District 88 ‘March’es to success with community support

At District 88, our mission is to work for the continuous improvement of student achievement.

And we know we’re able to accomplish that mission through our partnerships within the community and the support from our stakeholders. Our students and staff continue to give back to help others locally and throughout the world, and our stakeholders continue to volunteer their efforts to better District 88. That dedication to making a positive difference has been showcased throughout the district during the month of March. Below are several examples of how giving back is truly a cornerstone of District 88 Pride.

Addison Trail International Dance Show

Addison Trail students perform in the school's International Dance Show on March 6.

On March 6, more than 300 people attended Addison Trail’s International Dance Show. The event featured 18 dances that represented 18 countries. The show raised about $2,800, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to ChildrenUP, a charity that helps students in northern Uganda be advocates for their education.

Willowbrook Parent Organization (WPO) Trivia Night

Members of the District 88 and Willowbrook community participated in the Willowbrook Parent Organization (WPO) Trivia Night on March 7. Top left: Pictured are (back row, from left) Willowbrook Principal Dan Krause; District 88 Superintendent Dr. Scott Helton; District 88 Board of Education Secretary Sharon Kucik; Kucik's husband, Tom; District 88 Board of Education President Donna Craft Cain; District 88 Director of Technology, Teaching and Learning Aaron Lenaghan; (front row, from left) Willowbrook Athletic Director Bob Daly; Daly's son, Ryan; District 88 Director of Business Services Bob Flemming and Flemming's wife, Suzanne. Top right: Willowbrook senior Jack Corkery (front row, second from left) and his family enjoy Trivia Night. The family got into the spirit of the event by holding up signs that displayed a photo of Corkery. Bottom: Willowbrook parents (from left) Basil Weaver, Laurie Ledonne and Dave Ebeling help out during Trivia Night.

On March 7, the Willowbrook Parent Organization (WPO) hosted a Trivia Night, where about 100 participants enjoyed a friendly competition. More than $2,000 was raised, and proceeds will go toward scholarships for Willowbrook seniors. This year, the WPO plans to award 20 $500 scholarships to seniors.

Addison Trail POPS Concert

Addison Trail students perform during the school's annual POPS concert on March 7.

On March 7, Addison Trail presented its annual POPS Concert, which featured performances by the school’s music groups. About 400 people attended the event, and proceeds will go to the Music Booster Scholarship Fund for Addison Trail seniors, as well as other Music Booster Club initiatives to benefit students. The evening also included a split-the-pot, raffle prizes and dinner before the concert.

Addison Trail hosts 43rd annual Flower Show

Pictured are floral arrangements created by local florists and Addison Trail students that were raffled off during Addison Trail's annual Flower Show on March 10. Top left: Addison Trail senior Yanet Gutierrez and senior Edward McCormick showcase their arrangement. Top middle: Senior Gabriella Papas (left) and senior Gabriela Hernandez share information about their arrangement. Top right: Senior Rosalind Macho (left) and senior Bianca Aldana raffle off their arrangement. Bottom: Junior Alexander Bennici shows his arrangement to audience members.

On March 10, more than 100 people filled the auditorium at Addison Trail to enjoy the school’s 43rd annual Flower Show. The event showcased the talents of local florists and Addison Trail Horticulture Club students, and about 60 flower arrangements were raffled off. Students walked around the room displaying the flowers, and proceeds from the show will benefit the Addison Trail horticulture program.

Relay For Life of District 88 All Youth

Cancer survivors walk the first lap during a previous Relay For Life of District 88 All Youth. This year's event will take place on March 14.

On March 14, more than 400 District 88 students, staff and community members filled the field house at Willowbrook to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Willowbrook also hosts other events throughout the year to raise money for the American Cancer Society, including the Brook Olympics (a weeklong series of events and challenges created to help initiate tradition and a sense of class spirit and pride at Willowbrook) and Facial Hair February (where this year more than 20 male faculty and staff members gave up shaving for the month of February to raise money). Relay For Life raised more than $60,000.

These are just a few of the events that have taken place in March that exemplify the partnership between District 88 and our stakeholders. Thank you for your continued support of District 88!