Addison Trail hosts annual Open House

Addison Trail Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department Head Jennifer Kowalski (top row), science teacher Sean O'Connor (middle row), English Department Head Amy Ferraro (bottom row, left) and Social Studies Department Head Brendan Lyons (bottom row, right) meet with parents/guardians and students during the school's Virtual Open House on Sept. 2.

District 88 Learning Services Coordinator Jack Andrews (second from the top) and District 88 Transition Program staff members Donna Wheeler (third from the bottom) and Ann Eakley (second from the bottom) are pictured with parents/guardians and students during the District 88 Transition Program's Open House on Sept. 2.

On Sept. 2, Addison Trail students and parents/guardians attended the school’s annual Open House.

Open House gives parents/guardians a glimpse into their child’s daily life at school and provides them with an opportunity to meet the teachers and learn about the expectations for each course. This year’s event took place virtually because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and more than 1,950 participants attended throughout the night (with more still to be reported).

Participants were able to take a virtual tour of the school (see the tour at www.dupage88.net/ATOpenHouse); listen to videos and informational presentations from District 88 Board of Education members, administrators and staff (see the videos/presentations at www.dupage88.net/ATOpenHouse); and learn about Addison Trail’s curriculum as they followed an abbreviated version of their student’s daily schedule.

The evening also featured a virtual Student Activity Fair for pupils to learn more about the activities and clubs offered at Addison Trail (see the fair at www.dupage88.net/ATOpenHouse). The Activity Fair helps students find an extracurricular activity that interests them to become more engaged. More than 65 percent of the pupils at Addison Trail participate in activities, athletic programs and clubs. If students cannot find something in which they are interested, they have the opportunity to start a new club. For more information, go to www.dupage88.net/ATStudentActivities.

The District 88 Transition Program also hosted an Open House. That program supports individuals ages 18 to 21 who have disabilities and helps them learn life skills, obtain job training in a community setting and transition to life after District 88. Forty-six students are enrolled in the program this year, and 10 parents attended the Open House.