CUMBERLAND – The Cumberland County Public Schools 2012-2013 school year officially started on Monday, though not for students, and was ushered in with a message from Superintendent Dr. Amy Griffin.

“The 2012-2013 school year will be full of exciting and engaging learning that will prepare our students to possess the 21st Century learning skills necessary to be active and successful global citizens,” she posted on her weekly blog on the first day of the new school year.

The annual division letter to Cumberland's staff was also sent home this week along with the opening week calendar, she said.

“With the rapidly changing world and expanding wealth and depth of knowledge that is readily available at everyone's fingertips, it is important that our structures, processes, and instruction reflect these changes so that our students are truly prepared for future careers and life! We at Cumberland County Public Schools are embracing the 21st Century and are changing the way we operate,” she continued.

Dr. Griffin explained how the new school year would be full of teaching students at each level how to communicate and collaborate, think critically and problem- solve, access and analyze information, and how to also have curiosity and imagination.

Other changes for the new school year are a nine-week grading period, new principals in each building, and the fifth grade becoming part of the Middle School.

“Our focus is on being student- centered and on 21st Century learning. We will continue to be a school division that welcomes and serves the community,” ended Dr. Griffin.

To get ready for the return of students, teachers return to school at the end of this month. Teacher workdays begin on July 30 and Cumberland's Open House is set for August 6 from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.

The first day of school for students is Wednesday, August 8.