Feb. 01--School District U46 is hosting a series of open houses this week to welcome the students and families affected by the elementary school boundary changes that will take effect in the 2016-17 school year.
"The open houses are a way to introduce and welcome not just the students but their families to their new school community," district spokeswoman Mary Fergus said. "Their new principal as well as faculty and students will greet them, give them a tour and tell them about their school."
Eight open houses are scheduled this week, according to Fergus.
Highland Elementary principal Steve Johnson will host the first open house Tuesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the school for incoming Hillcrest Elementary students.
Students coming from Channing Elementary to O'Neal Elementary will be welcomed by principal Marcie Marzullo from 6 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
Channing students heading to Garfield elementary can attend an open house there from 6 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday as well. Principal Tracy Taylor will be on hand.
Kids changing from Channing to Huff Elementary will also have an open house from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at their new school, hosted by principal Dr. Angelica Ernst.
On Thursday, students moving from Harriet Gifford to Lowrie Elementary can attend their open house from 6 to 7 p.m., featuring principal Kelly O'Brien.
Dr. Hilda Rivera will welcome Lincoln Elementary students attending Lords Park next year on Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Lincoln students being moved to Coleman Elementary will have their own open house hosted by principal Brian Stark from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday.
Lincoln students heading to McKinley Elementary will have their own open house at 6 p.m. Thursday, hosted by principal Juan Lira.
The plan, approved by the school board in December, relocates 605 elementary students for the 2016-17 year.
The boundary change, the district's first since 2004, seeks to relieve overcrowding and pave the way for full-day kindergarten across the district.
A follow-up assessment of middle and high school boundaries has been put on hold for at least a year, according to district officials.
Families and students in the Lincoln Elementary community were hit hardest by the changes, with 246 of the 605 relocated kids coming from that school.
geoffz@tribpub.com
