Classes in the South Fayette School District started Monday with about 2,481 students.

Lunch prices are 10 cents more than last year -- $1.90 in the middle and high schools, and $1.60 in the elementary school. Milk increases a dime to 50 cents.

Pupils in grades seven to 12 will benefit from a $12,000 Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics grant from The Grable Foundation to integrate arts and technology across academic disciplines.

Projects will involve competitions or partnerships with businesses and organizations in the Pittsburgh region. Juniors and seniors will mentor younger students.

South Fayette Middle School has joined the network of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The group includes more than 7,900 schools in 176 countries.

As a member, the middle school will conduct pilot programs to promote quality education; engage in projects that share innovative teaching and learning activities with other schools; and promote international peace, cooperation and understanding.

The high school recently was named one of America's Best High Schools by Newsweek magazine.

Among the new courses this year are Advanced Placement European History, an elective for juniors and seniors; College and Career Planning, a required course for juniors; and English electives called Poetic Imagination and American Short Story.

About 1,040 students in kindergarten through fourth grade will attend the elementary school.

The school board has approved construction of a new intermediate school for grades three to five, a move that eventually will give the young pupils more space.

At the board meeting Tuesday night, the architect said construction bids would probably be sought next summer.

Information: www.southfayette.org.

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