What if the ultimate goal [of teaching] was joy? . . . What would learning look like? –Dr. Gholdnecsar (Gholdy) Muhammad
With schools opening their doors to excited families last week, the 2024–2025 school year has started off with a strong sense of community, excitement, and joy. Our students have high hopes and we’re setting high expectations to truly cultivate greatness in every learner. Long before students stepped into their classrooms, Distinctive Schools staff have been busy setting the stage for a successful year filled with opportunity, rigor, belonging, and excellence.
Each summer, we host our New Teacher Institute (NTI) welcoming new teachers to Distinctive Schools. NTI is an opportunity for new staff to build essential skills to ensure that their classrooms are welcoming, rigorous learning environments. Each new team member is also paired with a seasoned mentor teacher in their building for guidance, feedback, and support throughout the year. Just as Distinctive Schools holds our students accountable, we hold the same expectations of our staff; mentor teachers provide a nurturing way to uphold accountability. By holding each other accountable, we are able to ensure a culturally forward, culturally relevant, equity aligned, innovative, and personalized educational journey for every student.
All staff began classroom preparations and professional development the week prior to school, with a Distinctive Schools network kickoff at our CICS Longwood campus later that week. Staff were welcomed with an energizing campus “roll call” and an introduction by Distinctive Schools CEO Scott Frauenheim that grounded our team in our purpose, sharing that “this year, we will build strong relationships, we will ensure that every learner has the access and opportunities they deserve, and we will face challenges and overcome them—this year, each of you will inspire excellence for our students.” Dr. Gholdnecsar (Gholdy) Muhammad delivered a vibrant keynote about unearthing genius, justice, and joy in the classroom, followed by a panel discussion with Dr. Mahalia Hines on her new book, Tomorrow’s Children: How to Raise Children to Stay Human in a High-Tech Society. The energy in the auditorium was palpable the entire morning, with music, dancing, and connection.
On the Friday before school, students and families joined Back to School events filled with food and fun at each of our campuses! Families were able to meet teachers and staff, see their classrooms, and reconnect with friends. And even though the first week of school saw the hottest temperatures on record, everyone—staff and families—shared in the joy of being back to school.
As Dr. Muhammad shared, “joy is the serious work—it’s where we teach [students] the beauty of everything around them.” We can embrace this joy all year long while striving for excellence. We believe in our students and the potential of every student walking through our school doors. Our team is ready to push boundaries, embrace innovation, and build a culture where rigor and joy coexist, ensuring that every student not only meets but exceeds their goals. Distinctive Schools CEO Scott Frauenheim said it best: “This year promises to be a year of growth, rigor, joy, and unparalleled success where high expectations and accountability will guide us every step of the way.”
Here’s to a great year—let’s go!
