Address: 101 Kirkwood St., Marco Island, FL, 34145
Phone: 239-377-8500
Fax: 239-377-8501
Web site: http://www.collier.k12.fl.us/tbe/
E-mail: westbe@collier.k12.fl.us

Description:

Principal: Dr. Jory Westberry (e-mail)

Listen: Principal Westberry talks about Tommie Barfield Elementary
2005-06 Enrollment: 684
State test scores: Click here

Mission Statement: "Our mission is to inspire excellence by providing high standards."

Vision: "TBE will foster academic excellence, nurture personal integrity, and encourage a commitment to lifelong learning in a diverse society."

Overview: Island pioneer Tommie Barfield, who shares her name with Marco Island’s only elementary school, was the first principal and superintendent of schools in Collier County. In the early days of the island, she was responsible for lobbying the Florida legislature for education – actions unheard of for a woman at that time.

“Those were the days when women just did not do those kinds of things, so she is a really interesting role model for the girls here,” Principal Jory Westberry said. Marco Island’s elementary-aged students have been learning and growing at Tommie Barfield Elementary ever since 1956 when the school opened its doors.

Although the school was built in 1956, it has been renovated several times – most recently in 2001, when 10 classrooms and a new cafeteria were added. There are six kindergarten classes, and then five of each of the other grades. Other classes include music, art, computer, and physical education.

The school offers a daily breakfast program for all students. Breakfast costs $1, and lunch, which includes a large salad bar, costs $1.50. Seventy-five percent of Tommie Barfield Elementary’s 700 students are white and 20 percent are Hispanic.

The PTO is very active, and sponsors many different activities for the children throughout the year. “The parents are huge volunteers. They come in all the time,” Westberry said. “It’s a huge plus to have an active PTO.”

“This school is just outstanding,” Jim Chute, chairman of Tommie Barfield’s school advisory committee, said. “Everyone always gives 110 percent.”

Tommie Barfield has been an ‘A’ school for the past five years. “The school has a great reputation, and when the community has that kind of confidence in you, they know that their children are being educated very well,” Westberry said.

Facilities: Tommie Barfield Elementary provides the City of Marco Island with two lighted tennis courts and a youth baseball field. To reserve court time, call the Racquet Center at 239-394-5454.

• Ballfield: yes
• Basketball: no
• Beach: no
• Boat ramp: no
• Game room: no
• Picnic area: no
• Parking: no
• Playground: yes
• Racquetball courts: no
• Restrooms: yes
• Shuffleboard/Bocce: no
• Tennis: yes
• Trail: no

Heated smoking area? Unknown
Smoking porch? Unknown