District 88 celebrates an important week in public education, wishes stakeholders a safe and happy Thanksgiving

 

Pictured are Addison Trail Principal Michael Bolden (left) and Willowbrook Principal Dr. Daniel Krause.

As we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving next week, it’s a wonderful opportunity to thank those who support our students and help us accomplish our mission of working for the continuous improvement of student achievement – especially this year, as we continue to deal with the negative impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

It seems fitting two important events for public school districts in Illinois take place during this season of giving – School Board Members Day and American Education Week. We celebrated School Board Members Day on Nov. 15 and American Education Week from Nov. 16 to 20, and we recognized those events during the Nov. 16 District 88 Board of Education meeting. To see a video with messages of appreciation displayed by local businesses and agencies – as well as proclamations from the villages of Addison, Lombard and Villa Park – click the video above.

According to the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB), “To recognize the outstanding efforts of the nearly 6,000 elected school board members throughout the state, Nov. 15 of each year is designated as School Board Members Day in Illinois. This is an opportunity to build community awareness and understanding about the essential role locally elected board of education members assume in a representative democracy.” This year’s School Board Members Day theme was “Perseverance through Leadership.” School board members serve their communities without monetary compensation to make public education the best it can be for every child. Their policies and oversight guide the district as tough decisions are made on complex education and social issues that affect the entire community and individual students.

We would like to thank our District 88 Board of Education members – Donna Craft Cain (President), Jay Irvin (Vice President), Blanca Jessen (Secretary), Thomas Edmier, Amy Finnegan, Lisa Knauf and Daniel Olson (pictured above) – for the countless hours they devote to attending meetings, events and workshops to ensure our students receive a high-quality education.

According to the National Education Association (NEA), American Education Week “presents everyone with an opportunity to celebrate public education and honor individuals who are making a difference in ensuring that every student receives a quality education.” Educators today serve as teachers, coaches, mentors and more for all students to help them succeed inside the classroom and beyond. We have more than 500 staff members at District 88 – from administrators, to teachers, to support staff, clerical staff and maintenance staff – all of whom work tirelessly to have a positive impact on each and every student, each and every day.

These individuals go above and beyond to build futures for our pupils, and that has never been more apparent than now, as we face the adversities of COVID-19. Thank you to our staff and school board members for your passion, dedication and service. It is through your commitment and efforts, along with all of our partners, that we’re able to accomplish the district’s mission.

On behalf of District 88, I wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy Thanksgiving.