Photo by Justin Criado
Students of Schiller Middle School in East Deutschtown entering the building during the first day of school Monday, Aug. 25, marking the beginning of the 2014-15 academic year.
By Justin Criado
Marking the official close of summer, Northside area schools are starting the 2014-15 academic year this week.
Schiller Middle School in East Deutschtown held a “First Day of School” pep rally Monday, Aug. 25 with the help of Bank of America volunteers, while Perry high school opened its doors for “Freshman Nation” orientation Friday, Aug. 22. The Chronicle was on hand for both events to capture the excitement, especially from the students, as summer vacation ended.
East Deutschtown’s Schiller Middle School held a “First Day of School” pep rally outside its doors Monday, Aug. 22 with the help of Bank of America Volunteers. The event was sponsored by the United Way.
Students line-up outside Schiller’s gates before the first day of school Monday, Aug. 25. What awaited them inside was a “First Day of School” pep rally. The pep rally followed a “Welcome Back” event that was held Thursday, Aug. 21.
Photo by Justin Criado
Pittsburgh Public Schools superintendent Linda Lane (right) high-fives students as they entered Schiller middle school for the first day of the year during a “First Day of School” pep rally Monday, Aug. 25.
Photo by Justin Criado
Schiller middle school principal Paula Heinzman (right) personally welcomed each student as they entered the school during the “First Day of School” pep rally Monday, Aug. 25. With the help of Bank of America volunteers, the event served as an exciting start to the new school year.
Photo by Justin Criado
Upwards of 30 Bank of America volunteers handed out pencils, stickers and other school supplies to students as they walked through the “First Day of School” pep rally Monday, Aug. 25. Signs that read “Strive for 95” were made for motivation. The “95” stands for the percentage mark for attendance students should aim for.
Photo by Justin Criado
Students were shy and hesitant at first, but after starting down the path through the “First Day of School” pep rally most couldn’t help but smile as Bank of America volunteers cheered them on and handed out school supplies
But wait! There’s more…
Photo by Justin Criado
Incoming freshman were welcomed at “Freshman Nation” orientation at Perry high school Friday, Aug. 22. The event started in the cafeteria where all the school’s teachers introduced themselves. Following introductions, students were given their class schedule. The half-day orientation allowed the new students to get familiar with the building and its staff.
Photo by Justin Criado
The incoming freshman class posed for a group photo during the “Freshman Nation” orientation Friday, Aug. 22. This year, Perry high school will welcome 153 new students.
Photo by Justin Criado
Pittsburgh Promise executive director Saleem Ghubril surprised everyone by taking the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge after students posed for a group picture during the “Freshman Nation” orientation Friday, Aug. 22 at Perry high school. Ghubril said he has a close friend with Amyothropic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and plans to donate to a charity of his friend’s choice.
Photo by Justin Criado
Senior ROTC cadet Joseph Jones talks to a class during the “Freshman Nation” orientation event Friday, Aug. 22. Perry’s ROTC program is the only one in the city and is open to all students who are interested in joining.
Photo by Justin Criado
Perry JROTC cadets Robert Jones (left) and Isaiah Peterson (right), who attends Brashear, helped direct students to their classrooms during the “Freshman Nation” orientation Friday, Aug. 22 at Perry high school.
Photo by Justin Criado
Entering high school can be a little bit scary for incoming students that’s why Perry high school has held the “Freshman Nation” orientation for the past five years.
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Have a great 2014-15 school year everyone! Be sure to let us know about any fun and exciting things happening at all of the Northside’s schools. Until then, be safe.
