Most area students returned to school Monday, with the exception of Lehighton, who will wrap up its middle and high school construction this week.

Jim Thorpe students started classes on Thursday.Here’s a glimpse of the first day:CCTICarbon County Technical Institute began classes on Monday.“Day one was very smooth. I have to compliment all of our staff that helped with the smooth start,” Dave Reinbold, administrative director, said.“We’re looking forward to utilizing all of our new technology, and for preparing our students for their career choices,” Reinbold said.Northern LehighThe start of classes got off to a smooth start in the Northern Lehigh School District as students returned to school Monday.Superintendent Michael Michaels said that “everything went pretty smoothly.”Michaels said there was some lag in bus times due to unexpected traffic issues downtown.Student enrollment was at 1,559 throughout the district, with many new enrollments still coming in, Michaels said.Class meetings were held district-wide, while a review of academic/behavior expectations was covered in the high school, Michaels said.“All in all, it was a successful day,” he said.PalmertonPalmerton Area School District students returned to the classroom Monday for the first day of the 2016-17 school year.Despite the signaling of the end of summer, excitement was in the air, according to administrators.“Everything went very well at both buildings and I saw lots of smiling faces,” said Mary Brumbach, S.S. Palmer Elementary School and Parkside Education Center principal. “Most of the children are happy to be back at school.”S.S. Palmer, a second through sixth grade building, has 480 students, while Parkside has 169 kindergarten and first grade students.The day began on a positive note, Brumbach said.“I met with each classroom and welcomed the students and introduced myself to the students that are new to the school,” she added.The same level of excitement was reported at Palmerton Area High School.“Things went really well today,” Principal Paula Husar said. “Our students and our staff have a very positive outlook. Everyone is looking forward to another successful year at the high school. Blue Bomber pride is alive and well and here to stay.”Husar and teachers met with each class individually, grades 9-12, to review expectations for the school year.“During these meetings, we discussed all the positive things that occurred at the high school last year,” Husar said. “Our plan is to improve on these steps this year. It was really nice to see our upper class students helping our incoming ninth graders.”As of Monday, 441 students were enrolled at the high school.Panther ValleyStudents in the Panther Valley School District have a lot to be excited about in the 2016-17 school year.“Our students appear ready to return to school and we look forward to greeting them. Day one appeared to run smoothly in PVES, PVIS and PVJSHS,” Superindentent Dennis R. Kergick Sr. said.At the elementary school, the Parent Teacher Organization raised $35,000 to purchase more than 100 laptops for students to use.Five carts of laptops will be available at PVE — one for each grade level K-3, and another for the school’s library.PVE students will once again join schools from across the country in the 100 Book Challenge.Enrollment in the district is about 1,800 — but it is closer to 1,660 when students at CCTI and other out-of-district placements are factored in.Kergick said the first day of school went smoothly. Officials are still working on addressing some parents’ concerns with regards to transportation and class schedules at the high school.“We want to make sure that our students are able to take challenging courses and meet the demands of requests,” Kergick said.For the second straight year, Panther Valley students will receive universal free lunch. The district gets reimbursed by the federal government because of the number of students who qualify for the free lunch program.Last year, the school reorganized its grade levels, adding seventh and eighth grade to the high school and moving fourth and fifth grade to the renamed Panther Valley Intermediate School.The district is also in the process of replacing the stage floor at the high school. Facilities director George “Smokey” Krajnak said that the project is expected to be completed in time for the school’s annual play.Pleasant ValleyCassandra Herr, principal of Pleasant Valley Elementary, said all went smoothly as the staff welcomed students back from the summer break.“Our fourth grade students are enjoying having a locker for the first time,” Herr said.The school will have “Welcome Back” assemblies throughout the week.”“Students were excited to come to school to see their teachers and make new friends,” said Erica Greer, principal of Pleasant Valley Elementary.TamaquaMonday marked the first day of school for students in the Tamaqua Area School District.New district Superintendent Raymond Kinder said that on the whole, it was a “typical first day.”“Kindergarten students seemed to acclimate well,” Kinder said. “A few late registrations bring challenges, but all-in-all, a successful first day.”Students weren’t bothered by the heat because of the air-conditioned classrooms. About 2,100 students attended classes districtwide, Kinder said.“We’re pleased to be back, and look forward to another outstanding school year,” he said.WeatherlyWeatherly Area School District reorganized the administration this year because of budget issues.Thomas McLaughlin is serving as superintendent and principal of grades K, 1 and 2.Sandra Slavick is supervisor of special education and principal of grades 3, 4 and 5.Amanda Zaremba is serving as middle school and high school principal.The enrollment for kindergarten through 12 grades is 670 students.The district will be using a new online learning program called “Study Island,” in Grades 3-12.Kindergarten through Grade 2 will be using new programs called “Reading Eggs” and “Reading Eggspress.”Terry Ahner, Judy Dolgos-Kramer, Jarrad Hedes, Chris Reber and Kelly Andrade contributed to this report.