* Para ver esta información en español, vaya a https://dupage88.net/site/page/15310.
Hello, District 88 families. I hope this message finds you and your families well and off to a positive start to the second semester.
This month, we begin to plan for the 2023-24 school year. Over the next few weeks, your student will be choosing courses, and I wanted to take this opportunity to share some of the phenomenal opportunities we have to offer here in District 88.
Our highest priority is to ensure we have rigorous – yet flexible and individualized – programming to meet the needs of our student population. It is our focus to have each student working toward a viable college and career integrated pathway, including access to college coursework, while here in District 88, along with real-life career opportunities in the field of his or her choice.
To that end, in addition to our rich, college-preparatory course offerings within our core departments (including expanded Advanced Placement, dual-credit and college credit courses through Elmhurst University), we offer externally credentialed and dual-credit career pathways, including automotive technology, culinary arts, business careers, engineering, medical careers, teacher preparation, building trades and robust internship and paid apprenticeship programs in the manufacturing and technology fields. Additionally, our Board of Education is committed to maintaining the comprehensive nature of our curriculum, and we are very proud to offer extensive music programs and a vast array of art courses.
Lastly, as one of the most diverse school districts in the state with more than 50 languages represented in the district, the majority of District 88 students speak a second language. This is an incredible asset that we are committed to helping our students develop to the fullest. Our World Language courses (Spanish, German, Italian - Addison Trail, and French - Willowbrook) include Advanced Placement and dual-credit offerings, and District 88 students have the opportunity to earn the Seal of Biliteracy credential on their diplomas and participate in international student exchanges. More information about these opportunities, along with our District 88 Course Listing Guide, can be found below.
LINK to Seal of Biliteracy Information
LINK to CNC Manufacturing Fundamentals Course Description
Please review the District 88 Course Listing Guide for 2023-2024
District 88 Course Listing Guide 2023-2024 - Spanish Version
VIDEOS of example career pathways - Career Spanish, Education Teacher Preparation, CTE Youth Apprenticeship Program
Please plan to attend our Course Information Night/Curriculum Showcase scheduled for Jan. 19 at Addison Trail and Willowbrook to see the wealth of incredible programs we have to offer our students. Detailed information can be found in the link below.
Course Information Night/Curriculum Showcase Information
Along with the vast course offerings we have on our campuses, students also are able to enroll in courses at Technology Center of DuPage (TCD), including cosmetology, criminal justice, fire science, medical or nursing assistant programs and many more. For more information, go to https://dupage88.net/site/page/15188. For those interested in TCD programs, we encourage you to attend the TCD Open House, also planned for Jan. 19.
To ensure our students have the flexibility to access the career-pathways preparation they need, we have expanded flexibility with the District 88 graduation requirements, including substitution options for the third-year science requirement, as well as physical education. Please review the details at dupage88.net/GraduationRequirements, and reach out to your student’s counselor for more information.
To help our students plan for their future, our District has committed to SchooLinks, which provides comprehensive career development and college planning tools and resources. We encourage all parents to activate their accounts and spend time exploring the incredible opportunities awaiting your students after they leave us and to help him/her to navigate this journey. Instructions on how to access your account can be found via this LINK. Please note that SchooLinks can be accessed in multiple languages.
We encourage you to spend time with your child on his/her course selection to college and career planning. We are here to help you with this process.
REMINDER: Course registration dates for the 2023-24 school year can be found below …
Addison Trail
Class of 2025- January 17-20
Class of 2027- February 2 (3pm-8pm), February 4 (8am-1pm), February 7 (3pm-8pm), February 9 (3pm-8pm)
Class of 2024- January 31-February 3
Class of 2026- February 14-17
Willowbrook
Class of 2024- January 17-27
Class of 2027- January 21 (8am-4pm), January 26 (3pm-8pm), January 28 (8am-4pm)
Class of 2025- January 30-February 3
Class of 2026- February 6-February 17
Again, we are here to help you and encourage you to make an appointment with your child’s counselor at any time for more assistance.
Please keep in mind that in addition to our firm commitment to the academic development of our students, we know the social-emotional development and mental health of our students are of the highest priority. Please remember that District 88 has extensive mental health supports and resources for our students and families, including additional counselors and social workers and contracted specialized clinical services on both of our campuses. We encourage you to contact your student’s counselor to discuss any help your student might need. Please review our Mental health and social-emotional supports/resources, including the Elyssa’s Mission SOS Signs of Suicide program, our pupil personnel services and interventions and the ReferralGPS service, which can help connect families to local mental health treatment options.
As we continue to expand our workplace learning opportunities for students, we need the help of our business partners. Please review the ways you can connect with us to help enhance our students' career-based experiences at Business partnership opportunities with District 88.
This is an exciting time, and our staff is here to help and support you. Please know my door is always open. I invite you to contact me anytime with your questions or concerns. I wish you a wonderful second semester, and thank you for your continued support of District 88.
With District 88 Pride,
Jean Barbanente, Ed.D.
District 88 Superintendent