Welcome back students! After a restful and enjoyable summer, school is back in swing for Catasauqua Middle School students.

I am the new columnist for CMS News. I have been covering school board meetings and other district-related news the past two and a half years and have also photographed school district and community events.

Please send announcements about Catasauqua Middle School-related events to my email address for inclusion in this column.

***

The first day of classes will be Monday, Aug. 27. Doors open at 7:35 a.m. and classes will begin at 7:52 a.m. Dismissal is at 2:20 p.m. Schools will be closed Friday, Aug. 31, and Monday, Sept. 3, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Classes will again resume on Tuesday, Sept. 4. The school's breakfast program also begins Sept. 4

***

Mark your calenders. A PTF meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m. in the school library. Meet the Teacher night will also be held that same evening from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Students will be treated to a Welcome Back Dance Friday, Sept 21, 7-9 p.m. and school picture day is Thursday, Sept. 27.

***

Students are encouraged to bring in box tops and Campbell Soup labels and place them in the bins in the school office or by the trophy case in the lobby.

***

Best of luck to all students as they begin the 2012-13 school year.