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August 18, 2025
Dear Stony Brook Families,
Welcome back, Huskies! I’m so happy to start a brand-new school year with all of you. This year will be full of learning, making friends, and trying new things. I can’t wait to see the amazing ways you will grow and shine. Families, we are so excited to partner with you this year. Let’s make this our best year yet!
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Today, the district released information in Genesis that will need to be read and signed off on in order to receive your child’s homeroom information when it is released on Monday, the 25th. Please be sure to read our handbook carefully. There is a lot of important information that will help you navigate the school year. You will need to electronically mark your understanding of each item in Genesis as those items require a response from you. |
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If your student is new to our school, you will receive an email from Genesis with your log-on credentials. If your student has previously attended Stony Brook, please use the same log-on credentials that you used to access their report card last school year. Once you have logged into Genesis, please click the “Forms” tab on the top center of the screen. You will need to read through and acknowledge each form in Genesis. Once you have acknowledged the required documents, your student’s homeroom teacher will be available beginning Monday, August 25th.
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Our Open House will be held on September 3rd from 1:00-2:00 pm. Please feel free to bring your child to Stony Brook to see their classroom, meet their teacher, and see the other areas in the building that they will visit throughout the day. We are looking forward to welcoming our new students with this special sneak peek! Additionally, we have new staff members joining our Stony Brook family this year. Katie Kozimbo is joining our 4th-grade team. Allie Brembt is joining the 4th-grade team, coming from Whiton. I would also like to welcome Erin Eosso as our school nurse. Lita King-Morton is joining Stony Brook as the new mental health and well being social worker. Ms. Morton is shared between SBS and the middle school. We are so happy to have them join our Stony Brook family.
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Thursday, September 4th is our first day of school. This is a full day of school and lunch will be served. Students that are being dropped off by a parent, ride their bikes or walk must not be in front of the school before 8:10. There will be no adults on duty prior to that time to support our students. I really need your cooperation in following this safety requirement. Our parent drop-off procedures are listed in the handbook. Please be sure to review those procedures carefully. Our staff will be asking for ID from all parents picking up during the first few weeks of school. Please be sure to have your ID handy. Our dismissal procedures will take a little longer during the first few weeks of school. Please be patient as we guide our students to their buses and our amazing drivers deliver them home. |
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Our One School, One Book for summer reading is The Power of One by Trudy Ludwig. This book discusses the great power that every person has to positively impact the world around them. We share this message with our students each year. We want them to understand how important a role they have in creating a positive learning environment. The book reminds us of that. “One is the starting point for change.” Here is a link to the read-aloud version of the story as well. |
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| OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION |
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Other important information to start the year off right:
Stony Brook functions on a 6-day schedule. Homeroom teachers will send out schedules for specials as soon as school begins. Students should bring a healthy, nut-free snack (no tree nuts or peanut products please) and a water bottle each day. The Breakfast Program - The cost is $2.50 (free for students who qualify). We know the importance of being ready to learn and a morning breakfast can impact this readiness. Students will stop by the cafeteria to get a grab-and-go breakfast on their way into school. They will grab their items and head to homeroom. -
For the 2025-2026 school year, lunch is for purchase and costs $3.75. A school lunch that meets federal nutritional standards includes these 5 food components:
Students should select at least 3 of the 5 components, including a fruit or
vegetable, for a complete meal. Should students desire second helpings or additional a la carte options, those items will be charged to the student’s account. Lunch is not served on a single session day.
Please note that students whose family financial circumstances meet eligibility standards for free or reduced-price meals must submit a free or reduced lunch application to the school to be eligible for additional benefits related to P-EBT, state funding, or other school benefits that may be implemented throughout the school year. Additionally, the student’s free or reduced status during the 2024-2025 school year will carry over into the first thirty (30) days of the 2025-2026 school year. Only those students deemed eligible this school year will receive free or reduced lunches at the start of this school year. Applications are available on the District website. Back to School Night for Stony Brook is scheduled for the evening of September 9th from 6:30-8:30. Please save the date. School picture day is scheduled for September 18th with a make-up day scheduled for November 13th. More information will be sent home regarding picture day once the school year begins.
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An important updates: We are requiring students to have sneakers for gym and recess in the interest of student safety. Crocs, boots, and other shoes can still be worn to school, but for gym and recess, we are asking that students have sneakers. Students who don’t have proper footwear will be asked to choose a different recess activity. For example, crocs for a recess soccer game is not a safe practice.
As we move closer to the September 16 bond referendum, we want to personally invite you to be part of the conversation about what this vote means for the future of our schools and community. We’ve created a short video that walks through the highlights of the proposed projects and how they would support safer, more sustainable, and future-ready learning environments across the district. We encourage you to take a look and share it with others. We’re also hosting two upcoming events where you can learn more and ask questions:
● Virtual Community Forum – Wednesday, August 20 at 6:30 PM (Zoom link available here on our website)
● In-Person Forum & Stony Brook School Tour – Monday, September 8 at 6:30 PM (Presentation and Q&A followed by a guided tour of the building). District leaders, board members, teachers, and our architectural and financial advisors will be on hand to answer questions.
To explore full project details, visual renderings, FAQs, voting logistics, and more, visit our website. You may also email us at referendum@branchburg.k12.nj.us with any additional questions.
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As summer’s final days unfold, I hope you’re soaking up every moment—whether it’s filled with fun adventures or peaceful relaxation. I’m already excited to welcome you back to school soon and begin another amazing year together. Enjoy the rest of your break, and get ready for an exciting year ahead!
If you have any questions prior to the start of the school year, please do not hesitate to reach out. We will see you soon!
Sincerely,
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