Kate Thayer, TribLocal reporter

The new principal at Hoffman Estates High School is taking an open-door policy to new heights — he will set up his desk in a different location around the building for the first seven days of classes.

“I wanted to be visible and present,” Jim Britton said Wednesday, the first day of school. “I want to make sure students associate my name and face.”

He said he thought of the idea as he was preparing to begin his initial year as principal. He was assistant principal last year.

Britton welcomed and introduced himself to students walking in the hallways. Some even came up to ask him questions.

“I want them to know we’re here as a partnership,” he said.

One student new to the district talked to Britton, who then introduced him to the staff member in charge of a club that sparked the student’s interest.

“If I (am not in the hallway), those opportunities don’t happen,” Britton said.

He said teachers and administrators that build strong relationships with students are able to better motivate those students to achieve.

The other four high schools in District 211 – Conant, Fremd, Palatine and Schaumburg high schools – also resumed Wednesday for about 13,000 students.