District 88 hosts Parents of Black Scholars (PBS) event

On March 12, District 88 hosted its third Parents of Black Scholars (PBS) gathering to strengthen engagement and collaboration between the district and families of Black students.

Parents/guardians attended a dinner meeting at Pinstripes in Oak Brook, where they participated in discussion and information sharing focused on student success. The conversation was facilitated by District 88 Student Success Coordinator Dr. VaLarie Humphrey, who provided resources and guidance to support families as they help their children navigate high school and plan for life beyond graduation.

A central focus of the evening was academic excellence and post-secondary pathways. Parents learned about opportunities for students to access rigorous coursework, including honors classes, Advanced Placement (AP) offerings and dual-credit courses. District 88 offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes credentialed career-based curricular tracks, more than 30 Advanced Placement (AP) college-level courses and more than 50 dual-credit and collegiate-credit courses in 18 career pathway areas, along with award-winning fine arts programming. 

Families were encouraged to understand how course placement works and how they can advocate for their children when they believe their child is ready for greater academic challenge.

The discussion also addressed the importance of examining opportunity and achievement gaps, while ensuring that Black students have equitable access to academic supports and resources. Parents were encouraged to monitor their child's progress and to remain actively engaged in conversations about graduation requirements and post-secondary goals.

Another key topic involved planning for life after high school. Families explored the variety of post-secondary options available to students, including four-year colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), trade programs, military service and entrepreneurship. Parents also received guidance on pursuing financial aid and supporting their students with scholarships, internships and career-exploration opportunities. Dr. Humphrey talked about the district’s parent support platforms, including PowerSchool (the student information system used to monitor academic progress) and SchooLinks (a college and career planning tool that helps track students’ pathways and future plans).

Along with academics, the evening included discussion about social-emotional wellness and school climate. Participants reflected on the importance of ensuring that Black students feel seen, respected and supported within the school community. Conversations addressed student belonging, discipline practices and the need for restorative approaches that keep students engaged in learning. Parents also received information about available supports such as counselors, social workers, mentoring and other culturally responsive resources.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of leadership, identity and community empowerment. Parents learned about opportunities for students to develop leadership skills through student organizations, conferences, mentoring initiatives and community service. The discussion emphasized the value of cultural pride and historical awareness in helping students build confidence and a strong sense of identity.

These gatherings are designed to strengthen partnerships between families and the schools, while ensuring that Black students are supported academically, socially and emotionally as they prepare for their futures. For more information, contact Dr. Humphrey at vhumphrey@dupage88.net or 630-628-3308.