Koko Fund

Since 2005, the Koko Fund has assisted JP students from families in financial need by subsidizing enrichment opportunities. Our program has grown significantly since its founding, which is fitting, as one third of JP’s current pupils are eligible.

The Koko Fund gives participants the opportunity to take part in after-school activities at our school, in the greater Princeton community, and at summer camps. Program partners also provide significant tuition discounts, making these experiences truly possible.

Enrichment opportunities include after-school classes and clubs, such as science, sports, chess, acting, and art. The Fund also allows JP youngsters to attend programs at the Princeton Recreation summer camps, Westminster Conservatory, and the Princeton Y.W.C.A. Other program partners have included:

The Arts Council of Princeton
Princeton Ballet School
Princeton Football Club (P.F.C.)
Princeton Soccer Association (P.S.A.)
Princeton Soccer Experience
Princeton Y.M.C.A.
Rambling Pines Day Camp
Village Shoes

The Koko Fund operates within the JP Parent-Teacher Organization (“JPPTO”), a 501 (c)(3) organization. An advisory board of teachers, parents, and community members manage and oversee the Fund. The JPPTO holds the funds as restricted money within its bank account, and our PTO treasurer reports on the Fund’s status. The Advisory Board strives to work within a framework of mutual respect and sensitivity to the recipient children, their families, and the Fund’s fiscal responsibility.

To contribute to the JP Koko Fund, please make your check payable to “Johnson Park Koko Fund” and send it to:

Johnson Park School

285 Rosedale Road

Princeton, NJ 08540

For more information, please e-mail our JP Koko Fund Chair, Lisa Robinson, through the PTO at johnsonparkelementarypto@gmail.com. Thanks.

What Koko Offers Your Child

Koko is committed to helping every child thrive by connecting families with opportunities that enrich learning, build community, and reduce financial barriers. As a member of our JP Koko family, your child is eligible for the following programs throughout the school year.

After-School Clubs: one free Johnson Park after-school club per session each school year. Children can explore art, music, sports, STEM, and more.
Spring Break & Holiday Camp (NEW this year): Koko is working with the Princeton Recreation Department to provide additional enrichment opportunities during Spring Break and select school holidays.
Reduced-Cost Summer Camp: Koko works to secure free or low-cost summer camp opportunities so our students can stay active, engaged, and connected throughout the summer holiday.

Year-Round Programs & Resources

Throughout the year, Koko and our community partners provide a variety of programs to support our families:

Halloween Costume Store (October 1-16): families can shop for new and gently used Halloween costumes at no cost.
Warm Clothing Store (October-November): pick up gently used coats, hats, gloves, and other warm clothing for your children. If visiting the store is difficult, Nurse Liz can arrange to have items sent home in your child's backpack.
Project Joy Holiday Gift Card Program (December): each eligible student receives a $35 gift card, generously donated by Johnson Park families, to help offset holiday expenses.
School Pictures: every eligible family receives one complimentary 5x7 portrait and class photo.
Princeton University Athletics Tickets: reduced-price tickets to one Princeton University football game in the fall and one basketball game in the winter (dates to be announced).
Dillon Basketball League: Koko sponsors 15 free registrations on a first-come, first-served basis. Families on the waitlist may register at the reduced fee of $25.
Pajama Giveaway: new pajamas are provided through the generosity of our community partners, Lala & Mimi's Pajama Project.
Party Boards: families have access to free or reduced-cost Party Boards throughout the school year, generously donated by Johnson Park families.
Scholastic Book Fair Vouchers: each eligible student receives a $15 book voucher for each of our two Scholastic Book Fairs (Fall: October 19-23, Spring: March 15-19), provided by the JP Literacy Fund.
Free Haircuts Before Picture Day: complimentary haircuts at Mike's Barber Shop, 33 Witherspoon Street, before school picture day (date to be announced).
Instrument Rentals: students enrolled in the Grade 3-5 instrumental music program are eligible for free instrument rentals.
Transportation for School Activities: Koko works with Princeton Public Schools to provide organized bus transportation for eligible after-school activities and select Johnson Park family and student events whenever possible.

Koko Fund Policies

Please review the following policies for the 2026-2027 school year.

Eligibility & Enrollment

Koko Fund benefits are available to all Johnson Park students enrolled in the Free & Reduced-Price Lunch Program for the 2026-2027 school year. Families must submit a new application each September to maintain eligibility. One enrollment form per family must be completed and submitted each year to Michele Cowell by September 30, 2026.

Attendance Expectations

Regular attendance is essential for students to benefit from enrichment and extracurricular opportunities. Students receiving Koko Fund assistance are expected to attend at least 75% of all scheduled sessions for each activity in which they are enrolled. Failure to meet the 75% attendance requirement may result in a student becoming ineligible for future Koko scholarships and program funding for the remainder of the school year.

After-School Club Registration

Each eligible student may participate in one free Johnson Park after-school club per session per school year. Families are welcome to enroll their child in additional club sessions at the standard registration fee. Please note:
Club registration information will be sent home approximately 7-10 days before registration opens.
All registrations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration must be completed by a parent or guardian via the Homeroom App. Invitations will be sent by JPClubs.
Emergency contact information and dismissal/pick-up instructions are required at the time of registration.
Registrations submitted through a teacher or other Johnson Park staff member cannot be accepted.
Space is limited for each club. We encourage families to discuss a second and third club choice with their child in case their first choice is full.
Families are welcome to join a club's waitlist. Additional spaces often become available after the initial registration period.
Transportation home is provided only for Koko-sponsored after-school clubs.

Summer Camp Scholarship

Koko provides a $300 summer camp scholarship for each eligible student. When used with the Princeton Recreation Department (PRD), this scholarship typically covers up to six weeks of camp. Please review the following:

Families are responsible for a $25 weekly co-pay per child when attending PRD summer camp.
If the weekly co-pay presents a financial hardship, Koko and the Princeton Recreation Department will work with families to identify solutions.
Co-payments may be made in cash and dropped off at the Johnson Park main office.
Students enrolled in PRD summer camp are eligible for before- and after-care, as well as swim lessons, at no additional cost.
A separate co-pay may be required for lunches offered through PRD.
Families may choose to use their scholarship with another approved summer camp provider. Camps outside of PRD may have higher tuition costs, which could reduce the number of weeks covered by the scholarship.
Scholarships may not be used for Community Park Pool memberships or to pay summer camp co-pays.

Emergency & Community Resources

Koko and our community partners can also connect families with food, housing, and health resources throughout the year:

Emergency Food Resources

Cornerstone Kitchen: 7 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton. Wednesdays 5-6:30 PM. cck@princetonnumc.org

Princeton Mobile Food Pantry: 237 N Harrison Street. Fill out the "need assistance" form at pmfpantry.org to join the distribution list.

Arm & Arm Princeton Food Pantry: 61 Nassau Street, Princeton. Monday & Wednesday 11-4, Tuesday 1-7.

Share My Meals: 120 John Street, Princeton. Sign up to get meals delivered: info@sharemymeals.org, 609-283-2450.

Princeton Kindness Food Project: 59 Paul Robeson Road. Tuesdays 2:30-3:45 or until trays are gone. prfoodproject@gmail.com

Jewish Family & Children's Service: 707 Alexander Road. 609-987-8100

Meals on Wheels, Mercer County: 609-695-3483

Emergency Housing Assistance

Princeton Human Services: 609-688-2055

Catholic Charities: 609-599-3923

Mercer County Board of Social Services: 609-989-4320

Mercer County Hotline: 609-468-8269

NJ211: if you need emergency housing assistance after 4:30 PM or on weekends, dial 211.

Health Services

Please watch for upcoming communications regarding the Zoofall Mobile Health Clinic, Dental Van, and Flu Shot Clinic. Clinic dates and additional information will also be available on the Municipality's website: princetonnj.gov

Registration & Communication

To participate in Koko programs and receive school and community resources, families must complete all required registration forms and paperwork by the stated deadlines. Program information and registration details will be sent home throughout the year by Enriqueta Alban (enriquetaalban@princetonk12.org) and Michele Cowell (michelecowell@princetonk12.org). We encourage families to watch for communications from these contacts so they don't miss important opportunities and deadlines.

Full details, including the family enrollment form, are in the welcome packet: Welcome to Koko 2026-27 (PDF)

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