District 88 celebrates start of 2025-26 school year

Welcome to the 2025-26 school year! 

It was absolutely wonderful to welcome students and staff back to the buildings on Aug. 14, and we look forward to another tremendous year. I spent the first day of school greeting students with Addison Trail Principal Jack Andrews and Willowbrook Principal Dr. Daniel Krause. I also was fortunate to say hello to students and staff in our Transition Program, which helps individuals ages 18 to 21 who have a variety of abilities learn life skills, obtain job training in a community setting and transition to life after District 88.

Below are highlights from the first day of school (Aug. 14).

Addison Trail – To view a video and a photo gallery from the first day of school, go to www.dupage88.net/site/page/16956 (or click on the image below)

  • The attendance rate on the first day of school was nearly 91.6 percent. Freshmen attended an orientation in the morning and were then joined by sophomores, juniors and seniors in the afternoon.

  • Students had the opportunity to attend an athletics/clubs/activities fair, to learn about the various extracurricular offerings at the school.

  • Staff members lined the halls to greet freshmen as they entered the building for the first time as Blazers and wished them well as they began their high school journey. To view a video of that welcome, click on the link above.

  • Staff members displayed the 2025-26 Blazer Pride T-shirt, to promote school spirit.

  • The Buildings and Grounds staff had the rooms cleaned and the floors waxed before the start of school.
  • The fall athletic season has begun. For Blazer athletic information, including competition schedules, successes, team highlights and news, go to dupage88.net/ATAthletics.

Willowbrook – To view videos and a photo gallery from the first day of school, go to www.dupage88.net/site/page/16955 (or click on the image below)

  • The attendance rate on the first day of school was more than 92.3 percent. Freshmen attended an orientation in the morning and were then joined by sophomores, juniors and seniors in the afternoon.

  • The Drum Line greeted everyone as they entered the building. To view a video of that performance, click on the link above.

  • Staff members displayed the 2025-26 Warrior Pride T-shirt, with the message of “Live Your Legacy” on the front and lyrics to the school’s fight song on the back.

  • The Buildings and Grounds staff had the rooms cleaned and the floors waxed before the start of school.
  • The fall athletic season has begun. For Warrior athletic information, including competition schedules, successes, team highlights and news, go to www.dupage88.net/WBAthletics.

District 88 Transition Program (which helps individuals ages 18 to 21 who have a variety of abilities learn life skills, obtain job training in a community setting and transition to life after District 88) – To view a video clip and a photo gallery from the first day of school, go to https://www.dupage88.net/site/page/16957 (or click on the image below)

  • This year, Transition Program students will experience community-based learning opportunities such as joining recreational leagues and going to museums, theatre performances and other venues to develop life skills. They also will have guest speakers to learn about services available in the community and to increase independent living skills.

  • Students in the Transition Program receive job training at local vocational sites. The program is always looking for new job-training sites, and those who are interested can contact Transition Program Department Head Stephanie Nitka at snitka@dupage88.net or 630-782-3110.  

Important reminders for the 2025-26 school year
We are thrilled at the endless opportunities the fresh start of a new school year presents to expand on the tradition of excellence our schools have built through the years. To view important information/reminders for the 2025-26 school year, go to www.dupage88.net/HandbookLetter2025-26.

Our students continue to receive state and national recognitions in academics, athletics and extracurricular activities, and we know those accomplishments are possible because of our knowledgeable Board of Education members, caring staff members, involved parents/guardians, hardworking students and engaged community members. It takes all of us working together to build futures for our students, and we greatly appreciate your collaboration. Thank you for your continued support of District 88.

With District 88 Pride,

Jean Barbanente, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
DuPage High School District 88