CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. -- It's the first day of school at Philipsburg Osceola and Centre County, so why are the classroom empty?

About 300 junior high students have ditched the classroom in favor of games, food and fun. It's all part of a new idea from the school administration aimed at starting the year off right.

"We decided to try something a little new and different, outside of the box," said Dena Cipriano with the school district. "We are taking them outside and engaging them in team building activities so they can get to know each other and their teachers."

From relays that get the students working together, to simply throwing a Frisbee around, there are plenty of laughs and smiles to be had at what's been deemed "The Great First Day of School."

"I think its pretty cool," said seventh-grader Laura Thompson. "I get to see all the friends I had last year, but make a bunch of new ones. I think it's really fun."

"We get to do a lot of stuff we normally wouldn't get to in school," said eighth-grader Curtis Matsko. "It's nice to not be overwhelmed with papers and stuff we normally do the first day."

However, the day is not just about fun, the kids are also learning.

"I think it's a great learning experience," said parent Lori Belinda. "They have to learn how to socialize in the real world when they get out there."

In the Philipsburg Osceola district, the kids go to separate elementary schools and come together in one junior high when they go into seventh grade. Junior high, as many know, can be brutal on self-esteem, so organizers said events like this one can promote social success for life.

"Classrooms are something separate," said parent Shelly Maurer. "If you don't learn to be social with other kids, you will have a rough time of it. I think it's the best learning they are going to get here."

It's not just the students letting loose and having fun. Teachers are also letting their personalities shine.

"It's nice because you see more of their personality when they are playing games and stuff," said eighth-grader Sarah Chorle.

Teachers said it builds trust and a bond that can only enhance the learning inside the classroom.

So could "The Great First Day of School" be a permanent fixture at P.O. Junior High?

"I didn't have to argue with my son this morning to go to school," said Maurer. "Let's put it that way."