District 88 celebrates Staff Appreciation Week

This past week was a special time in education. From May 5 to 9, we celebrated Staff Appreciation Week, which is a time to reflect on everything our staff members do for each and every student each and every day. To recognize the tremendous work of our staff, many of our parent groups, booster clubs and student groups provided treats and gifts as a thank you.

We know our success is a result of our partnerships. From a knowledgeable and supportive Board of Education; to involved and engaged parents/guardians, community members and students; to a committed and passionate teaching staff – the relationships we have allow us to achieve our mission and vision.

When I speak with our students, they often share the impact their teachers and those they work with in our schools have on them and how those individuals help them make major life decisions, overcome barriers and challenges, and open doors they never imagined.

It’s fitting that our Staff Recognition Dinner takes place as part of this week, to honor and celebrate the immeasurable work and legacy of our staff members. On May 2, we recognized 68 members of our District 88 family, who have given an incredible 1,190 years of service to our students. We also expressed our deepest gratitude to 12 members who will retire at the end of this school year, after dedicating a combined 279 years to District 88. To view the Staff Recognition Dinner program (which includes a list of the honorees and bios of the retirees), go to http://www.dupage88.net/D-88StaffRecognitionDinnerProgram2025.

Our staff members guide students to state and national recognitions in academics, extracurricular activities, fine arts and athletics. Their work is a critical aspect of how/why our graduation rate remains above 90 percent and how/why our graduates continue to attend colleges and universities throughout the U.S., including Ivy League and other highly competitive institutions.

We provide a comprehensive curriculum that includes award-winning fine arts programs, more than 30 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, over 50 dual-credit and collegiate-credit courses and access to more than 35 career industry credentials in 18 career pathway areas – and we’re able to do that because of the enthusiasm and dedication of our staff. Just last year, our staff empowered students to earn nearly 3,700 college credits, more than 1,400 career certifications, nearly 200 biliteracy credentials and numerous awards across more than 20 state-level extracurricular competitions.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff for continuing to serve the sacred calling of public education and for supporting the students and families of our amazing communities.  

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