Des Plaines' Algonquin Middle School opening still up in the air

Algonquin Middle School parents and students didn't get a definitive answer this morning as to where students and staff will begin the school year - either in Algonquin or in temporary quarters elsewhere in Des Plaines.

Registration for Algonquin's 2010-11 school year began this morning at Orchard Place School, where students also hoped to learn where they will start classes on Aug. 23.

But Algonquin Middle School Principal John Swanson said officials won't know until next week whether the 700 students will be sent to one of three alternate sites - Prairie Lakes Community Center, Maryville Academy or Oakton Community College.

"Those three are still options," Swanson said, who said he and his staff are preparing to relocate while construction work continues at Algonquin Middle School.

"We're hoping for the best and preparing for the worst," he added.

It's also possible that all students won't have to be placed elsewhere, and that some students and staff might be able to use a portion of Algonquin School.

The final verdict for Algonquin may come on or before Aug. 18, when the Regional Office of Education is expected to inspect and approve all District 62 school sites under construction for occupancy.

With Algonquin Middle School still looking like a construction zone, student registration sessions are being held today at Orchard Place, 2727 Maple St. Another session will be held from 4-8 p.m. tonight.

The three-week laborer's strike in July delayed construction at Algonquin, Chippewa, Forest and Cumberland schools, threatening their on-time openings. Much of the work was supposed to be completed before school starts. While the other three schools are now in the clear for opening Aug. 23, Algonquin's situation is still up in the air.

Swanson couldn't say how long classes would be held off-site.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "We know that (crews) are working feverishly to make that time up. (Actually) I'm pretty confident that we're going to start the year in the school."

Eighth-grader Marlin Oropeza is not so confident.

"It will be weird," said the 13-year-old from Des Plaines. "It's going to be different."

Some parents made a point of saying they think District 62 has handled the situation well.

"The district has done a fine job of keeping us up-to-date on the construction," said Kathy Howard of Des Plaines, who was registering her 12-year-old son, Joe, in seventh grade. "We've been pleased with all the information - through e-mails and telephone calls."

Maria Contreras, meanwhile, says District 62 could do a better job reaching Algonquin's sizable Spanish-speaking population.

Speaking through her 12-year-old son Luis, Contretas said she's concerned about where students are going to be placed and that she hasn't been given enough information about what's happening.

At this morning's registration, district officials provided parents with written updates, in English and Spanish.

Luis said it just won't be the same if classes don't begin at Algonquin.

"It just won't feel like I was there the first day," he said. "I want to go to the same school on the first day and not have to be changed in the middle of school."

For more Algonquin construction updates, visit the district's website, d62.org.

Parents may email questions or concerns to build@d62.org. Starting Aug. 18, the district will activate its Construction Update hotline, (847) 553-0612.

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<h2>Related documents</h2>

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<li><a href="/pdf/d62update.pdf">Algonquin Middle School construction update </a></li>

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