First Day of School Arrives in Reading

The hallways of Reading’s school buildings have been quiet for the last several months. But as of Wednesday, they’ll be bustling again.

Wednesday marks the first day of school in town, a day that Superintendent of Schools John Doherty said he’s been looking forward to since the last school year ended.

“I’m looking forward to having everyone back to start a new year,” said Doherty. “Summer has been pretty active with a lot of good teaching and learning, professional development and different trainings. I think a lot of people are ready for this day.”

Doherty said there will be some changes for the 2013-14 school year, many of which began to be put in place last year.

Among those changes is a shift to new curriculum frameworks in math and literacy. At the elementary school level the Math in Focus program will be implemented. In kindergarten through eighth grade there will be more of a focus placed on writing.

At Reading High School, two new courses will be added as a part of Project Lead the Way, which allows students to learn more about engineering. Students will be able to sign up for Automation in Engineering, along with a class in Robotics.

Doherty said he believes students of all ages are excited to return back to school, but that it’s most evident at the kindergarten level where both parents and children alike will be beaming on the first day of classes.

“We usually have a high level of energy for all of our kids,” said Doherty, who believes his teachers and administrators are ready to make this a great school year. “I want to praise the work our teachers and staff have done this summer to get ready for opening day. A lot of time and effort goes on behind the scenes, and without their work we wouldn’t be as prepared as we are.”