Distinctive Schools Earns |
Isabella: I was excited when I heard about problem solving because I always problem solve in the classroom. I had the perfect idea for the challenge! Edwin: Me and another friend are always talking about cartoons, so I was ready for it. |
How did you decide or come up with your comic strip? The story?
Isabella: I had different ideas in my mind, like using the different mascots. I was like, why don’t I do problem solving, because it’s kind of like drive at the same time. Edwin: I did drive because you go above and beyond what is usual. Giovanni: I always lose my stuff, then I clean up and then I find it. So, I used a personal example. |
What do you want other students to know about PRIDE or the PRIDE Mascots?
Isabella: They should start showing PRIDE and should do it everywhere, not just in the school, but at home or outside. Giovanni: Respect the PRIDE mascots, always do what they do and keep working hard. |
What was a lesson you learned because of the PRIDE Mascot Design Challenge?
Edwin: I learned that I wasn’t really looking for the award, I was just looking forward to drawing. I know that you don’t always win. Isabella: I didn’t think that I would really win, but I put in lots of effort and believed in myself. Giovanni: I enjoy coloring and making comics, because it’s my favorite thing to do. I learned to always keep your things neat and organized. |
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?
Sophia: I knew I was going to do it because I was really good at drawing pandas and I knew a problem solving situation already, and so when I got home, I told my Mom about it and I got my markers ready, and got started on it. |
Where did the idea for your story come from? What was your inspiration?
Sophia: I was jump roping with friends. My friend Ava was in line for the jump rope and she found a cool hula hoop and she played with it, but when she came back she wanted to have her spot back in line, and she had a conflict with a person in the line already. They came up with the idea of doing rock paper scissors, and that’s how they decided who would go first in line. |
Which is your favorite PRIDE mascot? Why?
Sophia: The problem solving panda because I am a problem solver and I like problem solving and I like pandas, and so I like Problem Solving Panda because she likes to problem solve and I like to problem solve in class. |
What do you want other students to know about PRIDE or the PRIDE Mascots?
Sophia: I would like students to know that even when the teacher isn’t looking, you can still show PRIDE. We should show PRIDE so that we can show our classmates that we care about them. You can show PRIDE not just at school, but anywhere. |
Can you share something that you learned as a result of the design challenge?
Sophia: I learned that I can be a drawer even though I thought that I was not good at drawing when I was younger. It taught me that I can be confident in my drawing and it also helped to teach me about PRIDE through my story. People in the world can show PRIDE in the world to strangers, but if someone needs help you should be an upstander, and if they take it offensively, you can say sorry, but you should be an upstander to your community, to your teachers, and your friends. |
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?
Maliyah:I was excited when we got to work on Integrity. Jo’Lla: I was excited about everything, and we never gave up. I liked the part that I was in. |
Which is your favorite PRIDE mascot?
Aiden: Integrity because when you have to do the right thing when the teacher isn’t looking. Maliyah: Problem Solving Panda because he solves problems and you help people when they are having problems. |
What do you want other students to know about PRIDE or the PRIDE Mascots?
Jo’Lla: I want students to know about integrity because it’s my favorite and I want them to know that it’s important to do right even when the teacher isn’t looking. Aiden: I want them to always listen to the teacher- you can always listen, you just have to try every time. Maliyah: I want students to make good choices and to listen. |
The design challenge was a big project. What was something that you learned?
Aiden: We learned more about PRIDE. Jo’Lla: I learned that we can always listen and you can always show the PRIDE characteristics. I really love this school because it’s like a friend to me. My school is the best ever! |
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
–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.
"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
The Chicago Board of Education voted to approve the proposed facility for Art In Motion (AIM) on Wednesday, April 24. AIM will open in September 2019 at 7415 S. East End Ave and provide innovative arts opportunities and experiences in visual arts, music, digital media and creative agency. This is the result of a three-year, community-grown and led campaign to bring an arts-centered high school to the area. |
“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 Officer
2/1/2019
Distinctive Schools National Board
Appoints Chief Executive Officer
Co-Founder Dr. Joseph Wise Named Executive Chairman
CEO Scott Frauenheim Brings Proven Record Leading Innovative Education
CEO Scott Frauenheim Brings Proven Record Leading Innovative Education
Distinctive Schools National Board of Directors voted unanimously to appoint Scott Frauenheim as the first ever full-time Chief Executive Officer of Distinctive Schools. Dr. Joseph Wise, co-founder and current CEO, will continue to serve as the Chairman of the Distinctive Schools National Board along with David Sundstrom, co-founder, continuing as a board member and Chief Administrative Officer.
Scott Frauenheim has been an integral part of the development and growth of Distinctive Schools and has been part of the Distinctive Schools family from its foundation.
“We are exceedingly confident in Scott’s ability to bring Distinctive Schools into the next generation of innovative education. His tenure with Distinctive Schools began in the classroom, and through thoughtful leadership, incredible initiative and endless creativity, Scott advanced from Teacher to Dean, Dean to Director, Director to President, and now, President to Chief Executive Officer. He is well positioned to lead Distinctive Schools into the future.” said Dr. Joseph Wise.
Frauenheim’s leadership has been a driving force in creating systems, structures, and processes for Distinctive Schools. “I am honored to assume this new role, and help move Distinctive forward with a vision for the future that builds upon the amazing foundation that our co-founders, Dr. Wise and David Sundstrom, have built,” said Frauenheim. “As an organization we will continue to focus on sustainability, growth, and investing in our teachers and staff. The culture that drives Distinctive Schools is rooted in optimism and innovation, and I look forward to continuing to build a national reputation of innovation and personalized learning.” Frauenheim is committed to thriving culture, strategic vision, meticulous operations, inspirational leadership, and nimble adaptability.
As a network leader, Frauenheim leverages the strength of Distinctive Schools’ healthy culture to drive the organization forward. He acknowledges the challenges of leadership and harnesses the strengths of his team to move the work. “Frauenheim is a dynamic leader, and one of his greatest gifts is his ability to set a clear and colorful vision. Even more powerful is his ability to lead people to coalesce around that vision toward tangible and successful outcomes. He is confident in his beliefs, steadfast in his values, and people are excited and motivated to follow his lead,” stated Katherine O’Connor, Chief Academic Officer for Distinctive Schools.
To realize his vision to design schools that prepare future ready students, Frauenheim will continue to engage the strengths of the Distinctive Schools board, leadership team, staff, students and families to transform and reimagine the school experience.
The Distinctive Promise | CULTURE
Today we are excited to launch The Distinctive Promise - a year long fundraising campaign. We ask that you consider making an investment and a connection to Distinctive Schools. The Distinctive Promise will help to take the work that we’ve done in our first decade to scale. It’s time for us to grow a little faster so we can touch the lives of more kids and more families, touch the careers of more thoughtful, smart, committed educators, and do our part to have our kids participate in a more civil, more productive, more vibrant world.
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. |
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