Students head back to class in Philadelphia

EAST FALLS (WPVI) -- Families in the Philadelphia school district dusted off the alarm clocks as students headed back to class Tuesday morning.

Whether ceremonial or otherwise, the bells rung in the next year across the Philadelphia school district.

At George Washington Carver School of Engineering and Science in North Philadelphia, students filed in for the first day.

They were greeted by the district superintendent and Mayor Nutter.

For the Weeks siblings, their day started at their home in Philadelphia's East Falls section with Action News in their kitchen.

The Weeks family are go getters. They were up early to grab breakfast and get the day started.

With bacon sizzling on the stove, 12-year-old Zion Weeks says he's new at Carver.

The magnet school added 7th and 8th grade classrooms to give more students the opportunity to attend.

Zion joins older sister Badia, who at 14 is starting her junior year.

"I know when I transitioned into high school it was a big struggle my freshman year. So I think them already being in the school will be an easier transition," Said Badia

She also offered some advice for her younger brother.

"Make friends and meet teachers you can trust and rely on," said Badia.

Zion who is a nationally ranked swimmer says he wants to learn about computer science and astronomy this year.

He says he won't have any problems waking up and getting ready for school.

Badia and Zion's mom Verna Tywne leaves quotes around the house for the kids to read.

Action News found one on a mirror in the kitchen that read Carpe Diem Seize the Day!

Verna says, "I just want to keep my kids encouraged and focused on the right things."

Mom just wants her kids to live life to the fullest and do it now.