STOCKTON -- It was a traditional first day of school for Stockton Borough Elementary School as students and parents celebrated the new year with the annual "Back to School Coffee and Donuts."

But this celebration was more bitter than sweet, parents said, as Tuesday was the final first day of school for Stockton Borough, the state's smallest and oldest school that will be closing in June.

"Every year is an exciting new school year," said Geoff Hewitt, the district's Director of Curriculum. "We're kicking it off with a celebration and celebrating years of education rather than being upset it's closing."

Following community grass roots efforts to save the school, the South Hunterdon Regional School District's Board of Education voted in April to close Stockton following the 2017-18 school year.

Declining enrollment was one of the reasons the district has decided to close the school after nearly 200 years, Hewitt said.

Enrollment declined three years ago from a combination of fewer children living in the borough and a decision to not accept tuition students, he said. Prior to that, enrollment averaged with about 50 students, peaking with 63 kids.

Twelve students are enrolled for the 2017-2018 school year, in a combined fifth and sixth grade class, Hewitt said.

The school formed a subcommittee to increase enrollment, but "there was no way to sustain ourselves," Hewitt said.

Sixth graders will be heading to South Hunterdon Regional Middle School next year, and fifth graders will attend either West Amwell or Lambertville schools.

Jack Edwards, 11, said he's sad to see the only school he's ever attended close, but glad he has the opportunity to finish his final year at Stockton Borough.

"I saw everyone fight to keep the school open for a long time and it was hard but it's worth it in the end," he said.

Parents discussed what they hope the building would be turned into, whether a library, administration office for the high school or something else for the community.

"I would hate to see a building as beautiful as this one not be used in the community," said Stockton resident Charles Soriero.

Soriero was one of four generations to attend Stockton Borough School. His father and mother attended the school, both his daughters and his four grandchildren. Two of his grandchildren, Jeffery and Travis, will be a part of the last graduating class.

This was a more personal day for Soriero, who attended the school from 1952 to 1955 and graduated with seven other students.

"It's still the best school around," he said. "I learned responsibility here. There was this personalization here, and teachers could give you individual attention."

The school will be holding special events to commemorate its 185-year history, Parent Teacher Organization president Karen Edwards said.

To make it extra special, guest alumni and faculty will be speaking and students will partake in more social events and field trips, she said.

"It's a celebration year," she said. "We're going out on a positive note."

Sophie Nieto-Munoz may be reached at snietomunoz@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @snietomunoz. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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