Briefs: Jacobs issues challenge to community

Jacobs High School in Algonquin is launching a program to encourage students to change the way they treat one another. The program, Rachel's Challenge, is based on the diaries and life of Rachel Scott, the first student killed at Columbine High School. Jacobs will launch the program today with two assemblies for its students during the day and a third assembly at 6:30 p.m. The high school is inviting parents and community members to the night event to learn about the program. Call (847) 658-2500.

District 158 gets enrollment numbers

Huntley Unit District 158's enrollment grew by about 350 students this year, an increase of more than 4 percent, according to the district's six-day enrollment report. The district had about 8,600 students at last count, up from last year's total of about 8,250. The enrollment figures show the once brisk pace of growth in District 158 has slowed with the housing downturn. The biggest changes at individual schools were at Marlowe Middle School, which has about 165 more students, and Heineman Middle School, which has about 50 fewer students. The district changed the schools' attendance boundaries this year to shift more students into Marlowe, the larger building.

Calling child geniuses

Parents of third- and sixth- graders who live in Elgin Area School District U-46 boundaries and have not enrolled their kids in public school can have their budding geniuses screened for gifted education anytime from now through Oct. 24. Parents must provide achievement test scores and proof of residency within the school district. Students accepted into the program would begin in the district's gifted program next school year when they enter either fourth or seventh grade. Call (847) 888-5000 ext. 5308 for details.