A sunny, smooth start to the new school year

Penn Manor School District students returned to classrooms Thursday under clear, sunny skies to start off the 2017-2018 school year.

Conestoga Elementary students and staff were back at their newly renovated school after a one-year hiatus. The building was closed last year for an $11.7 million renovation project that added a new kitchen, playground and instructional space, HVAC systems and communications and security systems.

Also new this year is a pilot 1:1 Student Laptop Program for sixth-graders at Eshleman and Martic elementary schools and fifth-graders at Central Manor and Hambright elementary schools.

Thirty new professional staff greeted students at Penn Manor’s 10 schools for the new year. (Learn more here.) In all, about 5,300 students and more than 600 staff were back at schools Thursday.

Superintendent Mike Leichliter reported a smooth opening.

“Buses were nearly on time at all buildings, despite drivers learning new routes,” he said. “Students were mostly happy to be back in the classroom on a gorgeous summer day, and teachers are excited to be back working with students to help them succeed.”

We’re looking forward to a great year!