The pencils are sharpening and the kids are scrambling to finish those summer reads. That could only mean one thing – it’s back-to-school time again in Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester.

While some kids are eager for their first day and others will be dragging their heels, school officials say there will be plenty of new things to look forward to when doors open on August 28.

Here are some highlights for the new year.

In Mattapoisett, Principal Rose Bowman of Center School said she’s looking forward to the start of a new school year.

“As far as the children are concerned, it’s always joyful to welcome them back to a new year,” she said.

On the academic front, Bowman said she is excited to see students, teachers and parents interact with the core curriculum, which is being revisited in all three towns.

Bowman said this fall, parents will be able to access the standards of the English Language Arts curriculum online as well as writing tips to help out their kids at home. Math standards will be available later in the year.

“It represents the priority standards for each grade, regardless of the community you live in. I think the parents will value that and have easy access to that online,” said Bowman.

In Marion, Sippican School Principal Lyn Rivet says that in addition to an open house at the school on Monday night, the school year will start off with a revamped “First Day Celebration” on Tuesday.

Rivet said she and her staff have spent some extra time this summer coming up with new workshops for the annual event.

The celebration is open to both kids and their parents. Rivet said the teachers will hold workshops on everything from homework tips to anti-bullying measures.

There will also be refreshments.

“We really want to get school started on a positive step,” Rivet said.