Willowbrook celebrates start of 2026-27 school year

The Willowbrook Drum Line performs on the first day of school (Aug. 17) to greet students as they enter the building to kick off the school year.

Freshmen attend an assembly on the first day of school (Aug. 17).

Welcome back, Willowbrook Warriors!

Aug. 17 was the first day of the 2026-27 school year – and we couldn’t be more excited to have our students back in the building. Check out the video clips and photos above from the first day of school!

We began the morning with the class of 2030 participating in an assembly, a scavenger hunt, activities and more.

The classes of 2027, 2028 and 2029 then joined the freshmen for an abbreviated schedule of their courses. Students were greeted by District 88 Superintendent Dr. Jean Barbanente and Willowbrook Principal Dr. Daniel Krause. And, of course, the Drum Line performed to kick off the school year.

Dr. Barbanente also welcomed students to the 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 photos from the Transition Program's first day of school, click on the video below.

We can’t wait to see the tremendous successes our students will accomplish this year!