by KYW's Mike DeNardo
      
Vacation's over.  Philadelphia schoolchildren reported for their first day of classes on Thursday morning.

Mayor Nutter (right) and School District officials held opening-day bell ringing ceremonies at the new Barry School, at 59th and Race Streets, rebuilt after a fire several years ago. 
 
Seventh-grader Tamisha Williams was excited to begin classes in her new building, but...

"It looks like it don't belong in this neighborhood."

Why?

" 'Cause.  This neighborhood is not fit for this kind of school."

But School Reform Commisison chair Sandra Dungee Glenn says yes, the kids do deserve a state-of-the-art facility:

"Science library, a cafetorium that doubles as meeting and performance space as well as a cafeteria, 24 classrooms, we'll have pre-kindergarten sessions here, art and music programs will be running here.  And it'll also be available and accessible to the community."

(Photos by KYW's Mike DeNardo)