Eighth-graders finding their way at Kaneland

The lockers are different, there's confusing hallways, and the other students are a lot bigger than normal.

Those are a few of the observations from the youngest students at Kaneland High School -- the eighth-grade class -- on their first day Wednesday.

"Going to high school, you have no idea what to expect," said eighth-grader A.J. Zanis, eating lunch in the high school cafeteria.

The district moved the class of 338 students to the high school building this year to alleviate overcrowding at the middle school.

When the students first heard about the move last year, it was met with a lot of nervousness, teacher Dennis Brown said.

"Justifiably and understandably so, they were nervous," he said. "I was nervous."

Students' main concerns were the large size of the high school building and being in the same space with upperclassmen, he said.

School officials hope they have minimized both of those issues. For the most part, the eighth grade is separated from the rest of the school -- the classes are in a different wing and teachers walk the students to and from lunch.

"At first, I thought it was good because the middle school is very small," said eighth-grader Emily Carr. "But when I got here, it was kind of scary."

Some students were excited about the new prospect.

"I think it's cool," said Linda Cervantes, who is new to the district. She likes being in the same building as her two brothers at the high school.

Her friend, Maria Rivera, wasn't convinced.

"I wish I was at the middle school," she said. "I know where the rooms are there."

Brown said halfway through the first day he could already see less nervousness from the students. An eighth- grade open house several weeks ago was helpful, he said.

"They're settling in very quickly," he said. "It might still be a bit nervous-excited, but it's excited."

Zanis had already met some people at the high school Wednesday, and felt more comfortable. But he said he was still nervous for a different reason.

"I found out I have to pass a Constitution test to get to high school," he said.