District 88 Student Success Coordinator shares updates and successes of the district's BEYOND BOSS Community

During the Feb. 2 District 88 Board of Education meeting, District 88 Student Success Coordinator Dr. VaLarie Humphrey shared updates with regard to the district’s BEYOND BOSS Community. That group engages Black students and their parents/guardians in meaningful programs and events that celebrate identity, build leadership and strengthen connections.

Dr. Humphrey’s highlights included information about:

1. BLACKtopia Conference: District 88’s annual BLACKtopia Conference took place on Nov. 8, 2025, and featured student workshops, parent workshops, community engagement and more.
   
   
2. Talented Scholars Network (TSN) (Black Scholars Honors Network):
   
   The District 88 Board of Education and Administration recognized and honored members of the TSN, who have demonstrated sustained academic excellence, leadership and a steadfast commitment to maintaining high scholarly standards within their school communities.
   
   TSN members are committed to giving back to their communities. On Nov. 12, 2025, they provided financial literacy lessons at Evergreen Elementary School in Carol Stream through Junior Achievement’s High School Heroes Program.
   
   
3. Parents of Black Scholars (PBS): District 88’s first PBS event took place on Sept. 17, 2025.
   
   
4. A look ahead: Details about future programs and events, including plans to honor and recognize Black History Month.

“The BEYOND BOSS Community is more than programs and events," Dr. Humphrey said. "It is a mindset. It is young people learning to see themselves as capable, prepared and worthy of big goals. It is families choosing to lean in, ask questions and stay engaged.”

• To watch the presentation, click on the video above.
  
  
• To view a photo gallery, see the images below. Click on the images for photo captions.