SHAMOKIN -- For some students in Northumberland County, tomorrow will be the first day of the school year!
Teachers in the Shamokin Area School District went on strike on September 8, what would have been the first day of school.
At the Shamokin Area School District's athletic fields, activities carry on as usual. However none of these students have been to school since classes dismissed for summer in June.
“I just like school. I know that's kind of weird. I like going to school and seeing the teachers and friends and stuff,” said eighth grader Raven DePeal.
The teachers union and school administration are at odds over money, benefits, and the amount of students per classroom.
Now a judge ordered the teachers back to work on September 24, so students will finally have their first day of school this school year.
For seniors, they are ready to start their last year of high school.
“Feels good, I mean, because me personally, I only have a little bit of classes left,” said senior Adam Miller.
“I'm excited. I've been waiting. It's been a while,” said eighth grader Makayla Moroskie.
Shamokin Area isn't the only district dealing with teachers strikes.
Teachers in the Line Mountain School District, also in Northumberland County, and the Old Forge School District teachers in Lackawanna County are also on strike.
Parents in Shamokin Area say it's difficult not having their children in school.
“It feels good that they'll be able to go back and start learning and not have to take away from any other vacations that they might have and then next summer,” said parent Rick Whary.
“The kids are home. Who knows what they're doing, sleeping in until one, noon and then they come to these practices and they're lethargic with everything,” said parent Ted Pietkiewicz.
