District 88 celebrates start of 2026-27 school year
Welcome to the 2026-27 school year!
It was absolutely wonderful to welcome students and staff back to the buildings on Aug. 17, 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 22 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. 17).
Addison Trail – To view videos and a photo gallery from the first day of school, go to https://www.dupage88.net/site/page/17658 (or click on the image below)
- 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. To view a video of that event, click on the link/image above.
- 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/image above.
- Staff members displayed the 2026-27 Blazer Pride T-shirt, to promote school spirit. This year’s shirt celebrates Addison Trail’s 60th (diamond) anniversary. Stay tuned for more 60th anniversary happenings!
- The Drum Line performed to greet students as they entered the building to kick off the school year. To view a video of that performance, click on the link/image above.
- The Buildings and Grounds staff had the rooms cleaned and the floors waxed before the start of school. Recent facility updates include:
- B-wing roof recoating
- Installation of large fans in the field house and the east gym
- 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 https://www.dupage88.net/site/page/17660 (or click on the image below)
- The attendance rate on the first day of school was more than 93 percent. Freshmen attended an orientation in the morning and were then joined by sophomores, juniors and seniors in the afternoon. To view a brief video clip of the orientation, click on the link/image above.
- The Drum Line performed to greet students and staff to kick off the school year. To view a video of that performance, click on the link/image above.
- Staff members displayed the 2026-27 Warrior Pride T-shirt, which features a vintage look and the school’s motto of “Pride. Tradition. Excellence.”
- The Buildings and Grounds staff had the rooms cleaned and the floors waxed before the start of school. Recent facility updates include:
- Willowbrook roof replacement (door 4-6)
- Installation of large fans in the field house and the aux gym
- 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 22 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/17659 (or click on the image below)
- This year, Transition Program students will experience community-based learning opportunities to develop life skills. These include practicing grocery shopping, taking public transit, ordering at local restaurants, volunteer opportunities and more. They also will meet with local community partners to learn about adult vocational agencies, disability resource agencies and post-secondary education opportunities.
- 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 2026-27 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 2026-27 school year (including details about academic supports, social-emotional supports, safety/security information, ways to stay connected with the district/schools and more), go to www.dupage88.net/HandbookLetter2026-27.
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