District 88 Superintendent Student Advisory Committee provides opportunity for student voice, inclusion

Pictured is District 88 Superintendent Dr. Jean Barbanente.

On Nov. 1, I was thrilled to meet with the District 88 Superintendent Student Advisory Committee for the second time. This leadership team provides students with a seat at our administrative table and an opportunity to have their voices heard to help shape the future direction of the district.

The committee is comprised of students from Addison Trail and Willowbrook, who offer diverse backgrounds and perspectives. At District 88, one of our top priorities is to connect with all students to develop in each child a sense of belonging and encourage him or her to find success, and this collaboration is one initiative to help meet that goal. Below are the members of the Student Advisory Committee.

Addison Trail: Seniors Roohana Amin, Enzo Ciaccia, Madelyn Ford, Mateo Gomez, Isabella Rojas and Lindsay Stevenson

Willowbrook: Senior Penelope DelValle, sophomore Natalia Garcia-Avila, junior Neeraja Kumar, senior Emma Rattana, senior Eric Veal Jr. and senior Imani Ward

During the Nov. 1 meeting, we discussed our final exam policy and hosted focus groups regarding our dress code. For the past two years, our Behavioral Interventions Committee has recommended we review our dress code to ensure it is inclusive and equitable for all students. We also have received several requests from students, staff and parents. The district will meet with other students, staff members and parents/guardians throughout the school year to discuss these topics and will develop a pilot program based on feedback.

The Superintendent Student Advisory Committee will get together every other month during the school year, and I look forward to working together to continue to improve our schools.

With District 88 Pride,
Jean Barbanente, Ed.D.
District 88 Superintendent