JEFFERSON TWP — When the morning bell rang at Knoch High School this morning, about 50 students continued to mull in the student parking lot across the road.

They skateboarded, complained about the cool weather, and hoisted signs saying "Education B4 Greed."

The students were protesting a planned strike Monday by the South Butler School District's 185 teachers.

"What they are doing, we're doing," said Luke Pelkofer, a sophomore.

He said he was participating in the protest to show the "ridiculousness" of the strike, which will be the second one while he's been at Knoch.

Though some students expect to fail the day's tests and fear the loss of their parking passes, Parker Baney said he wasn't afraid of the consequences.

"What can they do?" Baney, a senior, said.

Pelkofer said voicing his message across was more important than any discipline he might face.

"Either way, I'm going to get my point across," he said.

He said his parents support his efforts.

"If you really believe in something, do it," he said.

Bobby Shullo, a sophomore, said more students were sitting inside the school at their lockers, refusing to report to classes. He was outside in the parking lot, planning to stay for the day.

The students said once school began, they wouldn't leave school property.

There will be no school Monday because the district received a strike notice Sept. 8. Since the strike notice, the sides have negotiated each weekday. No progress has been reported. This afternoon is the final negotiation session before the strike.