Students pack the hallway on their way to their next class Wednesday at Larkin High School in Elgin. Larkin and other schools in District U46 opened their doors for the first day of the school year. August 22, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media

Dean Assistant Carl Nosbisch guides student Jessica Martinez, 16, in the right direction Wednesday during the first day of classes at Larkin High School in Elgin. August 22, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media

Parent volunteers Beth Naughton (left) and Tina McCullough help out on the first day of classes Wednesday at Larkin High School. August 22, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media

Students faced a jumble of parents, teachers, and children upon arriving at Channing Elementary School in Elgin for their first day of class on Wednesday August 22, 2012. | Katherine Peters~Sun-Times Media

Students faced a jumble of parents, teachers, and children upon arriving at Channing Elementary School in Elgin for their first day of class on Wednesday August 22, 2012. | Katherine Peters~Sun-Times Media

Seniors Lisa Lieu,17, (left) works on calculus homework Wednesday during the first day of classes at Larkin High School. August 22, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media

Dean of Students Antonio Rios recites guidelines for heading to the lunchline Wednesday during the first day of classes at Larkin High School. August 22, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media

Channing Elementary School principal Selene Stewart. | Katherine Peters~Sun-Times Media

Parent Sharon Paulson looks out at the crowd of students and parents gathering at Channing Elementary School in Elgin on Wednesday August 22, 2012 for the first day of class. | Katherine Peters~Sun-Times Media

School staff (from left) Antonio Rios, Chris Neibch, Todd Duty and Kevin Wiland discuss lunch room procedures Wednesday during the first day of classes at Larkin High School. August 22, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media