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We would like to extend a special thank you to all the businesses and organizations who so generously donated an item for our silent auction at the Inaugural Distinctive Schools Gala! Thank you to the following:
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 November 1st was an incredible evening of inspiration and giving at the Inaugural Distinctive Schools Gala. We celebrated our partnerships, our unfailing optimism, and hope for bright futures. In May of 2011, we began our journey as Distinctive Schools, after receiving the opportunity to manage three K-8 public charter campuses with Chicago International Charter School (CICS). We wanted to make a difference in the lives of students, families, and school communities, and engage and motivate students through their unique needs and interests. As a result, we embarked on our personalized learning journey, which was highlighted at the Gala. Classrooms went from traditional desks in rows to flexible learning environments. And, today, Distinctive Schools' students are active partners in their education, and teachers and staff design learning experiences that provide students with the right content, at the right time, in the right place, using the right mode of instruction. Additionally, we expanded our network. Today, in partnership with CICS, Distinctive Schools currently manages four K-8 elementary schools in Chicago: CICS Bucktown, CICS Irving Park, CICS Prairie, and CICS West Belden. At the start of the 2017-2018 school year, Distinctive Schools proudly partnered with Central Michigan University in the opening Distinctive College Prep – Harper Woods and opened Distinctive College Prep - Redford at the start of the 2018-2019 school year. Campus spotlights were shared at the Gala as well. These included empathy conversations at CICS Irving Park, as they explore how to include student voice in school design; collaborative culture at CICS Prairie, as they further engage with students, staff and families; continued growth of Bulldogs Belong at CICS West Belden, as they develop social-emotional learning trait focuses and community outreach; middle school mentoring at CICS Bucktown, so every middle school student has their own personal champion; and continued academic progress at Distinctive College Prep: Harper Woods and Redford, as they add grade levels each year to become K through 8 campuses. However, we couldn't have done this work alone and are grateful for our advocates, supporters, and community members. Their generosity helps us positively impact countless lives, as well as close the opportunity gap and provide equity and access for all students We are also incredibly grateful for our Distinctive Citizen Award honoree, Desirée Rogers, and Ron Huberman, Distinctive Citizen Committee Chair. Their dedication to Distinctive Schools is appreciated, and we are thankful for their leadership and sharing their limitless optimism across our network. With that, we want to express our sincere appreciation to all our advocates, supporters, and community members. We couldn't do this great work without you!
We made unforgettable memories at the Inaugural Distinctive Schools Gala, and we look forward to creating many more in the years to come! Distinctive Schools Inaugural Gala Honors Desirée Rogers and Highlights Students and Campuses11/6/2018  Left to right: Joseph Wise, CEO at Distinctive Schools; David Sundstrom, CAO at Distinctive Schools; Desirée Rogers, Distinctive Citizen Award Honoree; Ron Huberman, Distinctive Citizen Committee Chair; and Scott Frauenheim, President at Distinctive Schools Corporate, civic, and education leaders attended the inaugural Distinctive Schools gala, held November 1 at Savage Smyth in Chicago, Illinois. The dollars raised will go to scaling personalized learning at all Distinctive Schools’ campuses, as well as curriculum and classroom needs for teachers.
“We are thrilled that so many members of our community, including partners in education such as Chicago Public Schools, Chicago International Charter School, LEAP Innovations, Summit Learning, Communities in Schools-Detroit, NWEA, and Golden Apple, came together to support Distinctive Schools,” stated Joseph Wise, Co-founder and CEO of Distinctive Schools. “The gala was a testament to what we can accomplish and the opportunities we can provide to our students and the work that we do.” The positive impact of Distinctive Schools and the future of its work was on display throughout the evening. School teams and Distinctive Schools network leaders shared campus spotlights and flexible learning furniture, from 3 Oaks Resource Group International, was exhibited around the room. Additionally, during the gala, Ron Huberman, Distinctive Citizen Committee Chair, presented the inaugural Distinctive Citizen Award to the first honoree, Desirée Rogers. Rogers serves on the cabinet of the Conquer Cancer Foundation. She is also the Chair of Choose Chicago, the tourism bureau of the City of Chicago and on the boards of World Business Chicago, Donors Choose, and Northwestern Memorial Hospital. During Rogers’ remarks, she shared her family’s legacy as teachers and community leaders and emphasized the importance of education and giving back. “We cannot forget that the best way to ensure a great future of our schools, students, and communities is to invest in the education of today’s children,” added Huberman. The Chicago Children’s Choir, which featured students from CICS Irving Park, also delighted the room with a musical performance, and CICS Prairie’s school director, Jennifer Harth, and staff shared with the audience what Distinctive Schools means to them. “For me, Distinctive Schools means opportunity. An opportunity for our urban youth to experience safe and loving learning communities that are responsive and personalized based on each child’s academic and social emotional needs,” stated Harth. “An opportunity to receive unconditional love, acceptance, understanding, and a fresh start every single day.” Gala attendees gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of both the depth and breadth of the the work seen at Distinctive Schools and got to experience what really sets the school network apart: kindness, optimism, growth, collaboration, and commitment to relationships, innovation and high quality rigorous personalized learning “Distinctive Schools is deeply grateful for all the support and for everyone who came to celebrate our inaugural gala with us,” said Wise. “Together, we can paint amazing futures for our kids from the minute they walk into the classroom and as they continue their journey in college, career, and in life.”  Trailblazer teachers and staff hold a vital role in developing school reform, and we are grateful for their innovation, commitment, and dedication to our network! This month we are featuring a Trailblazing Teacher from CICS West Belden. This month's Trailblazer works tirelessly to understand the needs of her students, and personalize the experiences they have each day. She builds close relationships with all of her students and makes sure the experiences they have at school each day match their personal needs - both as a student and as a person. She is so in tune with what her students need, and is their strongest advocate, mentor, and cheerleader. She serves as an incredible thought-partner and pushes all teachers at CICS West Belden to be the very best they can be. She is absolutely amazing and is truly a Distinctive Trailblazer! The students and staff at CICS West Belden are so fortunate to have this Trailblazer teaching alongside them. Please join us in congratulating a Trailblazing Teacher, Ms. Kasey Lewis! Ms. Kasey Lewis: Featured Trailblazer!  Pictured Left: Desirée Rogers, Distinctive Citizen Honoree | Pictured Right: Ron Huberman, Distinctive Citizen Committee Chair DISTINCTIVE SCHOOLS TO CELEBRATE ITS INAUGURAL GALA AND HONOR DESIRÉE ROGERS WITH |
1. | Back to School in Bucktown by The Chicago Public Education Fund Sarah O’Connell is entering her third year as director at Chicago International Charter School (CICS) Bucktown, managed by Distinctive Schools. . . Sarah’s biggest push as school director has been towards personalized learning. This encompasses everything from training teachers to creating flexible learning environments. “Our classrooms aren’t always desks in rows,” Sarah says of the model; “teachers design the classrooms to fit the needs of the students.” She adds that the ability to dive into students’ individual needs has helped build relationships across the campus, contributing to CICS Bucktown’s “positive and collaborative” climate. Learn more about Sarah, and how CICS Bucktown is scaling personalized learning this school year, in The Chicago Public Education Fund’s article Back to School in Bucktown. |
2. | Dreaming of an 11-Star Experience to Build a 7-Star Experience by Jin-Soo Huh, Executive Director of Academic Innovation at Distinctive Schools, Education Week What kind of school learning environments and experiences would be so compelling that everyone who was a part of it wouldn’t just enjoy it, but be compelled to tell others about the experience? The leadership of Chicago International Charter School (CICS) CICS Bucktown and CICS Prairie, managed by Distinctive Schools, met during the summer to dream about what this could be like for their schools. . . . In addition to setting up the schools for a year of innovation and transformation, these sessions can also invigorate educators as they start a new school year. “As a school leader, you tend to get bogged down with meetings about numbers, results, data, high stakes testing, et cetera,” said Assistant Principal Sophia Halkias of CICS Bucktown. “This process was a breath of fresh air to me—where leaders and teachers were given the space to think creatively, dream big, and set some innovative and inspired thinking into motion all for the sake of creating the best school experience possible for our kids. It reminded me of why I got into education in the first place.” Discover ideas that the school leadership generated during the summer workshop, and how creating transformation through schoolwide design anchors leads to a 7-star experience in Education Week’s article Dreaming of an 11-Star Experience to Build a 7-Star Experience. |
3. | This software company has donated millions to local schools for tech equipment By Alton Zenon III, Built In Chicago To help schools ensure access to learning technologies, Relativity, a provider of cloud-based data management and analytics tools for companies in the legal industry, has established a Wired to Learn technology grant for local schools. The most recent recipient of that grant is Chicago International Charter School Prairie (CICS) — a public institution in Chicago’s Roseland neighborhood on the South Side managed by Distinctive Schools. The grant will be used to provide new tech devices for the K-8 students, build a STEAM Lab and offer tech-related professional development opportunities to staff. To learn more about the Wired to Learn Grant, and CICS Prairies’ technology initiatives, take a look at Built In Chicago’s article, This software company has donated millions to local schools for tech equipment. |
For more Distinctive Schools reads, take a look at our Spotlight Distinctive page at https://www.distinctiveschools.org/spotlight.html.
The site includes articles, blog posts, interviews, and videos that highlight Distinctive Schools’ campuses and the extraordinary work that is being accomplished each and every day.
The site includes articles, blog posts, interviews, and videos that highlight Distinctive Schools’ campuses and the extraordinary work that is being accomplished each and every day.
Trailblazer teachers and staff hold a vital role in developing school reform, and we are grateful for their innovation, commitment, and dedication to our network! This month we are featuring a Trailblazing Teacher from CICS Bucktown.
This month's Trailblazer has fully embraced personalized learning in her classroom. She takes the time to get to know each students' strengths and needs, both personally and emotionally. She sets high expectations for all and truly believes that, with ongoing and personalized support, all learners can achieve. This Trailblazer truly embodies what it means to be "Distinctive"! She worked tirelessly over the summer, partnering with the Academic Team, to plan and facilitate multiple sessions during New Teacher Institute. Her participation and natural leadership were instrumental in ensuring that our new teachers feel prepared and excited for the year ahead.
The students and staff at CICS Bucktown are so fortunate to have this Trailblazer leading and teaching alongside them. Please join us in congratulating a Trailblazing Teacher, Ms. Dana DeMaria!
Ms. Dana DeMaria: Featured Trailblazer!
The International Society for Technology in Education, more popularly known as ISTE, held their annual conference in Chicago, Illinois this past summer. This conference is known to be the epicenter of everything edtech, and included powerful ideas, inspirational speakers, and networking events to connect with fellow innovative educators who share a passion for transformative learning.
One Distinctive Schools teacher, Matthew (Matt) Freiburger from Chicago International Charter School (CICS) Prairie, managed by Distinctive Schools, had the opportunity to attend the ISTE conference during his summer break. Matt shared his experience below:
What I Did This Summer:
One Distinctive Schools Teacher ISTE Experience
Guest Post by Matthew Freiburger
From robots to 3D printers to maker spaces, as a teacher I hear a lot of trendy tech integration being pushed these days. The innovations that exist in education through the deeper integration of technology is truly exciting but I find myself needing to sift through and find what I can integrate into the classroom.
At ISTE the first trend I noticed was a larger focus on STEAM for early learners. The expo featured many coding products that incited problem solving at early ages. My favorite of these products was a “bee-bot” it allows for children to program the robot by pressing a series of buttons and then pressing play. With it’s easy set up of just the robot and a pictorial grid it’s an easy activity to integrate into any kinder or first grade classroom. If you’re like me and concerned about having a cost effective way to do the same type of thing, consider making your own pictorial grid, and having students “program” each other to certain spaces. This will help them later apply the skill to programs like code.org.
The integration of virtual reality goggles into classroom settings is another trend that is on the rise. Virtual reality goggles can be used for virtual field trips and experiential learning opportunities, but the idea of every child in the classroom having access to them seems like a bit of a far fetched idea. Again, if you’re like me and want to expose kids to virtual field trips and virtual learning consider this idea, create a National Geographic account, or simply go on YouTube and look up “National Geographic 360 videos” then turn off the lights in the room and create a rectangular prism that can be placed on the outside of the screen. This will give children the experience of virtual reality through 360 videos while experiencing it on their own terms as they cut off the world around them for a while.
Lastly, in my time at ISTE my absolute favorite sessions to attend were “Google Education” sessions. They taught us selfishly how to access free programming that allows students to experience the entire world around them as well as become change agents in their communities. For teachers they offered ways to take data, store data and (boost) the curriculum we teach while still appeasing the common core state standards. The following are some of the programs google offers, and their functions:
- Google translate: have conversations translated real time in conferences with microphone feature.
- Google poly: create 360 tours pick locations, service learning projects.
- Google expeditions: create classroom expeditions as a class
- Google experiment: play guess who for science/ literacy/ history
The integration of technology in the classroom is amazing for our students, when the practice is done with cross disciplinary instruction in mind every student we come into contact with has the ability to broaden the way they learn, and make connections with the world and their own communities.
Matt was able to attend the ISTE conference through the Wired to Learn grant award from Relativity Gives. To learn more about the award, read our post CICS Prairie: Wired to Learn.
CICS Prairie Awarded Relativity’s Wired to Learn Grant to Expand Technology Access and Education
Distinctive Schools, in collaboration with Chicago International Charter School, announces that Chicago International Charter School (CICS) Prairie, managed by Distinctive Schools, has been awarded a Wired to Learn grant from Relativity, a Chicago-based technology company.
The Wired to Learn grant, part of the company’s Relativity Gives community relations program, will directly support the school, and its students, by providing funding for 1:1 devices for students, a Smart STEAM Lab, and additional professional development opportunities for teachers and staff.
“CICS asks our school management partners to swing for the fences every day as they reimagine and redesign school,” said Elizabeth Shaw, CEO at CICS. “This significant investment from Relativity is a testament to the transformational innovation taking place at CICS Prairie.”
CICS Prairie is a K-8 public charter school nestled in the Roseland neighborhood on the Chicago’s South Side. The school’s mission, in partnership with families and school community, is to develop 21st century learners by providing authentic STEM education experiences through effective implementation of innovative and interactive learning programs.
 | “Our school community is one that promotes a positive and joyful learning culture,” said Jennifer Harth, School Director at CICS Prairie. “We are incredibly grateful for this grant so we can ensure our students thrive, and continue to develop as engaged and curious learners with the innovative opportunities the grant will provide.” |
Relativity Gives was created to help youth — especially those with limited resources— gain access to the technology, equipment and training they need to be successful in today’s world. To date, the company given $2.1 million in grants to technology and education organizations that share that mission. Wired to Learn schools receive $250,000 over three years to implement the solutions they know to be right for their students, such as CICS Prairie’s new lab facility.
“We are excited to open our Smart STEAM Lab,” said Harth. “Our students will have access to the lab as part of their enrichment, math, and science curricular experience, and middle school students will even co-design and participate in STEAM Showcases throughout the year. This project will help students unlock their potential.”
“This grant will go a long way in supporting learning inside and outside the classroom at CICS Prairie,” added Scott Frauenheim, President at Distinctive Schools. “Ensuring that all students have access to technology that is engaging and supports their learning is critical to preparing them for success in college, career, and life. We are thrilled about our partnership with Relativity.”
"Technology helps level the playing field for future generations and we're committed to increasing access to it in the communities where our offices reside," said Dorie Blesoff, chief people officer at Relativity. "Wired to Learn grants make real, measurable difference in Chicago area schools and neighborhoods and we're excited to see how a great new partner like CICS Prairie will use theirs to help students engage and thrive as learners.”
CICS Prairie will celebrate the award at their Back-to-School BBQ on August 17, 2018 at 1 p.m. at the CICS Prairie campus located at 11530 South Prairie Ave, Chicago, IL 60628. Students, families, and the school community will learn more about the grant and hear from Relativity, Chicago International Charter School, and Distinctive Schools team members.
To learn more about CICS Prairie, and the event, visit http://www.cicsprairie.org/.
About Chicago International Charter School
Chicago International Charter School is a vibrant network of diverse Chicago Charter schools which enables students to thrive every day, puts them on a path to success in college and life, and empowers entrepreneurial educators to pursue excellence through innovation.
Chicago International Charter School is a vibrant network of diverse Chicago Charter schools which enables students to thrive every day, puts them on a path to success in college and life, and empowers entrepreneurial educators to pursue excellence through innovation.
About Distinctive Schools
Distinctive Schools is 501(c) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and accelerating the work of charter schools serving kids from traditionally underserved backgrounds. Distinctive Schools’ mission is to serve children and families in urban communities. It provides intensive supports that accelerate achievement, performance, and college-preparedness.
Distinctive Schools is 501(c) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and accelerating the work of charter schools serving kids from traditionally underserved backgrounds. Distinctive Schools’ mission is to serve children and families in urban communities. It provides intensive supports that accelerate achievement, performance, and college-preparedness.
About Relativity
At Relativity, we make e-discovery software to help users organize data, discover the truth, and act on it. Relativity has over 175,000 users in 40+ countries from organizations including the U.S. Department of Justice, more than 70 Fortune 100 companies, and 198 of the Am Law 200. Relativity's cloud solution, RelativityOne, offers all the functionality of Relativity in a secure and comprehensive SaaS product. Relativity has been named one of Chicago's Top Workplaces by the Chicago Tribune for seven consecutive years. Please visit http://www.relativity.com for more information.
At Relativity, we make e-discovery software to help users organize data, discover the truth, and act on it. Relativity has over 175,000 users in 40+ countries from organizations including the U.S. Department of Justice, more than 70 Fortune 100 companies, and 198 of the Am Law 200. Relativity's cloud solution, RelativityOne, offers all the functionality of Relativity in a secure and comprehensive SaaS product. Relativity has been named one of Chicago's Top Workplaces by the Chicago Tribune for seven consecutive years. Please visit http://www.relativity.com for more information.
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Distinctive Schools is excited to announce an evolution to our executive leadership team structure, aimed to better address the needs of the staff, students, and families we serve.
“Growth of our leadership team is designed to best position Distinctive Schools for the future, so we can continue to grow student achievement and positively impact our school communities.” said Dr. Joseph Wise, Distinctive Schools Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “Ultimately, with these new roles, we will be able to make great strides in education and begin the 2018-19 school year with success.”
The additions to the executive leadership team include the appointment of Brianna Terrell as Chief Strategy Officer and Erin Lanoue as Chief Operations Officer. Terrell and Lanoue will join the executive leadership team, working closely with Scott Frauenheim, President, and Dr. Jennifer Ferrari, Vice President and Chief Schools Officer.
“Both Brianna and Erin bring a wealth of talent and invaluable perspective to our work, and their unique expertise will strengthen our collective efforts to offer high-quality public education opportunities for our students.” said Dr. Ferrari.
Terrell previously served as Network Chief of Staff for the past year. In her new role, she will be responsible for overseeing Distinctive Schools’ partnerships, development, school growth, and strategic initiatives. In bringing these components together, Distinctive Schools sees the opportunity to share best practices and leverage skills across the organization.
“After a thorough and thoughtful planning process, Brianna was the clear choice to lead strategy at Distinctive Schools,” said Frauenheim. “She is an accomplished, results-oriented, and high-integrity leader with a track record of improving organizational efficiency. We are looking forward to having Brianna lead our strategy and development work into the future.”
With experience as a management consultant at Deloitte and an Education Pioneers fellow, Terrell brings a new perspective to Distinctive Schools through valuable resources and best practices in organizational development and planning.
Newly appointed Chief Operations Officer, Erin Lanoue brings operational and charter school expertise to the executive leadership team. She will assume responsibility for operations, talent, finance, and marketing at Distinctive Schools, as well as be responsible for the alignment and prioritization of these teams to the schools to ensure operational excellence across the organization.
Lanoue is a seasoned and trusted leader who continuously delivers results. Prior to this appointment, she successfully led operations for Charter Schools USA and served in leadership roles with Chicago International Charter School for over ten years. She has overseen effective growth of school sites, as well as improved administrative and school procedures and strategic planning.
“Distinctive Schools will benefit greatly. We are excited to appoint a highly respected charter leader like Erin as COO, and be able to leverage her tremendous experience in education.” said Dr. Wise.
Distinctive Schools is pleased to announce the opening of our newest school, Distinctive College Prep: Redford, located in metro-Detroit, and that Mrs. Camille Hibbler has been selected as the school principal for the campus.
“We saw the opportunity to open a second campus in metro-Detroit and are excited about our newest campus in Redford, Michigan,” said Scott Frauenheim, Distinctive Schools President. “We look forward to positively impacting additional communities and to continue our commitment to closing the opportunity gap by providing access to rich personalized learning experiences for more students and families.”
Opening for the 2018-19 school year, Distinctive College Prep (DCP): Redford is Distinctive Schools’ second campus in the metro-Detroit area, following the opening of Distinctive College Prep: Harper Woods in fall of 2017. Both campuses are free, not for profit, charter schools. DCP: Redford is currently enrolling students in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade, and DCP: Harper Woods is currently enrolling students in kindergarten through fourth grade. Each campus has plans to add a grade level each year and serve students in grades kindergarten to eighth grade.
"Opening Distinctive College Prep: Harper Woods for the 2017-18 school year was an amazing experience. We were able to become part of a fantastic school community and provide families a great school with great teachers," said Cassie Williams, school principal at Distinctive College Prep: Harper Woods. "I look forward to seeing our students' engagement and academic growth this next year, as well as being able to collaborate with peers from Distinctive College Prep: Redford. Together, we will be able to positively influence the education narrative in metro-Detroit."
| In conjunction with the appointment of Hibbler as school principal, Distinctive College Prep: Redford has announced a Family Fun Night on July 21 from 2 - 6 p.m. at Distinctive College Prep: Redford located at 17175 Olympia, Redford, Michigan 48240. Students and families will be able to meet the school principal and teachers, take a tour of one of the personalized learning model classrooms, and enjoy family fun activities such as face painting, a bounce house, arts and crafts and so much more! |  |
“It is an honor to be part of the Distinctive Schools’ family,” stated Hibbler. “I’m excited to work side-by-side with the Distinctive College Prep: Redford students and families to grow the campus, as well as ensure that all students in our surrounding communities have access to a high-quality kindergarten through eighth grade school.”
Hibbler is a graduate of Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts in English Education. She served as the Principal of University Prep Academy High School and brings a wealth of experience to this role. Hibbler has also participated in Detroit Leads, a year-long residency program that gives participants who are interested in leading an excellent school in Detroit the opportunity to engage in a variety of invaluable professional experiences. Similarly, Hibbler has participated in the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s New and Aspiring Leaders Program.
“Camille is a Michigan native, with much experience in metro-Detroit. She is enthusiastic about how our learners can grow and is focused on collaborating with staff, students, and families. She will lead a school that honors joy, integrity, honesty, and authentic communication,” said Frauenheim. “We are all thrilled to have her lead our brand new school.”
Career opportunities are also still available with Distinctive College Prep: Redford, and there is potential for on-the-spot hiring. For more information on available positions or how to enroll your student at Distinctive College Prep: Redford, visit http://www.dcpredford.org.
We're closing out another successful school year - the 2017-18 school year brought so much joy and celebration to the Distinctive Schools family. We opened our first campus in Michigan, Distinctive College Prep (DCP) Harper Woods in Metro Detroit. As we opened the doors to greet new students in September, Director Cassie Williams had arranged for a brass band to play and welcome many new families to our Distinctive family. From the very first day, DCP - Harper Woods boasted the Distinctive feeling.
In reflection of this school year, we are proud to celebrate and honor Trailblazer Teachers, lead and present at various educational conferences across the nation, and continue to pilot new and innovative classroom practices. We look forward to what the 2018-2019 school year will bring, and the opportunities we will provide for our students.
In closing out the school year, we are excited to share a reflection in 100 Photos - a celebration of all things Distinctive in 2017-18! Our photo gallery visually displays the celebrations we have had at each one of our campuses this past year. The photos are in no particular order. Each celebration positively impacted our students, staff, families and community, and demonstrates how much we have achieved. Special thank to Amy Vracar, Director of Strategic Initiatives for compiling this gallery!
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