Former teacher Gordon Stokes will be serving his first year as Rachel Carson Middle School’s principal. Photo by Alicja Johnson/The Connection
The 2015-16 school year is almost here, and Rachel Carson Middle School has a big change for its students this year – a new principal. Former teacher Gordon Stokes will be serving his first year as Carson’s principal, and he is excited to join the Panthers. “This school has been successful in so many regards, academically and in terms of a positive environment for students,” said Stokes, “I’m looking to continue and build upon the success of the school.”
Stokes isn’t the only new addition to Rachel Carson; this year the middle school will hold its first Panther Palooza on Sept. 2 from 2 to 6 p.m. Stokes describes the event as “an opportunity for students and parents to accomplish several tasks, such as getting their schedules, filling out paperwork and signing up for the Parent Teacher Association.”
The principal also wishes to bring attention to “The One Book,” Carson’s summer reading program which has all students and staff members reading the same book. For this school year, the book is “The Crossover,” by Kwame Alexander, and it will serve as “a point of connection for all students and staff members.” The book defines the focus for the coming year, which is “Crossing Over: Proud Traditions, Bright Future.” Stokes and his staff members are currently working on activities for students to incorporate the theme into their learning.
As always, there are some very important dates for the coming month. Stokes highlights a few, including New Student Orientation and Back-to-School Night. The new student orientation will be held on the morning of Sept. 4, and is geared for rising seventh graders and eighth graders who are new to Rachel Carson. The school will have two back-to-school nights: one will be on Sept. 10 (for seventh graders) and the other will be on Sept. 17 (for eighth graders).
Stokes is ready and enthusiastic for the coming school year, and is especially proud to be at Rachel Carson, where he was once a teacher. “It’s a school I care about,” Stokes said. “It’s certainly a pleasure to be here.”