School bells rang yesterday for 159 students at St. Ann’s Catholic Elementary School, Lansford, where youngsters from the Panther Valley communities of Nesquehoning, Lansford and Coaldale attend grades one through eight.

According to Monsignor Thomas Hoban, pastor of St. Ann’s Parish, the students were greeted by a new principal, Sister Michael Miriam.

She is no stranger to the Panther Valley area, having taught at Marian Catholic High School about 12 years ago.

She replaces Sister Marita Rose, who was transferred to St. Joseph Elementary School in Warminster in Bucks County.