For CICS Irving Park fourth-grade student Jaydah, every day is an adventure filled with activities that keep her excited to come to school! Enrichment programs are where she really thrives, especially within Ms. Heinemann’s Makerspace! Our Makerspace program promotes critical thinking and creative exploration, diving into STEAM projects, crafts, and even food sciences, that allows Jaydah and her classmates the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them. After school, Jaydah continues exploring different creative interests , whether dancing in Zumba or sharing her voice with the school choir.

These diverse opportunities, both in and out of school hours, encourage Jaydah to develop her interests and find her unique voice as a student. With supportive, caring, and attentive teachers guiding her, Jaydah has developed a profound sense of belonging at CICS Irving Park. Consistent affirmation combined with recognitions like “Puma of the Week” further solidify her place in the community. In return, Jaydah loves helping others, checking in on classmates who seem down and modeling attentive listening. For Jaydah, CICS Irving Park has helped her discover herself while becoming a stronger, more compassionate member of the school’s community. 

Social worker Ms. Murillo’s every day is fueled by the vibrant energy of her students. Seeing their smiles, witnessing their investment in learning, and—most importantly—building genuine relationships that make them feel seen and valued brings her joy. CICS Irving Park’s foundation of care for everyone in the school’s community is what drives Ms. Murillo, who has built strong relationships with students by celebrating their voices, and taking action based on their input.

As the advisor for the Student Council, Ms. Murillo gets to directly champion student agency and leadership. Student Council is a way for students to learn responsibility, advocate for their school community, and actively shape their environment. At CICS Irving Park, student feedback is valued as much as the adult perspective. Through this collaborative spirit, Ms. Murillo’s students and Student Council members are encouraged to take ownership, knowing their ideas and concerns are central to building a cohesive and responsive community that authentically reflects their needs and aspirations.