It's hard to believe, but it's already that time of the year again – the beginning of a new school year. Welcome to the 2013-14 academic year.

I hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable summer and is ready to return to another year at Catasauqua High School.

A special welcome to all of the incoming freshman and new students to the district.

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The first day of school will be Monday, Aug. 26. The high school doors open at 7:34 a.m. School starts at 7:40 a.m. and dismissal is 2:40 p.m.

Schools in the Catasauqua Area School District will be closed Friday, Aug. 30, through Monday, Sept. 2., in observance of Labor Day.

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High school student schedules were mailed to all 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students this week, so everyone should be receiving a schedule shortly.

Ninth-grade students received their schedules at orientation Wednesday at the school.

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Students will see some faculty additions and changes for the new school year, according to the school district administration.

Let's welcome Mr. Magditch as the school's new assistant principal. He was an assistant principal at William Allen High School in Allentown before accepting the position here in Catasauqua.

Mr. Whitehead will be returning to the high school this year and will be teaching ninth- and 10th-grade English classes.

Mr. Lenert returns to the high school after having taught classes at the middle school for two years. He will be teaching 11th- and 12th-grade English.

After a one-year leave, Mr. Wismer returns to the high school, where he will be teaching ninth grade earth and space science.

And finally, congratulations to Janet Reichelderfer who got married over the summer. Her married name is Schmitt.

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As we all know, the first few days of a new school year are filled with paperwork.

Students will be bringing several forms home that must be filled out and returned to the school. Please have these forms completed, signed and returned as soon as possible.

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Fall sports will be in full swing next week. Support our athletes and cheer on their team during a field hockey, soccer or football game.

Click on the athletics tab on the school's website for game locations and times.