![DS Graphic](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/distinctive_schools%2C_il_and_mi_ar/article/image/large_9f206c44-8d1a-4896-bb6b-c42fea3b75e3.png)
July 1, 2022
At CICS West Belden, we build joyful classrooms, develop a sense of belonging, and provide growth opportunities for our students and staff alike. CICS West Belden is an amazing pl...
![Congratulations, Scott Frauenheim! LGC Fellow!](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/distinctive_schools%2C_il_and_mi_ar/article/image/large_c4f6d364-e17e-44da-9fa8-f99483064122.png)
July 23, 2024
We are thrilled to share some exciting news from the Distinctive Schools community! Our CEO, Scott Frauenheim, has been selected as a fellow for Leadership Greater Chicago’s 40th...
![We Are Distinctive.](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/distinctive_schools%2C_il_and_mi_ar/article/image/large_8b6a1741-fdf3-4d13-b578-3a07592a97b8.png)
June 27, 2024
The partnership provides certification assistance for teachers at high-performing public charter schools in Chicago. American College of EducationⓇ (ACE ) recently partnered wit...
![mhawareness](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/distinctive_schools%2C_il_and_mi_ar/article/image/large_73a6a1ff-9dfa-444d-9c18-ce1a80fc5d5f.png)
May 27, 2024
For Mental Health Awareness Month, we have an opportunity to break the stigma around mental health in our campuses by talking openly, compassionately, and kindly to each other. No...
![enchanted backpack](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/distinctive_schools%2C_il_and_mi_ar/article/image/large_5ef2866b-3b0e-47af-9392-22711f299bba.jpeg)
May 2, 2024
On April 25, 2024 an energetic assembly of CICS West Belden students eagerly lined up, bursting into cheers as the Enchanted Backpack van arrived to deliver a generous donation t...
![PeacePlayers & DS, MLK Event](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/distinctive_schools%2C_il_and_mi_ar/article/image/large_a90b05d5-61ca-4ecf-8c43-d3745c7a2593.jpeg)
April 26, 2024
April 24, 2024 - In a groundbreaking collaboration, PeacePlayers Chicago and Distinctive Schools joined forces to present "Our Voice Matters," a special Martin Luther King Jr. C...
![National School Counseling Week](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/distinctive_schools%2C_il_and_mi_ar/article/image/large_6869da53-41e4-49f7-b973-7d67f13f082f.png)
February 9, 2024
National School Counseling Week is February 5th-9th. We thank our school counselors for their contributions to our students and school communities. School counselors help studen...
![Social Work Internships with Distinctive Schools!](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/distinctive_schools%2C_il_and_mi_ar/article/image/large_27e635ba-8848-4bcf-9775-6de7f207d090.png)
January 12, 2024
Social workers serve as a lifeline during challenging times. Embarking on a career in social work requires hands-on experience and a commitment to making a positive community impa...
![Wishing you a wonderful Winter Break!](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/distinctive_schools%2C_il_and_mi_ar/article/image/large_fbdc6e14-e2cf-4e27-8ed0-7b5312c60046.png)
December 22, 2023
Happy holidays! With winter break upon us, we encourage you to relax, unwind, and settle into a safe and restful break.
The holiday season is a time for togetherness and joy, b...
![The Learner Advisory – Honoring Student Voice](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/distinctive_schools%2C_il_and_mi_ar/article/image/large_9a04a149-d34b-4bf3-a4c5-a41da675b624.png)
December 12, 2023
Distinctive Schools created a Vision for Learning , naming seven key points we are all striving to achieve as a network. Last year, we developed a Learner Advisory group, meeting...
![Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Distinctive Schools!](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/distinctive_schools%2C_il_and_mi_ar/article/image/large_a37db831-7e27-4eef-9cb2-cbee4271f8f5.png)
November 20, 2023
Happy Thanksgiving to our Distinctive families! We hope you take time this break to connect with loved ones and recharge. Even though our schools are closed, you will continue to ...
![World kindness day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/distinctive_schools%2C_il_and_mi_ar/article/image/large_c1db4b50-40b9-4539-9c5f-ab3748cbec60.png)
November 13, 2023
World Kindness Day
World Kindness Day on November 13 is a day to recognize the importance of being kind to each other, ourselves, and the world. On this day, participants cel...
![Anna Becker](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/distinctive_schools%2C_il_and_mi_ar/article/image/large_7171c241-00e9-4f63-ac9a-47d0c093da12.png)
October 17, 2023
As part of our mission to create diverse, joyful, welcoming communities rooted in social justice and rigorous learning, Distinctive Schools is designing more equitable schools t...
![Sarah Gaw](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/distinctive_schools%2C_il_and_mi_ar/article/image/large_aad0776b-6b97-4137-9b4e-300b5ac5d5c5.png)
October 12, 2023
All Means All . At Distinctive Schools, we are proud to support all students both as learners and as individuals. One way we do this is through our comprehensive Social Emotional...
![World mental health day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/distinctive_schools%2C_il_and_mi_ar/article/image/large_b290c324-239f-4e01-8f4e-0858b6193825.png)
October 10, 2023
Distinctive Schools Mental Health and Wellness Support
October 10th is World Mental Health Day! This day is dedicated to raising awareness of mental health issues and mobili...
![Bilingual Education](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/distinctive_schools%2C_il_and_mi_ar/article/image/large_3fcb88cd-563f-4a1e-9d1b-81f7f948939e.png)
September 15, 2023
September 15th is the first day of Latina/o/é/x and Hispanic Heritage Month! Celebrating Latina/o/é/x and Hispanic Heritage Month is not just about recognizing the past; it's ...
![Principal Update 8.25.23](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/distinctive_schools%2C_il_and_mi_ar/article/image/large_1a35b215-9bca-46dd-a1dd-8130ce810e41.png)
August 25, 2023
Check out Mrs. Eng's updates this week. Have a great weekend, Bulldogs!
![Welcome back](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/distinctive_schools%2C_il_and_mi_ar/article/image/large_f5a937ed-0424-427f-a982-006a7591d16d.png)
August 21, 2023
Welcome back, CICS West Belden! We hope you all had a wonderful summer and we are so excited to be back learning together. This is going to be an incredible school year! Below you...
![August 18 – Principal Updates](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/distinctive_schools%2C_il_and_mi_ar/article/image/large_31be544e-0eef-4106-b239-8a913d43dd1a.png)
August 20, 2023
Check out our Principal Update for Back to School! We cannot wait to see you tomorrow!
![memo](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/distinctive_schools%2C_il_and_mi_ar/article/image/large_806cc235-b9a4-4386-924b-1aa2e4402974.png)
August 9, 2023
Happy Wednesday Bulldogs! Check out this week's short memo have a great week!