Students flock to first day at new-look Naperville Central

Roughly 3,000 students flocked to Naperville Central Wednesday morning for the first day of classes at the newly renovated high school.

Except for a false fire alarm at dismissal, "everything went as smoothly as we expected," Superintendent Mark Mitrovich told parents in a districtwide e-mail.

Most students said they liked the look of the building - which underwent more than $87 million in improvements - as they approached the new entrance and commons area on the southeast side of the school.

"I'm excited to get in there and see something new," senior Julia Weigard said. "But I'm scared I won't be able to find my locker."

Senior Angie Wehrli wasn't quite as excited.

"I really don't care for the renovation. Our old school had so much character that I'm afraid this one won't have," she said. "Once we get in there and learn our way around, I'm sure I'll get used to it."

Interim district spokesman Russ Fletcher said the morning was spent helping teachers and students alike find their way around and get comfortable in the building.

Senior Derrick Avers and his brother Ryan, a sophomore, could use the time. They were entering the new building for the first time.

"We're (not happy) that the summer is over already and we're back here," Derrick Avers said as they rushed to get inside before the 7:45 a.m. bell.

"We'll be fine," Ryan Avers said.

Once the bell rang, Principal Bill Wiesbrook said it was an exciting start to the school year.

"Students were buzzing about the new building. Students were asking for directions, eager, confused, in awe," he said. "It has been an adventure and a great learning experience for everyone."

Mayor George Pradel was unable to attend the first day of school at Central due to a commitment across town but said he would have loved to have been at his alma mater.

"It's just a beautiful school. It's like a great big airport with all the kids whizzing around like airplanes," Pradel said. "It's going to be great."

A majority of the work at the school is complete. It includes a three-story addition that will house all major subject areas, infrastructure upgrades, a new learning resource center, new athletic and music space, improved traffic flow and synthetic turf on its football field.

Finishing touches, such as the installation of a railing in the main stairway and plumbing in some science labs will continue in the south addition after school hours. The north wing addition is scheduled to wrap up by December 2011.

Across town, classes began at Naperville North, where seniors dressed in togas and other costumes and entered the school to the thunderous sounds of horns and noisemakers.