District 88 celebrates Staff Appreciation Week

This past week was a special time in education. From May 4 to 8, 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.

As part of Staff Appreciation Week, we would like to recognize, celebrate and honor the immeasurable work and legacy of our staff members who will retire at the end of this school year. We express our deepest gratitude to these 10 members of the District 88 family, who have dedicated a combined 214 years to the District 88 learning community. Read more about the 2025-26 retirees at www.dupage88.net/Retirees2025-26.

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 more than 30 Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses and more than 50 dual-credit and collegiate-credit courses in 18 career pathways, along with award-winning fine arts programming, to help ensure students are prepared to successfully accomplish their post-high school goals – and we’re able to do that because of the dedication of our staff.

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