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The mission of Distinctive Schools is to support each child in becoming an engaged and curious learner, as well as ensure that each and every one of our students thrive in college, career and life. Through community support, we are able to provide all our students the tools and resources they need to be successful in, and outside of the classroom. This year, Distinctive Schools is excited to honor an individual who truly embodies the role of a Distinctive Citizen. A Distinctive Citizen is someone who embodies the Distinctive Schools Mission & Vision:
 Diana Mendley Rauner, Ph. D., learned early from her parents the importance of participating in the community. As a young adult, Diana spent time volunteering at a settlement house in New York to help teach ex-offenders to read. After witnessing the education inequities in our country first-hand, she realized this was an issue she wanted to focus on long term. Today, Diana serves as President of the Ounce of Prevention Fund, based in Chicago, with impact across the country.
The Ounce is a public-private partnership that provides and advocates for the highest-quality care and education for children in poverty from birth to age five. With an operating budget of approximately $74 million, the Ounce develops direct center-based and home-based programs and services to children and families, provides professional development tools and trainings to scale best practices within the field, innovates new solutions for continuous quality improvement, and advocates for effective public policies and funding. Diana joined the Ounce staff in 2007 and was appointed president in January 2011, having previously served as an Ounce board member. Prior to joining the Ounce, Diana was a Senior Research Associate at Chapin Hall Center for Children at the University of Chicago and an associate at private equity firms in San Francisco and Chicago. Diana holds a Ph.D. in developmental psychology from the University of Chicago, an M.B.A. from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a B.A. from Yale University. She and her husband, Bruce, are the proud parents of six children and grandparents of Ella, aged one. We look forward to sharing more about the impact Diana has made in Chicago and throughout the country as we honor her at the Distinctive Schools Gala! To learn more about the Gala and purchase your tickets, visit: https://www.distinctiveschools.org/gala.html
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 Guest post by Sarah Gaw, SEL Network Coordinator for Distinctive Schools. Sarah works to support positive student behaviors, social-emotional learning, and coaching teachers across the Distinctive Schools network. Her work ensures that the PRIDE framework is aligned with PBIS and integrates SEL competencies into the school culture in order to support broad student growth and development. PRIDE at Distinctive SchoolsPRIDE at Distinctive Schools stands for: Problem Solving – Responsibility – Integrity – Drive – and Empathy, all traits we look to instill in our students. Problem Solving: Student ability to plan, strategize, and implement complex tasks. Responsibility: Student disposition and ability to reliably meet commitments and fulfill obligation of challenging roles. Integrity: Student quality of being honest and exhibiting strong moral principles. Drive: Student capacity to take action, sustain motivation, and persevere through challenges toward an identified goal. Empathy: Student ability to relate to others with acceptance, understanding, and sensitivity to their diverse perspectives and experiences. At the beginning of the 2018-2019 school year, Distinctive Schools welcomed new members to our community, the PRIDE Mascots! These characters shared the PRIDE characteristics with our youngest scholars. To help celebrate their arrival to the Distinctive Schools family, the PRIDE Mascots hosted a design contest for all students. Students were encouraged to write a story, song, comic strip, movie, (anything!) that shared the story of one or more of the PRIDE Mascots as they demonstrated the characteristics of PRIDE. Three submissions were chosen as winners and I had the pleasure of interviewing their creators. Students Edwin, Giovanni, and Isabella, from the 3rd and 4th grade Team Ohana at CICS West Belden submitted a booklet of cartoons. When you heard about the design challenge, what were you most excited about?
How did you decide or come up with your comic strip? The story?
What do you want other students to know about PRIDE or the PRIDE Mascots?
What was a lesson you learned because of the PRIDE Mascot Design Challenge?
In addition to the 3rd and 4th graders in Team Ohana at CICS West Belden, CICS Irving Park 3rd grader Sophia won for an individual submission. I sat down with Sophia as she shared her design process with me: Sophia, you are a very talented artist. What were you most excited about when you heard about the contest?
Where did the idea for your story come from? What was your inspiration?
Which is your favorite PRIDE mascot? Why?
What do you want other students to know about PRIDE or the PRIDE Mascots?
Can you share something that you learned as a result of the design challenge?
Finally, our grand prize winning submission was awarded to Ms. Gupton’s first grade class at Distinctive College Prep: Redford! The first graders shared a compilation of skits that incorporated the PRIDE Mascots helping students display each of the characteristics. I had the pleasure of interviewing three of the actors, Maliyah, Aiden, and Jo’Lla. Thinking back to when Ms. Gupton explained the design contest, what were you most excited about?
Which is your favorite PRIDE mascot?
What do you want other students to know about PRIDE or the PRIDE Mascots?
The design challenge was a big project. What was something that you learned?
This year, we were so proud to welcome the PRIDE Mascots into our communities. Students spent the year thinking about the PRIDE Mascots and encouraging PRIDE behavior in each other. The PRIDE Mascots look forward to next school year and continuing to celebrate each student and the PRIDE they show every day!
–Sarah Gaw, Distinctive Schools SEL Network Coordinator  The Plymouth Educational Center (PEC) Governing Board is thrilled to name Distinctive Schools as the Charter Management Organization (CMO) for PEC. Distinctive Schools is a 501(c3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and accelerating the work of charter schools. Distinctive Schools provides intensive supports that accelerate achievement, performance, and college-preparedness. Through their innovative personalized learning model, coupled with dedicated social-emotional learning coaching and development, Distinctive Schools has a proven record of highly successful schools in both Metro-Detroit and Chicago.
"The Plymouth Educational Center (PEC) Governing Board reviewed a number of Charter Operators. After a rigorous interview process, we are excited to share that Distinctive Schools was selected as the CMO for PEC," stated Darwyn Fair, President of the PEC Governing Board. "We are confident that Distinctive Schools is the best choice for our PEC students, and look forward to a strong partnership and successful future for our school community." Under the leadership of The PEC Governing Board, in partnership with Distinctive Schools, Central Michigan University plans to present a reauthorization plan for PEC with their board of trustees. Since 1995, Plymouth Educational Center has been a pillar of the community, developing rich traditions and a legacy that will continue to support students and families long into the future. The board, in partnership with CMU, has worked to ensure the longtime legacy of PEC continues through reauthorization and the new partnership with a full-service charter management organization. “This is an exciting opportunity as we look to the future of PEC, and positively impacting families in Detroit, Michigan, into the future,” said Scott Frauenheim, Chief Executive Officer of Distinctive Schools. “We are committed to closing the opportunity gap by providing access to rich personalized learning experiences for students and families.” Distinctive Schools is proud to announce that Mrs. Schranda Battle has been selected as the school principal for the campus. Battle is a graduate of Wayne State University and Detroit Public Schools. Her school restart work has a proven track record of improved culture, climate, and increased academic gains. She has served as an English teacher, Special Education teacher, Special Education Director and School Principal over the course of 19 years in education. “It is an honor to be part of the PEC and Distinctive Schools’ family,” stated Battle. “I’m excited to work side-by-side with the PEC staff, board, students, and families to ensure that all students have access to a high-quality education. PEC will offer unparalleled services for our students and families academically, socially, and emotionally.” PEC will serve students in K-8 for the 2019-20 school year and is currently accepting applications. Visit www.PlymouthEd.org for more information about enrollment. PEC is the third Distinctive Schools managed campus in the metro-Detroit area, Distinctive College Prep – Harper Woods opened in Fall of 2017 and Distinctive College Prep – Redford opened in Fall of 2018. All three campuses are free, not for profit, charter schools. For more information on employment opportunities or how to enroll your child at Plymouth Educational Center, visit http://www.PlymouthEd.org. About Distinctive Schools Distinctive Schools is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and accelerating the work of charter schools. The team includes passionate educators and determined leaders who innovate, trailblaze and collaboratively lead a public education transformation, as well as ensure that each and every one of Distinctive Schools students thrive in college, career, and life. Art In Motion: The Newest Distinctive Schools Campus
“On behalf of the AIM Board of Directors and staff, I thank the Chicago Board of Education for the approval of our facility,” said Dr. Karen Ratliff, chair of the AIM Board of Directors. “We could not be more excited to open our doors this fall and bring an arts-infused school to the South Side of Chicago.” AIM will cultivate a strong learning and working culture, and actively embed artistic, cultural, linguistic, and social emotional learning supports throughout the instructional day. Students will select a personalized arts path, receive mentoring daily and learn from theater, dance, music, digital media and visual art experts in a workshop setting. Art In Motion is a community-driven partnership, which has the signed support of scores of community-based organizations and residents from the Greater Grand Crossing area. New Life Covenant Church Southeast and The Lynn Group partnered to bring this school to life. "It all began with a vision four years ago and now that vision is our reality," said Senior Pastor John F. Hannah of New Life Covenant Church Southeast. "For AIM to become our reality, various parties had to come together and now AIM is scheduled to open this year." The Lynn Group, founded by Lonnie Rashid Lynn – also known as Academy Award and Grammy-winning artist, actor and activist Common – is an ideal partner, given its authentic connection to Chicago families and Lynn’s passion for the arts. The Lynn Group brings vision, design, resources and arts expertise in support of closing equity and achievement gaps. It is dedicated to community engagement and development efforts to ensure the school’s success. “We are focused on the whole student – academics, arts, and wellness. Our commitment is to provide all the support and access to get them ready for a bright future,” said Common, founder of The Lynn Group. “I am most excited about what these young leaders will do in the world. I’m also very grateful for this opportunity to give back to my hometown in such a meaningful way.” The AIM Board, with support from New Life and The Lynn Group, chose Distinctive Schools as the strong charter management organization (CMO) to lead day-to-day school oversight and management. “We are thrilled to take our final step towards bringing a personalized, 21st-century performing arts curriculum to the South Side of Chicago,” said Scott Frauenheim, CEO of Distinctive Schools. “Distinctive Schools is dedicated to serving families throughout the community and creating a school that help students achieve their highest academic and artistic potential.” AIM will accelerate student achievement with an innovative personalized learning model and reimagine the educational experience to address inequities and provide deep academic impact for students. It will serve seventh and eighth grade, growing one grade level each year to serve seventh through twelfth grade by 2023. Seventh and eighth grade applications for the 2019-2020 school year will open Thursday, April 25. For more information, visit http://www.aimchicago.org.
Distinctive Leadership | Distinctive Schools National Board​ Appoints Chief Executive Officer2/1/2019  Distinctive Schools National Board |
| We are making a series of Distinctive Promises – to our communities, students, educators, and leaders – to make a difference in the lives of all Distinctive students. The first of these Distinctive Promises honors diversity, champions collaboration, thrives on optimism, and goes the extra mile to engage and support students. Join us in The Distinctive Promise – follow along as we celebrate the Culture of Distinctive Schools. We will share stories, reflections, and celebrations from across the Distinctive Schools network. |  |
​Distinctive Schools was founded in 2011 with a commitment to social justice and access to high-quality education in all communities. Over the past 8 years, Distinctive Schools has remained committed to the values that all children deserve a rigorous public education regardless of zip code; teachers know best what children need to thrive and grow and should have a strong voice in their school; and that communities can be transformed by the presence of an excellent school.
Click the video below to learn more about Distinctive Schools!
Our mission is to support each child in becoming an engaged and curious learner, a confident self-advocate, and a creative problem-solver by setting high expectations and nurturing a positive culture that honors diversity, collaboration, and optimism.
​Last year, Distinctive Schools engaged in a comprehensive strategic planning process to guide our work and to position the organization for successful scaling and growth. A diverse stakeholder group contributed to the development of the plan, which frames our work and ensures that all members of our Distinctive Schools team are pointing in the same direction as we innovate and incubate creative ideas for a reimagined public school experience.
The Distinctive Schools Strategic Plan Visual
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​The core objectives and strategies guide our planning, development, and collective efforts to achieve specific results and to reach our mission and vision for the future. The strategic plan has strengthened our organizational identity and provides the guidance and direction that allows for campus autonomy, innovation, and trailblazing.
​We’ve seen tremendous growth through our innovative approach to teaching and learning, and we’ve developed a rigorous 5-year plan to anchor each of our schools.
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It's time for us to take the work that we've done in our first decade to scale. Read more about the Distinctive Schools Strategic Plan on our website. Follow along with us as we share stories, celebrations, and ways you can get involved to support Distinctive Schools.
​This is our Distinctive Promise – look for more in the coming weeks!
#WeAreDistinctive
​Distinctive Schools was created to disrupt and transform public education, with a focus on innovation and choice. We're excited to share more about who we are in this #WeAreDistinctive introduction video!
Tomorrow we are sharing our vision for the future of Distinctive Schools! Check back to learn more about where we are going, and the way our teams are pointing in the same direction! #ALLin #WeAreDistinctive #TheDistinctivePromise
Jin-Soo Huh, Executive Director of Academic Innovation, presenting at the 2018 Michigan Charter Schools Symposium.
Create a Personalized Learning Plan Connected to Each of Your Students
At the recent 2018 Michigan Charter Schools Symposium, Distinctive Schools network leaders had the opportunity to attend and present at the annual conference, as well as connect with fellow charter educators.
During the session, “Create a Personalized Learning Plan Connected to Each of Your Students,” Jin-Soo Huh, Executive Director of Academic Innovation at Distinctive Schools, and Stephanie Cardella, Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment at Distinctive Schools, shared their knowledge of personalized learning models and replicating it into an existing school culture. Personalized learning instruction offers pedagogy, curriculum, and learning environments to meet the individual student's needs. This tailored experience to learning preferences and specific interests of different students allows for a customized approach to teaching. For schools to truly adopt a personalized method of learning there has to be a design-thinking approach incorporated throughout the culture.
Huh and Cardella also shared lessons learned from implementing personalized learning at Distinctive Schools campuses. For example, Chicago International Charter School (CICS) West Belden, managed by Distinctive Schools, served as the pilot school to make learning more personalized for students.
To begin their transformation, the CICS West Belden team used a design thinking approach to hear directly from students about their wants and needs and tried out different models to better equip students to learn in their preferred ways. This resulted in a school where students had more agency and deeper relationships with teachers. Academic learning also increased as students received more tailored instruction, including additional small group instruction with teachers, supplemented by just the right level practice from online programs. Ultimately, CICS West Belden had created a model where students were thriving.
CICS West Belden’s journey highlights several lessons for schools that are considering adopting personalized learning. These include:
During the session, “Create a Personalized Learning Plan Connected to Each of Your Students,” Jin-Soo Huh, Executive Director of Academic Innovation at Distinctive Schools, and Stephanie Cardella, Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment at Distinctive Schools, shared their knowledge of personalized learning models and replicating it into an existing school culture. Personalized learning instruction offers pedagogy, curriculum, and learning environments to meet the individual student's needs. This tailored experience to learning preferences and specific interests of different students allows for a customized approach to teaching. For schools to truly adopt a personalized method of learning there has to be a design-thinking approach incorporated throughout the culture.
Huh and Cardella also shared lessons learned from implementing personalized learning at Distinctive Schools campuses. For example, Chicago International Charter School (CICS) West Belden, managed by Distinctive Schools, served as the pilot school to make learning more personalized for students.
To begin their transformation, the CICS West Belden team used a design thinking approach to hear directly from students about their wants and needs and tried out different models to better equip students to learn in their preferred ways. This resulted in a school where students had more agency and deeper relationships with teachers. Academic learning also increased as students received more tailored instruction, including additional small group instruction with teachers, supplemented by just the right level practice from online programs. Ultimately, CICS West Belden had created a model where students were thriving.
CICS West Belden’s journey highlights several lessons for schools that are considering adopting personalized learning. These include:
- CULTURE - CICS West Belden’s personalized learning model is rooted in the school’s culture. The sense of camaraderie and love for learning trickles from every level at the school, from staff to students to families. CICS West Belden staff say the time they spent building culture has been their most valuable personalized learning investment.
- BUILD IT WITH THEM - Involving teachers, staff, students, and the community during the design and rollout of personalized learning, allows the team to learn together and feel invested in the new model.
- PARTNER - The CICS West Belden and Distinctive Schools team recognized that many organizations and schools across the country had expertise in personalized learning, and utilized the knowledge and lessons learned from these partnerships when designing PL at CICS West Belden. As CICS West Belden grew, the school pays it forward by helping other educators and schools interested in learning more about personalized learning.
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 Distinctive College Prep – Harper Woods.
This featured Trailblazer is a talented instructor, with an incredible strength for building positive relationships. She has embraced the Distinctive way, is committed to implementing new initiatives with fidelity, and her classroom feels like home for her students and visitors alike. This Trailblazer is leading the charge with the school-home-community connection at DCP - Harper woods; her students stay connected to real-world learning and experiences by maintaining their own online portfolio of work. This Trailblazer’s classroom is committed to completing their programs of study in Lexia and Benchmark ahead of schedule, and working together as a team. She holds her students to high expectations, while at the same time showering them with love.
The students and staff at DCP - Harper Woods are so fortunate to have this Trailblazer leading and teaching alongside them. Please join us in congratulating a Trailblazing Teacher, Ms. Melissa Ludeke!
Ms. Melissa Ludeke: Featured Trailblazer!
All of us at Distinctive Schools sincerely thank
NextGen Growth Partners for their support!
NextGen Growth Partners for their support!
NextGen Growth Partners Supports Chicago Youth Through Donation to Distinctive Schools in Connection with Their Annual Gala
NextGen Growth Partners LLC (NGP), a Chicago-based private equity firm that acquires and builds businesses alongside entrepreneurial operators, made a donation to support the educational efforts of Distinctive Schools, a Chicago-based non-profit operator of public charter schools focused on social justice and the elevation of access to achievement in underserved communities. The donation aims to help, in a small way, close the opportunity gap by providing Distinctive Schools students access to innovative, engaging educational opportunities.
“What an amazing organization and mission,” commented Brian O’Connor, NextGen Growth Partners Founder and Managing Partner. “I’ve never met a group of people that are so passionate about what they do and care so much about the future of the children and families they serve.” O’Connor continued, “We see so many parallels in our models. In the same way that we believe that we can achieve new heights in great companies by surrounding them with operational talent, mentorship, processes and best practices, the Distinctive Schools team surrounds the students with the best educators, programming, educational tools and systems to make meaningful impact on the lives of children. We are absolutely thrilled to support the Distinctive Schools cause and children.”
"We are honored and deeply inspired by the generosity of NextGen Growth Partners,” stated Joseph Wise, CEO and Co-Founder of Distinctive Schools. “Major gifts, such as this, help to accelerate our work for children who need it most in our schools across Chicago and metro-Detroit, providing all students a rigorous and innovative educational experience.”
NextGen Growth Partners team members gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of both the depth and breadth of the work seen at Distinctive Schools at their annual gala, 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.
“With supporters like NextGen Growth Partners, we are excited about the opportunities we can provide to our students and continue the great work that we do,” added Scott Frauenheim, President of Distinctive Schools.
About NextGen Growth Partners
Headquartered in the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago, NextGen Growth Partners is a private equity firm that partners with the best and brightest entrepreneurial talent to acquire, operate and grow micro-middle-market businesses across a variety of industries. The team has a strong track record of creating value through growth and operational improvement in middle-market businesses. For more information, please visit www.nextgengp.com.
About Distinctive Schools
Distinctive Schools is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and accelerating the work of charter schools serving kids from traditionally underserved backgrounds. The team includes passionate educators and determined leaders who innovate, trailblaze and collaboratively lead a public education transformation, as well as ensure that each and every one of Distinctive Schools students thrives in college, career and life. To learn more, please visit www.distinctiveschools.org.
Media Contact:
Brian O’Connor, NGP Managing Partner
boconnor@nextgengp.com
“What an amazing organization and mission,” commented Brian O’Connor, NextGen Growth Partners Founder and Managing Partner. “I’ve never met a group of people that are so passionate about what they do and care so much about the future of the children and families they serve.” O’Connor continued, “We see so many parallels in our models. In the same way that we believe that we can achieve new heights in great companies by surrounding them with operational talent, mentorship, processes and best practices, the Distinctive Schools team surrounds the students with the best educators, programming, educational tools and systems to make meaningful impact on the lives of children. We are absolutely thrilled to support the Distinctive Schools cause and children.”
"We are honored and deeply inspired by the generosity of NextGen Growth Partners,” stated Joseph Wise, CEO and Co-Founder of Distinctive Schools. “Major gifts, such as this, help to accelerate our work for children who need it most in our schools across Chicago and metro-Detroit, providing all students a rigorous and innovative educational experience.”
NextGen Growth Partners team members gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of both the depth and breadth of the work seen at Distinctive Schools at their annual gala, 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.
“With supporters like NextGen Growth Partners, we are excited about the opportunities we can provide to our students and continue the great work that we do,” added Scott Frauenheim, President of Distinctive Schools.
About NextGen Growth Partners
Headquartered in the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago, NextGen Growth Partners is a private equity firm that partners with the best and brightest entrepreneurial talent to acquire, operate and grow micro-middle-market businesses across a variety of industries. The team has a strong track record of creating value through growth and operational improvement in middle-market businesses. For more information, please visit www.nextgengp.com.
About Distinctive Schools
Distinctive Schools is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and accelerating the work of charter schools serving kids from traditionally underserved backgrounds. The team includes passionate educators and determined leaders who innovate, trailblaze and collaboratively lead a public education transformation, as well as ensure that each and every one of Distinctive Schools students thrives in college, career and life. To learn more, please visit www.distinctiveschools.org.
Media Contact:
Brian O’Connor, NGP Managing Partner
boconnor@nextgengp.com
Giving Tuesday connects individuals, communities and organizations across the nation for one common purpose: to celebrate and encourage giving (www.givingtuesday.org), and this November 27, Distinctive Schools will be participating in Giving Tuesday through #DistinctiveGiving.
The mission of Distinctive Schools is to support each child in becoming an engaged and curious learner, a confident self-advocate, and a creative problem-solver by setting high expectations and nurturing a positive culture that honors diversity, collaboration, and optimism.
Today, in partnership with Chicago International Charter School (CICS), Distinctive Schools currently manages four K-8 elementary schools in Chicago: CICS Bucktown, CICS Irving Park, CICS Prairie, and CICS West Belden. Additionally, Distinctive Schools proudly partnered with Central Michigan University in the opening of two schools in metro-Detroit: Distinctive College Prep – Harper Woods, a K-4 charter school, and Distinctive College Prep - Redford, a K-3 charter school, both schools adding grade levels each year through grade eight.
All said, Distinctive Schools is composed of passionate educators and determined leaders who are making an impact on the lives of their students every single day. Every #DistinctiveGiving gift will support programs and resources for Distinctive Schools classrooms, professional development opportunities for staff, and field trips to give students the hands-on learning experiences they deserve.
“All donations Distinctive Schools receives helps us continue to provide rich learning environments for students and teachers,” said Scott Frauenheim, President at Distinctive Schools. “We are incredibly grateful for all our supporters that have contributed to us over the years and helped positively impact our school communities.”
All #DistinctiveGiving gifts will support Distinctive Schools commitment to closing the opportunity gap in all of their schools, as well as help cultivate strong learning and working culture throughout the organization through embed cultural, linguistic, and social emotional learning supports throughout the instructional day.
Donations to #DistinctiveGiving can be made at Distinctive Schools - Giving Tuesday 2018.
About Distinctive Schools
Distinctive Schools is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and accelerating the work of charter schools serving kids from historically marginalized backgrounds. We will innovate, trailblaze and collaboratively lead a public education transformation that positively impacts the greater education community and ensure that each and every one of our Distinctive Schools students thrives in college, career and life.
The mission of Distinctive Schools is to support each child in becoming an engaged and curious learner, a confident self-advocate, and a creative problem-solver by setting high expectations and nurturing a positive culture that honors diversity, collaboration, and optimism.
Today, in partnership with Chicago International Charter School (CICS), Distinctive Schools currently manages four K-8 elementary schools in Chicago: CICS Bucktown, CICS Irving Park, CICS Prairie, and CICS West Belden. Additionally, Distinctive Schools proudly partnered with Central Michigan University in the opening of two schools in metro-Detroit: Distinctive College Prep – Harper Woods, a K-4 charter school, and Distinctive College Prep - Redford, a K-3 charter school, both schools adding grade levels each year through grade eight.
All said, Distinctive Schools is composed of passionate educators and determined leaders who are making an impact on the lives of their students every single day. Every #DistinctiveGiving gift will support programs and resources for Distinctive Schools classrooms, professional development opportunities for staff, and field trips to give students the hands-on learning experiences they deserve.
“All donations Distinctive Schools receives helps us continue to provide rich learning environments for students and teachers,” said Scott Frauenheim, President at Distinctive Schools. “We are incredibly grateful for all our supporters that have contributed to us over the years and helped positively impact our school communities.”
All #DistinctiveGiving gifts will support Distinctive Schools commitment to closing the opportunity gap in all of their schools, as well as help cultivate strong learning and working culture throughout the organization through embed cultural, linguistic, and social emotional learning supports throughout the instructional day.
Donations to #DistinctiveGiving can be made at Distinctive Schools - Giving Tuesday 2018.
About Distinctive Schools
Distinctive Schools is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and accelerating the work of charter schools serving kids from historically marginalized backgrounds. We will innovate, trailblaze and collaboratively lead a public education transformation that positively impacts the greater education community and ensure that each and every one of our Distinctive Schools students thrives in college, career and life.
Chicago International Charter School (CICS) Prairie, managed by Distinctive Schools, surprised its third and sixth grade students with the reveal of brand-new Google Chromebooks, thanks to a $250,000 Wired to Learn grant provided by local software company, Relativity.
The Wired to Learn grant, which is part of the company's larger Relativity Gives community outreach program, was created to help youth — especially those with limited resources— gain access to the technology, equipment and training that they need to be successful in today's world. Wired to Learn schools receive the $250,000 grant over three years to implement the solutions they know to be right for their students, such as Chromebooks for students at CICS Prairie.
“Relativity’s significant investment in CICS Prairie’s students will propel our intentional efforts to develop 21st century learners equipped with the skills, abilities and learning dispositions needed to thrive in a 21st century world,’ said Elizabeth Shaw, CEO at CICS. “Technology literacy enhances the learning process for our students, strengthening their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.”
The introduction of the new computers to the third and sixth grade classrooms is part of CICS Prairie's Anytime, Anywhere technology initiative. Through Anytime, Anywhere, students will be able to bring their computers home during the school year, as well as over the summer break. With technology at their fingertips, students will be able to explore, inquire, and research topics of interest beyond what they experience in school, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.
"With a focus on self-directed learning, our goal is to provide students with the opportunity to learn anytime and anywhere through this readily accessible technology," stated Dr. Jennifer Ferrari, Chief Schools Officer at Distinctive Schools. "The introduction of these Chromebooks levels the playing field for our children and provides them with access to rich learning opportunities to explore, inquire, experiment, develop expertise, and create."
CICS Prairie's student-centered learning model utilizes blended online and supplemental learning opportunities with traditional school-based instruction to accommodate students' diverse learning styles. Easy access to technology enables students to use curriculum programs as a tool to demonstrate deeper learning and to use technology as an integral part of their class work. The technology also provides teachers and staff access to current and real-time data, allowing them to quickly analyze and assess the current curriculum so that they can provide the most relevant instructions.
"We are excited to equip our students with new technology," said Jennifer Harth, School Director at CICS Prairie. "Students will be afforded year-long opportunities, otherwise unavailable, that will contribute to their development and growth in school, college, and career."
Relativity team members joined CICS Prairie classrooms during the reveal to educate students on internet and technology safety, and, in partnership with CICS Prairie, hope to increase the positive impact they make on students through the use of technology.
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.
About Distinctive Schools
Distinctive Schools is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and accelerating the work of charter schools serving kids from traditionally underserved backgrounds. We will innovate, trailblaze and collaboratively lead a public education transformation that positively impacts the greater education community and ensure that each and every one of our Distinctive Schools students thrives in college, career and life.
About Relativity
At Relativity, we make software to help users organize data, discover the truth, and act on it. Our e-discovery platform is used by thousands of organizations around the world to manage large volumes of data and quickly identify key issues during litigation, internal investigations, and compliance projects. Relativity has over 180,000 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. 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 contact Relativity at sales@relativity.com or visit http://www.relativity.com for more information.
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:
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.
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!
We made unforgettable memories at the Inaugural Distinctive Schools Gala, and we look forward to creating many more in the years to come!
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