District 88 wishes its stakeholders a safe and happy Spring Break
Pictured is District 88 Interim Superintendent Dr. Jean Barbanente.
As we begin Spring Break, I would like to thank our staff, students, parents/guardians and community members for your continued partnership.
It has been an unprecedented time, and we truly value your support. This past year, students’ bedrooms became the classroom, and teachers provided instruction from their living rooms. Within 24 hours, we implemented a Remote Learning environment to create a new education system. We all have overcome hardships we’ve never faced before and with which we never thought we would be confronted. But I couldn’t be more proud of how everyone adapted to make the best of the situation. Our staff members, coaches and activity sponsors connected with students in creative and engaging ways and went above and beyond to support pupils and build relationships. Our Student Supervisors served as delivery drivers to bring items to and from students’ homes. Our Pupil Personnel Services staff contacted and visited students to ensure their well-being. And our staff members filled the cafeteria to put together meals for the community. While this past year has brought challenges, it also has shown what we can accomplish when we work together.
It has been wonderful beyond words to see our teachers and students back in the buildings more and more the past few weeks with learning centers, classroom opportunities and extracurricular activities as we transitioned to Phase 3 (Blended Remote/Hybrid) of our Return to School Plan. We look forward to having those who selected the hybrid model on campus four days a week after Spring Break (starting on April 5). For details, including the bell schedule and in-person student expectations, go to https://www.dupage88.net/site/page/12698.
We also have experienced a lot of social unrest this past year. I want to remind all in our community that we denounce acts of hate, aggression, racism and bullying. District 88 is no place for hate, and we must provide an environment where all of our students and staff feel safe, respected and valued. For information regarding anti-bullying, see the District 88 handbook at www.dupage88.net/Handbook. Addison Trail and Willowbrook also have the confidential hotlines below to report incidents and concerns.
- Addison Trail: 630-782-2801
- Willowbrook: 630-782-2803
Our vision is “To prepare students to be college, career and culturally ready through 2040 and beyond. We envision a learning environment that welcomes, engages, challenges and encourages actively involved lifelong learners who demonstrate leadership, stewardship and empathy for people and the environment on local, state, national and global levels.” As part of that focus on cultural competency, we remain committed to creating and sustaining an equitable and inclusive environment through Deep Equity and Culturally Responsive Teaching, the Youth Equity Stewardship (YES!) series, Trauma-Informed Practices and Restorative Practices. We also have implemented the District 88 C.A.R.E. Team (Committed to Academics, Resiliency and Equity) for students and staff to expand and deepen our work in these areas. I would like to share State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carmen I. Ayala’s statement below regarding this topic.
“I want to acknowledge the recent violence against the Asian community and the tragic loss of life in Atlanta. I’d like to elevate the organization Dear Asian Youth, an organization created and run by Asian youth across the globe with members and leaders in Illinois, and the group’s thoughtful statement on the violence that puts what happened into context. Bullying, especially racialized bullying, continues to take place in schools. We have the responsibility as educators to create inclusive classrooms where every student can thrive.”
It has been a difficult year, and I encourage you to take some time during this Spring Break to relax and rejuvenate as we work together to finish this school year strong and plan for 2021-22 and beyond.