First bell rings for Dist. 158 students

Ni hao. (Hello.)

Several classes of Huntley students heard the Chinese greeting for the first time Monday, when Huntley District 158 launched Chinese language classes at its high school and middle schools.

The new Chinese classes were among the most prominent changes for students and teachers as District 158 marked its first full day of school Monday.

Several students at Heineman and Marlowe middle schools also got their first exposure to Spanish Monday, the first time introductory Spanish was offered at the middle school level.

A new wing at Marlowe, including a new gymnasium and a cafeteria expansion, will help meet the needs of a growing student body, 976 at last count, middle school officials said.

Monday also was former District 158 teacher Mike Moan's first day as principal of Marlowe Middle School.

"It was very exciting for me," Moan said. "It's kind of like being a kid on the first day of school."

Administrators said the first day went smoothly at Heineman Middle School, where enrollment numbers were down slightly, at about 780 students.

"I just welcome the kids and any new families that have moved into the area and attend school district 158," Principal Jim Stotz said.

After last year's bus shortages and parents' concerns about more students on buses and fewer stops, District 158 this year replaced 29 buses and limited the number of students on each bus.

"We got everybody here on time, which for the first day is an accomplishment," Moan said.

The elementary schools are also dealing with growth in the district. Conley Elementary School has about 50 more students this year, with much of that growth in the third grade. The school welcomes two new teachers at each grade level this year.

"It's great to see their faces because they're so thrilled to have that position and be working with the students," Conley Principal Scott Iddings said.