Providing seamless transitions for incoming District 88 students

A cornerstone of District 88 pride is the close relationship we have with our feeder school districts, Addison Elementary School District 4, School District 45, Salt Creek School District 48 and several parochial schools.

Several years ago, we formed the District 4, 45, 48 and 88 Joint Compact to work together to align our programs and services for our families. The leaders of the Compact meet quarterly, and articulation meetings happen regularly between curricular departments and student support teams.

It is the goal of District 88, as well as all of the area middle schools, to provide as much support as possible to our incoming students and families to make the transition to high school as successful as possible. To help with that effort, the Joint Compact focuses on the transition into ninth grade.

Earlier this month, Willowbrook hosted incoming freshmen for the school’s annual "Step Up Days," which allow those students to tour our campus and meet with upperclassmen and staff to learn about life at Willowbrook. A similar event, called "Pay It Forward," will take place on Feb. 14 at Addison Trail. Our annual Course Information Nights took place on Jan. 22 and provided parents/guardians and students with an opportunity to learn about the vast curricular offerings at District 88 and to understand the importance of choosing a rigorous course load. We thank our community members for their support of these important transition events.

Parents/guardians will soon receive an invitation to course selection meetings that will happen in February with our guidance counselors. To prepare for those meetings, we encourage incoming students and parents/guardians to spend time reviewing our curriculum. The District 88 Course Listing Guide for the 2015-16 school year can be accessed at www.dupage88.net/site/public/files/?item=2010. 

This is an exciting time as we look ahead to the upcoming school year and prepare to welcome the class of 2019 to District 88. It is our goal to provide any and all needed support for this process. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 630-530-3985 or jbarbanente@dupage88.net.