Students in Lycoming County have been returning to school from last Thursday through today, with a mixture of change and transition accompanying the traditional ringing of school bells.
At East Lycoming School District, there is a new digital production studio that allows students to broadcast happenings in the district, such as football games and award assemblies.
At Williamsport Area School District, there is a new core reading program for kindergarteners to fifth graders. There also is a lot of brainstorming and planning going on during this year of transition, as the district will be reconfiguring its grade structure and moving essentially into seven new schools in the 2013-14 school year.
In the Jersey Shore Area School District, there is a new emphasis on helping freshmen adjust to senior high school.
In the Montoursville Area School District, there is new technology and a new superintendent.
In the Loyalsock Township School District, there is a focus on different learning opportunities, such as students away on learning trips.
But the more things change, the more they stay the same we hope. The success of the school days that are ahead will still hinge on teachers, students and the classrooms they cohabit.
It takes dedication by students and teachers to maximize learning. And without quality education, the students of today will be at a great disadvantage when they attempt to forge their futures.
Our hope for the year ahead is that learning be it from traditional instruction or a host of new bells and whistles will dominate in our region's classrooms.
