Message From The Principal
August 12, 2025
Dear Hornet Families,
It’s hard to believe that another school year is just around the corner. This is an exciting year for all of us here at Stokes, as our incoming third graders are the same students who started with us as kindergarten students when we first opened back in September 2022. It has been a long journey filled with challenges and successes. Our work to create a warm and nurturing environment where students feel safe and respected has led us to this point. For those of you who are new to our school, we would like to welcome you to our family. We look forward to getting to know you and your child. Our school believes in creating a close partnership with our families so we can work together to move all students forward. As a father myself, I know that the beginning of the year at a new school brings a level of anxiety. Everyone wants to be sure that their children are safe and cared for, while also receiving the best instruction possible. I can assure you that we have wonderful staff members who take the time to develop meaningful relationships with students and family members. In addition to teaching the curriculum, they are also committed to addressing the social and emotional needs of students. Please remember that we are here to serve you and your family, and that we are taking this educational journey together as a team
We have a number of important dates coming up that you should be aware of:
- Thursday, August 28th-New student orientation from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
- Friday, August 29th-Back to School Extravaganza 10:00 am-2:00 pm at Trenton BOE
- Thursday, September 6th-1st day of school for students (school hours 8:45 am-3:15 pm)
- Tuesday, September 16th Back to School Night 5:30 pm-7:00 pm
School Visitors: In order for us to serve you in a timely and effective manner, we kindly ask that if you would like to arrange a meeting at the school, you reach out to our administrative assistant Ms. Ware and schedule an appointment. She can be reached by calling the main office at (609) 656-4900 x 2901, or by sending her an email at [email protected]. Also, to ensure the safety of everyone, all visitors are asked to park in the back parking lot off of Maple Ave. before entering the building through the Door 5 next to the playground. Upon entering, visitors will be asked to present a photo ID to the security guard, sign in, and then report directly to the main office.
Notes for the School Year:
- School will begin at 8:45 am on September 4. Staff will be present to begin welcoming students at 8:15 am. Just a reminder...morning drop off for students is at DOOR 10 on Homan Ave. Students will be escorted into the cafetorium. For our children's safety, NO STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED TO BE DROPPED OFF IN THE PARKING LOT! (Parents may park and walk their child to door 10)
Afternoon pick up will be at 3:15 in the parking lot, please park in availabe spaces only. For the safety of everyone, please do not pull in past the playground area. All students must be signed out daily.
- If you want your child to walk home, please submit a letter to the main office.
- All students will receive free breakfast in the classroom.
- Uniforms are strongly encouraged. The uniform consists of a powder blue top and khaki bottoms.
Emergency Contact Information:
In the event of an emergency, we must be able to reach you. Please complete the student information packet upon receipt and return it to us the next day. If your address or phone number changes, please update this vital information by calling the main office as soon as it changes. We also send Robo Calls with important information. For this reason, please keep your number current so that you will receive those calls.
Again, I am excited and honored to begin another year as principal here at Joseph Stokes Memorial School. I know that with the support and involvement of the entire school community, we will have a wonderful year. Please never hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have. As a parent of three elementary school students, I understand the trust you place in me when it comes to taking care of your child. It is a responsibility that I take seriously, and I hope that as a school, we meet all of your expectations. Thank you very much for your support. I look forward to meeting you soon.
Sincerely,
Paul Lakarosky
Principal, Joseph Stokes Elementary School