So, the school year is back in full swing, well, maybe three quarter swing.

The 2020-2021 school year has begun but not quite like we are used to. Classes are in session virtually through Zoom; however, keep in mind this semester will be a bit more structured than the spring. Attendance is mandatory, teachers will be teaching live and grades count.

Because of this new system, I ask that all parents be as flexible and understanding as possible the first few weeks of school as teachers and administrators work out all the kinks and figure out the best ways to do this. We are all undergoing on-the-job training and there are bound to be some bumps in the road. If something is not working for your student and you need to email the teacher, keep in mind the saying my mom always told me, “You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.” In other words, be nice.

The Salisbury football program has two upcoming events. The Salisbury Falcon Football Golf Classic will be held 8 a.m. Sept. 20 at Allentown Municipal Golf Course. Also going on is the Salisbury gear online store run through Bethlehem Sporting Goods. A great place to buy your Salisbury team gear. Both of these events benefit the football team with not just uniforms and practice gear, but equipment, meals and leadership curriculum. If you have any questions about either event, contact head football coach Andy Cerco at 610-797-4107, ext. 2019 or email acerco@salisburysd.org.

Families are encouraged to submit an application to qualify for free/reduced meals for the 2020-2021 school year. Visit the school website at salisburysd.org to complete the application which is submitted annually.

The school district will provide bagged meals for students who qualify for free and reduced meals. Meals will be served curbside and through a contactless delivery model. Meals can be picked up between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at Salisbury Elementary School, 1400 Gaskill Ave., Allentown, starting the week of Sept. 14.

Students, parents or guardians will need to provide the student’s first name, last name and homeroom or Student ID Number. Please wear a face covering when interacting with food service and district staff. For questions, contact Nicholas Correa, general manager of child nutrition at 347-821-6219 or email nicholas.correa@sfellc.org.

Salisbury Township, in conjunction with Keystone Consulting Engineers, will be doing smoke testing in the Basin 10 area of Eastern Salisbury. According to the township website, this is “to address and reduce Inflow & Infiltration into the sanitary sewer system.” Phase 1 of 3 will begin in mid-September and township residents will be notified with a door hanger at least 48 hours before testing begins.

Salisbury Township drop-off centers are open on alternating weeks. Devonshire is open the week of Sept. 14 and Franko the week of Sept. 21. The centers are open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Thursday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

“If you want to be the best, you have to do things that other people aren’t willing to do.” Michael Phelps