The school year got underway this week in Allegheny Valley School District, with kindergarten classes starting Tuesday and other grades beginning the day before.

The school board voted 7-2 last week to make mask-wearing mandatory in district buildings and on buses.

Masks aren’t required during recess, lunch or activities such as playing a musical instrument.

In a news release, the district said this school year will feature several new academic programs with an emphasis on math, engineering and science.

Through games and activities, the Reflex Math program will help students at all grade levels “quickly gain math-fact fluency and confidence,” the district said.

Acmetonia Elementary students will be able to participate in the Acme Engineers-Drone Program. Among its offerings, LocoRobo’s Pioneer Modules will expose students to the science behind drone technology, including coding, sensors, mechanical design, aerodynamics and semiautonomous flight control.

Fourth-graders also will incorporate an LED pegboard and engineering station into their classrooms where they will be able to work on science, math and other skills.

The school year is scheduled to run through May 27.

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