New school year begins at Highland Middle School

Megan Russell, the new dean of students at Highland Middle School, smiled as she greeted students and helped them with their schedules Tuesday during the first day of classes at the Libertyville school.

Russell is transitioning to her new role as dean after teaching art classes at the school for the past four years.

"It's great to see the kids back," she said. "I am really excited about impacting them on a larger level."

This year's class consists of 913 students in grades 6 through 8 in the Libertyville Elementary District 70 school.

"Our students are very excited. It is really exciting to see the kids greet one another and to see their friends and to be excited to be coming to school and starting a new school year," Principal Jon Hallmark said as he walked around the school and talked to students.