The welcome mats are out at area schools in anticipation of the start of the 2012-13 school year. Some students will begin classes as early as next week, and everyone should be back in the classroom before month's end.

Everyone will have to adapt to some kind of change, even if it's just a new grade, teacher or principal.

At some schools, major building projects - a new gym or track, an additional wing - have finally been completed and can be enjoyed.

However, a few "lucky" students will find new construction projects under way. Yes, there will be noise, dust and inconvenient detours to endure. But remember, patience will be rewarded.

Some may attend schools where cosmetic changes are evident: renovated classrooms, more parking, fresh paint, better lighting. Others may not notice anything outwardly different but will find new wiring, improved fiber optics or new computers that could make learning easier.