Looking to break away from the stigma of an institutional-looking classroom, fifth- and sixth-grade learning support teacher Stacy Reilly (left) discusses curriculum with parent Suzie Buffington in the inviting and relaxed atmosphere of her classroom during Catasauqua Middle School meet-the-teacher night Sept. 12. Buffington’s son Luke is a sixth-grade student.

From left, the Patel family — Trupti, seventh-grader Jiya, Sheckler Elementary School first-grader Ruhi and eighth-grader Neel — stands at the entrance to the school.

Sixth-grade student Sophia Deitzel proudly shows her well-organized locker to her sister, seventh-grade student Cecilia Deitzel. The pair was present at the school event to assist in promoting Scouting in Catasauqua Area School District.

Smiling faces greet parents/guardians at the CMS information table in the school’s main lobby. From left are Jenna Potak, Catasauqua Police Department school resource officer; Ziggy Bender, a volunteer with Valley Youth House; and Lisa Muffley, school office staff.

Parent Dave Bernini, of Catasauqua, pauses to read a letter written by his son Jacob to his “future self” as an assignment in this sixth-grade classroom of English language arts teacher James Luchansky.

Parents Heather and Tim Smell introduce themselves to sixth-grade science and social studies teacher Dave Linton, who is also a Catasauqua alum.

New to CASD this year, CMS principal Patrick McNulty (center) welcomes eighth-grade student Kristalie Espada (left) and her family to meet-the-teacher night.

Luchansky coaches a game of checkers between parents Jill and Nick Gruver, of North Catasauqua, who visited his classroom on behalf of their son Zander.

PRESS PHOTOS BY DONNA GEWERTZFamily members of CMS students search for that perfect find as they browse through the book fair, held in the multimedia center in conjunction with the annual event to further promote learning and interest in reading.

Seventh-grade math teacher James Snyder (center) meets with Amanda Roman and Xavier Diaz, the parents of seventh-grader Elysia Diaz. After hearing a group presentation from each grade-level team of teachers, parents/guardians had the opportunity to tour the building and meet each teacher individually.