The Huntley Farmside

              SERVING THE PEOPLE OF HUNTLEY SINCE 1960
^ C!)e Puntlep jfarmsiitie
USPS 580-360
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1995 - VOLUME 35, NUMBER 33 - HUNTLEY, ILLINOIS       TWENTY-FIVE CENTS
Huntley High welcomes new principal
By Beth Bemdt
By now. most ofthe parents with a student in Huntley High School have either met, spoken to, or at least heard of the new Principal, Dave Johnson. He is a welcome asset to the school system and someone the community   should   have   the
opportunity to meet.
Dave Johnson comes to Huntley High School from Westmar Junior/ Senior High School in Joy, Illinois, where he sen'cd as principal for the past 5 years. He currently commutes from his parents' home in West Chicago duringthe week, and travels home to his wife, Jane, and three children, Traci (10), Zachary (6), and Derek (3), on the weekends.
Johnson began his career in education because he enjoyed working with young people. He felt Hlbecoming a teacher he could really make a difference in their lives. He enjoys working with a strong faculty made up of a very diverse group of teachers.
"We have teachers with different approaches to teaching. We need to find that correct balance to best fit the students needs. We have a fine group
of teachers willing to go the extra yard," Johnson said in a recent interview. He added, "The success of a school is not determined by how many smart students it graduates, but in how many marginal students it keeps from falling through the cracks."
While he enjoys the small-town atmosphere, he is concerned with the growth. Huntley High School has many ideas for programs they want to bring to theschool, but their hands are tied right now. They are trying to meet the needs of all students, especially the marginal ones. Just as there are different teaching styles, Johnson recognizes Ihat there are different ways of learning, and it takes a variety' of approaches to help them be successfiil. There is a strong need for more after school activities other than athletics.
Johnson is actively seeking a partnership between the school, the community, and the parents. He is impressed with the support of the educations. He strongly encourages more parents to become involved, even at the higher level. Students need the support of their parents all the way through school, especially at an age when they are trying to become adults. His door is always open to the parents to askq uestions.
Johnson is very happy to be at Huntley High School. "This school offers a fim, positive, challenging atmosphere to work in, and I welcome challenges,'' Johnson said. He can be found roaming the halls, observing a classroom, or just talking with the students at any time of the day.
Johnson's job is as a facilitator to solving problems, but it's clear his goal is to help young people find a purpose in life and a goal to reach for. He is not afraid to reach out to them and go that extra yard.
To celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, the offices ofthe Huntley Farmside will be closed on Thurs., Nov. 23 and Fri. Nov. 24. Advertising or news items can be dropped off in the mailbox on the front of the office, 11801 Main St., Htmtley, or faxed to (708)669-5623.       	
Huntley Factory Shops celebrates opening of new stores
Tracey Schwartz photo
Huntley village trustees Charlie Becker and Sue Paulsen (far right), along with representatives of Prime Group Inc. and Prime Retail, cut a ribbon of candy canes to kick off the official opening of twelve new outlet stores at Huntley Factory Shops.
Approximately thirty peopi gathered in an outdoor tent for the event on Fri., Nov. 17. It was followed by a luncheon for local officials and media. A tree-lighting ceremony and fireworks followed that evening.
Grafton Board presents meeting minutes
The regular monthly meeting ofthe Grafton Township Board of Trustees was held Nov. 9,1995 at the Grafton Township Building at7:30pm.
The following officers were present: Ruth, Hight, Ottley, Hansen andZirk. Kobza and Ziller absent. Minutes of the October 12,1995 regular meeting were presented. After review, a motion was made by Zirk and seconded by Hansen to approve the minutes as presented. Voiced vote: all aye, motion carried.
The Treasurer's Report was read by the Clerk. After review, a motion was made by Zirk and seconded by Hansen to approve the report as presented. Voice vote: all aye, motion canied.
The attached listing of bills was presented for approval. After Trustee
review and Board discussion, a motion was made by Hansen and seconded by Zirk to approve all bills presented. Voice vote; all aye, motion carried.
Assessor reported that all three books have been turned into the County for processing. Thirty new homes are being processed and will be added to the books for the 1995/ 1996 tax cycle. The measuring of home improvements for the current tax cycle hasbeen completed. Assessor tumed in $ 10.00 of revenue from the copy machine.
Road Commissioner reported that we had 4.0 inches of rainfall in October. Four trees were down due to windstorm and were immediately cleared from roads. Performed regular Monday morning road
patrols. Graded gravel roads and replaced 6 signs destroyedby vandals. Also performed winter maintenance on vehicles and installed snow removal equipment.
Road Commissioner reported that several calls were received inquiring about the timing of installation of Coyne Station Road railroad crossing signals. The only time frame available is June 1996.
Township propert}' is in the process of being annexed by the Village of Huntley. Commissioner Hight was elected president of the Township officials of McHenry County and announced that the next meeting of this organization will be Mon., Nov. 20, 1995 at 7:30pm at the McHenry
See GRAFTON on page 5