While summer is a time to step away from the classroom, at Distinctive Schools, we believe that education extends beyond the school year. Whether we were working with students in our summer learning programs or connecting with families at festivals and local events across the city, we have been busy preparing for a school year that centers on student curiosity, academic rigor, and a deep sense of belonging.
Read on to see what we have been up to all summer long!
Learning Everywhere, All Summer Long
Our Summer Learning program, activities, and campus provided students with more focused and intentional settings for continued learning. Whether students were constructing roller coasters at CICS Prairie, managed by Distinctive Schools, exploring nature walks, or building physical resilience at Distinctive Schools-managed CICS West Belden’s athletic camp, our goal was to keep students engaged, active, and ready for the next school year and beyond. Through soccer camps, science experiments, and local workshops, our students stayed curious and connected all summer long.
Year-round learning and community connection extend to our leaders, as well. For four weeks, our school leaders engaged in deep professional development, brainstorming the blueprint for the upcoming year. Our principals and assistant principals are excited to enter the school year, fully prepared to support every student and staff member with refined routines, decision-making practices, and renewed vision!
Where in the World is Distinctive Schools?
A student thrives when they feel seen, heard, and valued, and that sentiment extends to their families as well. Our Community School Coordinators spent the summer meeting families exactly where they are. Our open house celebrations were a way for new, prospective, and returning families to be in community with our schools. Between neighborhood block parties, resource fairs, and other street celebrations, the Distinctive Schools team has been out in your community—and beyond! Ms. Jones represented CICS Longwood High School, managed by Distinctive Schools, in California for the JUST KEEP LIVIN Foundation training conference, where she worked with foundation leaders—including Matthew McConaughey—to bring their specialized after-school programming back to CICS Longwood High School.
We also continued family connections and engaged new and potential families throughout the summer through our campus-based activities. Open houses, BBQs, summer splash events, and even basketball with CICS Bucktown’s new principal Mr. Lee brought the spirit of our campuses to life even while school has been out!
Did you see us around the city or at an open house this summer? Tag your school on social media for a chance to win a gift card!
If you are headed to the Bud Billiken Parade & Festival Saturday, August 8, stop by Zone 4, just east of the parade route and off of Ellsworth Drive to say hi and grab some swag—just look for the Distinctive Schools signs!
Are You Ready for Back-to-School?
Don’t forget: Our first day back to school is Monday, August 24, and we cannot wait to see you soon! Watch for communications from your school for important information to start the school year strong, including Back-to-School events. See your friends, meet your teachers, and join us for fun before school begins!
Still looking for your family’s inspiring start to the school year? Learn more, apply, and tour one of our Distinctive Schools-managed Chicago International Charter Schools today!