-Raines at 312 S. Front St.
• Christ Church at 320 Pollock St.
• Craven County Schools at 3600 Trent Rd.
• Edward Jones – Dan Roberts at 301 South Front St., Bldg. 1, Ste A
• Rankin & Fiume Orthodontics at 608 McCarthy Blvd.
• Staples at 3230 Dr. M.L. King, Jr., Blvd.
• Target at 3410 Dr. M.L. King, Jr., Blvd.
• Toyota of New Bern at 5010 US Hwy 70 East

A school supply list is available by following this link or you can visit individual school websites for their lists.

Also, the Craven County Sheriff’s department is joining us on Saturday, August 15, for their third annual “Stuff the Cruiser”. A cruiser will be parked in front of all Staples, next to a Craven County School bus, to accept donations. Please bring school supplies to stuff into cruisers parked at Staples and say hello to Craven County Sheriff’s deputies while helping our students start the school year on the road to success.

Last year, through the generosity of our community, Partners In Education received $38,000 in donations and was able to assist students in all 25 schools. Based on this success, PIE is recruiting the help of all our community partners so that we are able to reach even more students this year.

We all know that teachers and school administrators can get the most out of any money donated!  Please give what you are able to join us in making a difference!

If you know a student in need of school supplies, contact the principal at your student’s school.

Craven County Partners In Education provides grant funding and special programs to classrooms and schools within the Craven County Schools system. It is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Corporation, Tax ID #56-1335975 and donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 919-814-5400. The license is not an endorsement by the State.

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PIE Good Story: Virtual PIE Luncheon

Follow this link to view the PIE Spring Luncheon Video!

The Virtual PIE Spring Luncheon, a recorded event, will be available for viewing beginning Friday, June 5th at noon.  Some of you might not be able to view it at that time, so it will remain available for viewing on the PIE Facebook and Twitter accounts and on the PIE website.  This is a free event, no pre-registration or tickets are required.

PIE Luncheon celebrates educators

with a “virtual” lunch in place event

Over 2,000 educators, community members, business leaders, and elected officials watched the Partners In Education Spring Luncheon on the afternoon of Friday June 5th, when the luncheon was released for viewing on Craven County Partners In Educations’ social media pages and website. The event was recorded and is still available online on the PIE website at https://cravenpartners.com/.

The annual event raises money for PIE grant programs in Craven County Schools.  PIE is the local nonprofit support organization for Craven County Schools.  During the event, PIE president David Baxter announced that PIE awarded more than $270,000 through a variety of grants and programs during the 2019-20 school year.

Dr. Curtis Jones, 2019 National Superintendent of the Year and Superintendent of the Bibb County School District in Georgia was the keynote speaker.

Dr. Jones began his career in education as a JROTC instructor with the Griffin-Spalding County School System in Griffin, Georgia. He became a high school principal and then advanced to assistant superintendent, then superintendent before going to Bibb County. Before his educational career, Dr. Jones served in the United States Army, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and earned a doctorate degree in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

He spoke about how our school staff, teachers, nutrition departments, custodians, and administration have had to put “mission first, people always” during a pandemic, to shift their way of thinking from just a few months ago.  He asked, “how do we get better?”  He believes that experiences create beliefs, those beliefs enforce our actions, and our actions get results. He said our students will remember their teachers who got them through this difficult time.  He asked that we not let education come out of COVID-19 the same way it went in.  We have an opportunity now to put in remote learning, to flip the classroom, and to be the facilitators of our students’ learning.  This is a time to expand the way we look at education. His message was one of pride for teachers and what they have accomplished in such a short period of time.

The event featured Thomas Green, a rising senior at New Bern High performing the National Anthem with his father, Bill Green.  Josiah Arnold, a rising senior at New Bern High performed an original piece, Simple Joy. West Craven High students Tabatha Wiggins, a rising senior at West Craven High performed Concertino Op. 107-Chaminade and Carson Lackey, a rising junior at West Craven High performed Centaurus by Vander Cook. Keith L. Davis, assistant principal J.T. Barber Elementary School performed a rousing rendition of You Are My Sunshine, dedicated to our teachers and staff.

After Dr. Jones spoke, it was revealed that PIE would offer a one-time grant of $2,000 to Craven County Schools principals for the 2020-21 school year in Dr. Jones’ honor for speaking.  The focus of the grant will be STEM.

Viewers of the event were encouraged to take photos of themselves watching the event with the hashtag #VirtualPIELuncheon on social media to be eligible for door prizes.

Karen Jones won a $100 gift certificate to Morgan’s Tavern & Grill, Blair Dyal won a $100 gift certificate to The Chelsea, Salla Wagner and Laura Wilson each won a $25 gift certificate to Hobby Lobby provided by Charles Benson with Edward Jones, and Katie Bell won a $20 gift card to Target.

Shout out to Morgan’s Tavern & Grill and The Chelsea for providing a very special menu that allowed our attendees to #LunchInPlace!

This was PIE’s first virtual luncheon, and the 8^th annual luncheon, raising over $25,000 for PIE’s grant programs.

Thank you to our sponsor for making this a FREE virtual luncheon!

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PIE Good Story: Join PIE!

To learn more about the grants offered through Partners In Education to our Craven County Schools teachers, go to the Grants section of this website.

Craven County Educators and Community Supporters

It’s Easy as Pie to Join to PIE!

Follow this link for Membership Forms

1)  PIE MEMBERSHIP – PAYROLL DEDUCTION:

This is by far the easiest way to give!  You don’t have to write a check or go to the ATM! Print out the Payroll Deduction form, complete the form, and sign it. You may turn it into your PIE Ambassador or send it directly to Partners In Education at Central Services.

If you are currently participating in Payroll Deduction, we will need you to complete a new form for this year (unless you are a sustaining member).  To participate in the payroll deduction program, there is a minimum commitment of $100 annually ($10/mo if you are set up on 10 month pay or $8.33 if you are set up on 12 month pay).

Dr. Doyle is generously offering a PERSONAL Superintendent’s Challenge: EVERYONE participating in the Payroll Deduction Program will be included in an exclusive drawing at the end of October for $500 CASH!  The money awarded will be for your personal use!

The school with the highest number of participants in the Payroll Deduction Program will be awarded $1,000 (in the event of a tie, the monies will be split).

· DEADLINE FOR PAYROLL DEDUCTION is October 15, 5:00 pm, WITH DEDUCTIONS TO START WITH THE OCTOBER 31st CHECK.

OR

2) PIE MEMBERSHIP – ONE-TIME PAYMENT:

If you are interested in becoming a PIE Member with a one-time payment, print out the PIE Membership One-Time Payment form, complete, and sign it. You may turn it into your PIE Ambassador or send it directly to Partners In Education at Central Services with payment. It is just a one-time minimum payment of $15 to join for the current school year.

Each school level (elementary, middle, and high/early college) with the highest % of participants in the One-Time Payment Program will be awarded $500.  Note: A minimum of 80% participation is required to be eligible.

Join early and you will be eligible for each consecutive drawing:

· Join by Monday, September 28 – Drawing for $150 cash on Wednesday, September 30

· Join by Monday, October 5 – Drawing for $125 cash on Wednesday, October 7

· Join by Monday, October 12 – Drawing for $100 cash on Wednesday, October 14

· Join by Monday, October 19 – Drawing for $75 cash on Wednesday, October 21

You stay in the running for each consecutive drawing! $15 minimum tax-deductible gift to be eligible for the drawings.

As a member of PIE, teachers receive one extra point on total grant scores for PIE Grants, Super Science Grants, International Paper Math & Science Grants, and the Twin Rivers Artists’ Assn. Grants.   Give your completed membership form to your School’s PIE Ambassador or send them to the PIE office at Central Services.

All award money is the personal property of the winner. 

We had 100% membership participation by the beginning teachers from the New Teacher Orientation!  What a fabulous way to start the year!

For 30 years, PIE has partnered with area educators, businesses, individuals, and community leaders to develop quality programs and grants to benefit the students and teachers of Craven County public schools.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Darlene Brown by email or phone.  Thank you for supporting Partners In Education, as we support our educators in Craven County Schools.

#TogetherWeArePartners!

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PIE Good Story: Pancakes for PIE

Morgan’s Tavern & Grill

Flips Out for

Pancakes for PIE to Benefit Partners In Education

Save the Date!

**December 5, 2020**

Looking for the perfect way to have a delicious pancake breakfast before visiting Santa in Bear Plaza, taking in some shopping, and enjoying the many activities happening during the holiday season in beautiful, historic downtown New Bern?

New Bern, North Carolina’s Colonial Capital, literally transforms into a wonderland the entire Christmas season.  Streetlights and storefronts are decorated and the community comes together to create a magical time for kids young and old.  Amid the busy bustle, Adam and Candice Simmons, owners of a downtown New Bern landmark, Morgan’s Tavern & Grill, take time out of their busy holiday schedule for a special day on Saturday, December 5, from 7:00 am – 10:00 am, to serve up over 500 delicious pancake breakfasts for Pancakes for PIE (Partners In Education).

This event has become known all over the region as a “must do” before starting a day of shopping and attending Christmas-themed events held during New Bern’s Beary Merry Christmas season.

Mike McCoy, PIE President explains, “This event is an excellent opportunity for our community to show their support for Craven County Schools.  Morgan’s generously donates all proceeds from Pancakes for PIE to fund grant programs in Craven County Schools.  The Morgan’s staff, along with PIE volunteers, will be dressed in Christmas-themed sweaters and Santa caps to greet and serve you.”

Brandy Popp, Chair of the PIE Fund Raising Committee explains, “It is so very giving of Adam and Candice Simmons and their employees to provide the staffing, food, and venue for this event. We all know Morgan’s dishes up excellent food and our volunteers are always up for serving some ‘PIE’!  We are absolutely thrilled Morgan’s is hosting our 5^th Annual Pancakes for PIE and we encourage everyone to bring the whole family and spend the day in beautiful downtown New Bern!  We have sent a special invitation to Santa, who will be on hand to share holiday cheer!”

Join us for Pancakes for PIE at Morgan’s Tavern & Grill, 235 Craven Street, downtown New Bern.  Breakfast will be served Saturday, December 7, from 7:00 – 10:00 am to benefit Partners In Education. Morgan’s will be festively decorated for the holiday season and is the perfect setting to start your day with pancakes, bacon, sausage, fruit, orange juice, coffee, and water.  All this for just $7 per adult, and $5 for children 12 and under.

To learn more about other events taking place in downtown New Bern this holiday season, go to the www.VisitNewBern.com and www.BearyMerryChristmas.com websites and plan your family Christmas activities!

For more information about Pancakes for PIE, or other programs offered by PIE, contact Darlene Brown, Executive Director, Craven County Partners In Education, at 514-6321.

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PIE Good Story: Disaster Relief

Support Craven County Schools through PIE’s Disaster Relief Program

Donate online by following this link.

In the Fall of 2019, Hurricane Florence ripped through portions of Eastern North Carolina, dumping historic rainfall on Craven County.  Thousands of homes were flooded.

During the Spring of 2020, Covid-19 forced our schools to close for the year, and teachers and students had to swiftly switch gears to online and remote learning.

There has been an outpouring of school supplies (can you ever really have enough?!), cleaning/sanitizing supplies, and personal care items. What we need now are gift cards for our teachers and schools to help them rebuild. Classrooms have to be rebuilt and remote learning deployed. We ask you to help us provide our students with a safe and inviting learning environment. You can send or drop off gift certificates at Partners In Education, 3600 Trent Rd, New Bern, NC 28562. Target, Walmart, Amazon, and Staples are the most practical. Please give in whatever denominations you are able.

A school supply list is available by following this link or you can visit individual school websites for their lists.

You can also donate money online by following this link.  If you would like your donation to be dedicated to a certain school, please indicate that in the comments section when you donate online.

For more information on how you can support PIE and our Craven County Schools, contact Darlene Brown at 514-6321, or at Darlene.Brown@CravenK12.org.

Partners In Education is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides grant funding and special programs to classrooms and schools within the Craven County Schools system.

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Shopping Amazon?

Be sure and enter Craven County Partners In Education as your AmazonSmile charitable organization! Amazon donates .5% of purchases to PIE.

#SupportPIE #TogetherWeArePartners

https://smile.amazon.com/ch/56-1335975

For more information about Partners In Education, our programs and grants, or how you can donate, call Darlene Brown, Executive Director of Craven County Partners In Education at (252) 514-6321 or email us at Darlene.Brown@cravenk12.org.

By working together we can all make a difference in education in Craven County Schools.

Craven County Partners In Education is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Corporation, Tax ID #56-1335975 and donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.  Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 919-814-5400.  The license is not an endorsement by the State.