Briefs: Nature programs for kids
Children 3 to 6 can explore nature in the Kane County Forest Preserve's "Near to Nature" programs. Children and their parents will explore natural areas, go on hikes and play games. The cost is $5 for each session. The dates: Today at Burnidge Forest Preserve, 38W235 Big Timber Road in Elgin; Wednesday at Tekakwitha Woods Nature Center, 35W076 Villa Maria Road, St. Charles; and Thursday at the Les Arends Forest Preserve, 2S731 Route 31 in Batavia. All programs are from 10 to 11 a.m. To register, call (847) 741-8350.
Geneva ACT scores improve
Geneva High School's 2008 graduates achieved an average composite score of 23.9 on the ACT, according to numbers released this month by ACT. This is higher than the Class of 2007's 23, and the 20.7 state average and 21.1 national average. The ACT is a college-readiness exam given to every Illinois high school student, regardless of post-high school plans. The ACT tests students in English, math, reading and science.
Torres' plan available online
Elgin Area School District U-46 Superintendent Jose Torres' Listening and Learning plan is available online at www.u-46.org. The plan, to be enacted within the first 90 days of his tenure assesses three broad needs: raising the academic bar, closing the achievement gap and cultivating relationships.
Batavia house tour
Batavia MainStreet presents the Batavia House Walk from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 6. "A Walk on the Avenue" features an English Cottage, Tutor, Italianate, cottage in the woods and contemporary on the near west side. The homes are close enough together to walk from downtown parking and back to the tea at the Batavia Depot Museum. More information is available at www.bataviahousewalk.com. Advance tickets are $25 and can be purchased online or at Bee-Attitudes Antiques (9 S. Batavia Ave.), Sue's Family Hair Co., (137 S. Batavia Ave), K. Hollis Jewelers (147 S. Randall Road) and Gibby's Wine Den in Geneva (1772 S. Randall Road) as well as the MainStreet office (2 E Wilson St., upstairs). Tickets are $30 the day of the event. The House Walk benefits Batavia MainStreet and efforts to revitalize downtown Batavia. Volunteers are needed for the House Walk. Contact Kelly Mackenzie at (630) 879-0357, kelly_mattson@hotmail.com; or Sharon Mitchell at (630) 406-8946, smitchell82@comcast.net.