Students returned to school Monday to kick off the new school year. Everyone is in session except Palmerton, who is delayed because of construction at the SS Palmer School.

The 2024-25 school year is off and running in Lehighton Area School District with administrators reporting a successful opener Monday for students.

“All of our students got into school and got home safely,” Elementary Center Principal Aaron Sebelin said. “That’s always a number one priority on the first day.”

The morning, he added, brought the normal last-minute hugs and tears from parents in the drop-off line.

“The bus runs later in the day may have been a bit longer than usual but that is typical for the first day,” Sebelin said. “We had some new bus runs and some bus number changes. We’ll do better tomorrow and even better the next day. By next week, everything should be right on track.”

Middle School Principal Steve Ebbert said there were no major hiccups in the building that houses Lehighton grades 6-8.

“Students were well behaved,” he said. “As always, they were happy to see their friends back in school.”

Ebbert touted the school’s new music and chorus teacher, Dana Kacyon.

“It is the first time in many years we are able to offer the programs we are,” Ebbert said.

At the high school, the week has started with assemblies on rules and expectations for the year.

“We’re putting a big focus on our positive behavior program right now and we’re excited to announce that within the next week, all students will be receiving a Tribe Pride shirt that has been donated by a sponsor,” Principal Sue Howland said.

Lehigh Valley Health Network has already been in the building to talk to freshmen and incoming students about mental health stress and anxiety.

First week programming will continue at the high school on Wednesday with an LVHN program on brain health for all students.

“They’ll talk about things like drugs and alcohol and how that impacts the brain as well as some recommendations to improve brain health as a whole,” Howland said.

Interim Superintendent Jack Corby said he visited all three district schools Monday and was impressed with how the school year is starting.

“Two of the main reasons I came back here as interim superintendent again are the teachers and the students,” Corby said. “This is a darn good school district and we’ll continue promoting the good things happening here.”

In other neighboring schools, administrators said that things ran pretty smoothly on the first day.

“Yesterday was an excellent beginning to the new school year at Saint Jerome Regional School,” said Amy Hannis-Miskar, principal. “We greeted both returning students and newcomers with great enthusiasm. The day proceeded smoothly, with students and staff effectively settling into their routines and getting acquainted.

“We look forward to the opportunities this year holds and are dedicated to supporting the growth and achievement of all our students,” she added.

Approximately 2,060 Tamaqua Area School District students returned Thursday for the first day of classes.

“We are very pleased with the beginning of the school year,” Superintendent Raymond J. Kinder said. “Our faculty and staff returned with great enthusiasm and our students are ready to learn. Student activities are up and running and we have high expectations for our school year.”

Northern Lehigh

Northern Lehigh School District Superintendent Dr. Matthew J. Link said the first day of classes Monday was successful.

“The students appeared to transition back into the schools smoothly,” Link said. “There was a mix of excitement and nervousness, as expected, but overall, they seemed eager to start the new school year.”

Link specifically heaped praise districtwide.

“Our staff, faculty, and administration worked hard to create a welcoming atmosphere, which helped set a positive tone for the day,” Link said. “Our faculty handled the first day exceptionally well.

“They were well-prepared, engaged, and responsive to the needs of our students. They do a great job every ‘first day’ and all year long.”

Link noted one of the highlights of the day was the rollout of the Lunch & Learn model at the high school, and added Lunch & Learn is a block of time in the middle of the students’ day to provide students with time to “get what they need, when they need it.”

“This block of time gives students access to other students and to their teachers,” he said. “This support encompasses the concept of student choice by providing designated time to meet with teachers, get extra help, study, relax, engage in physical activity, and enjoy their lunch.”

While the day itself was a smashing success, that doesn’t mean there weren’t a few kinks that needed to be worked out, Link said.

“As with any first day, there were minor logistical challenges, but nothing out of the ordinary for the first day,” he said. “Our team addressed them quickly, and they did not significantly impact the overall flow of the day.

“Our buses were running late loading and then dropping students off at the end of the day which triggered some phone calls. That is not uncommon the first day and we aim to hit our target times each day moving forward. We are always looking for ways to improve, and we’ll be reviewing these areas to ensure even smoother operations moving forward.”

Link alluded to another high spot.

“One of the highlights (Monday) was seeing the strong sense of community among students and staff,” he said. “It’s clear that our focus on collaboration is already bearing fruit, which is very encouraging as we begin the school year.”

Amy Miller, Terry Ahner and Jill Whalen contributed to this report.