In the Catasauqua Area School District, students have grown accustomed to beginning the year during the week after Labor Day.

However, this school year, students hit the classrooms before the month of August concluded. The doors opened to students in all three district schools of the school district Aug. 27, rather than Sept. 4.

This change leaves students with mixed emotions on whether they like or dislike the early back-to-school date.

Future freshman Jason Hoch commented on the effect this year's calendar is having on Catasauqua High School sports teams.

"With school starting earlier, it gives less time for fall sports teams to train and prepare for their season," he said.

Both soccer and football teams have a handful of coaches who are also teachers within the district. Due to teachers heading back to the classrooms on an early Aug. 20 date, some coaches shortened their practice schedules.

Aside from the sports aspect, sophomore Chris Sobrinski doesn't mind the early start.

"As long as the annual Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter breaks from school keep their usual length, I have no problem with the early start for school," Sobrinski said.

The early start to school will lead to an earlier graduation date for seniors. The Class of 2013 commencement is scheduled for June 3. The last day for teachers is scheduled to be the same week, on June 7.

Despite going back to school a week early, students will be able to enjoy a four-day Labor Day weekend break from school following the first week.

School schedules for students were mailed out last week.