Distinctive Schools - Commit. Create. Collaborate

November is a time to share gratitude, and our CICS Irving Park community has so much to be grateful for. One of the things we are most grateful for is the tireless advocacy of our awesome, powerful community from students, community members, and parents, like Jennifer Wilson.
Jennifer decided to enroll her students at CICS Irving Park after stopping in the office to discuss traffic congestion in the neighborhood. She found the leaders to be understanding and empathetic, wanting to take action to rectify the issue. “That’s what sold me on the school,” Jennifer said. “The entire school staff, the way they want and accept feedback, and how they handle issues when they arise [they] are warm and inclusive to the entire community. The school’s morals and beliefs are aligned to what I want to teach my children—to be kind and inclusive and feel respected, while also receiving a great education.”

Inspired by the school’s openness and commitment to family engagement, Jennifer has embraced opportunities to support the school through the PTO, Bilingual Advisory Committee (BAC), and any time parents congregate or the school needs volunteers. “The school is wonderful, the staff is wonderful, and I recognize just how hard they work to make our community the safe, inclusive space that it is, so I want to invest as much as I can into the school whenever I can.”

Jennifer’s advocacy extends far beyond school walls—her commitment not only benefits her own family, it also elevates the experience of every learner at CICS Irving Park. She has spoken at the Chicago Public Schools Board of Education meetings, led a charter school parent press conference, and even appeared in the Chicago Tribune and on NPR, bringing awareness to the importance of equitable educational choices for all families, naming that CICS Irving Park is a community school and an important part of the fabric of the neighborhood. Jennifer’s leadership and dedication have helped further Distinctive Schools’ mission by fostering a joyful and inclusive community where students can thrive academically and socially. “My advocacy comes from the wellbeing of my children as well as other children—it’s important to have changes, options, and choices for all families if they need it,” Jennifer shared. “When the opportunity to speak at the press conference came up, I couldn’t say no—not all parents have the ability to show up in the way that they’d like to to advocate for the school, so if I can help be that voice, I will do it. It’s important to have a voice and be an advocate for things you stand up for and believe in—if I don’t, who will?”

Jennifer is one of the many advocates CICS Irving Park is so fortunate to have as a part of our community. Thank you to all of our families for the ways in which you show up every day—for your students and our greater school community.

If you’re looking for ways to get more involved in advocacy, we would love to elevate your voice—join our Puma PTO, attend the next Distinctive Schools Family Advisory on November 20, or reach out to Lindsay Semph, Strategic Communications Manager for additional opportunities.