District 88 takes students from the classroom to the world

District 88 is committed to providing each and every student with the opportunity to achieve at the highest level and prepare for the challenges of the global economy that awaits.

One aspect of post-secondary preparation is to allow students to learn a second language. Addison Trail and Willowbrook have robust world languages departments that offer courses in several languages and levels, including Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level classes. As a capstone to our language programs, District 88 has opened the doors to international travel for students who demonstrate high academic achievement, as well as positive character. After two successful exchange trips to Italy in recent years, District 88 embarked on an international trip to Spain this past March. Students from AP Spanish language and culture, AP Spanish literature and Spanish 4 honors from Addison Trail and Willowbrook applied to go on the trip. Sixteen students participated in the program.

This life-changing experience included a 10-day tour of Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Seville and Barcelona. Students saw the major tourist sites, including the National Museum of Prado, the National Palace, the Alhambra, the Sagrada Família church by Antoni Gaudí, the Roman gladiator stadium in Italica and the stunning cathedrals of Seville and Toledo. Cultural highlights included a cooking class with professional Spanish chefs and flamenco dance lessons in the gypsy caves of Granada. Students made endless curricular connections and enhanced their Spanish language skills through interacting with the native residents each day. Students enjoyed the intense beauty of the Spanish landscape, the kindness and charm of the Spanish people and, of course, the delicious Spanish cuisine. Many expressed interest in studying abroad in the future and continuing their study of the Spanish language in college and beyond.

District 88 intends to continue international trips in the future. In March 2016, the social studies department at Addison Trail will travel with students to France, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg on a World War II educational tour. In March 2017, the world languages department at Addison Trail will again travel to Italy as part of the Addison-Triggiano Sister Cities exchange program.

We encourage our students to continue to strive for academic excellence and to consider participating in these study-abroad opportunities. For questions or more information, feel free to contact me at jbarbanente@dupage88.net or 630-530-3985.