March Community Newsletter

March 2023

This year, we've established a focal point where members of the community and families may learn about the incredible things taking place at CICS Irving Park. 

This page is constantly growing to fulfill the needs of our community and is updated once a month with important details, upcoming events, and Irving Park highlights. 

If you have anything you'd like to see included on the page please email me directly, lguerrero@distinctiveschools.org

March was filled with lots of fun memories, we had our first dance and family movie night since the pandemic and the smiles were undeniable! We hosted a staff vs student basketball game, our track team started their spring session and so much more! 

Here’s a glimpse into all that we celebrated this month! 

Below are some snapshots from our 6-8th grade dance, students were able to come together for a night filled with good music and snacks. 

Huge shout out to our AMAZING PTO for putting together our March movie night! Families were able to come together for a free movie and popcorn in the gym. We watched Luck and shared many laughs and made great memories! Check out our Puma’s below :

In honor of March Madness, some of our staff shared a friendly game of basketball with our students. There was some serious hooping going on in our gym and both teams showed amazing sportsmanship! This is what being a PUMA is all about! 

First graders put together their very own Leprechaun traps! Unfortunately, no Leprechauns were caught, maybe next year! 

March reading buddies was a huge success! The smiles on our students lit up our classrooms, here are some pictures from this months readings!



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Upcoming Events : We have several fun and exciting events coming up for our Pumas in April, keep an eye out for reminders via text and email!

April 17th- April 20th we will be hosting our Spring Scholastic Book Fair! Stay tuned, more details to come soon! 

The Chicago Public Library will be visiting our K through 4th graders on April 26th to read to our students and discuss their summer reading program! 

The Bilingual Advisory Committee (BAC) would like your support with donations for the Day of The Child that will take place on April 28th. To celebrate children, to bring awareness to children’s rights, and to promote the global welfare of children. Please have donations in by April 20th 2023. 

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Community Partner Update: 

Special thanks to Thamani Family Counseling Services for launching an after school program for students grades 3rd to 5th. It is offered free of charge and they discuss several mental health topics.

Thamani Family Counseling offers individual, group and family therapy. Therapy can be a great way to gain the insight, skills, knowledge, and understanding necessary for increased mental health for people of all ages.  

You can find our dine and donate Puma PTO upcoming dates here PUMA Feb NEWSLETTER.pptx.pdf

As a reminder, 20% of sales will benefit CICS-IP!

Recruitment/Strategy Updates

Do you know a student entering elementary school next fall? The CICS Irving Park application for next school year for K-8th is now open! Apply @ www.CICS Irvingpark.org.

We hosted an open house on March 21st and a Kindergarten experience on March 25th, we were able to meet prospective students and their families! They were able to experience a day in the life of a CICS IP Puma and took a tour of our beautiful school! Add us to your email list to stay up to date with future events. 

Events/Resources:

Check out the My CHI. My Future. website and app to learn more about thousands of opportunities and activities happening around you in the city of Chicago.

My CHI. My Future App

Kids Bowl Free is a great program for children and parents! It offers 2 free games to children at participating locations for specific dates. Download their app and enjoy some free family fun! 

https://www.kidsbowlfree.com/l...

Are you interested in tutoring services in your area? Here are some links that may help:

https://www.tutoringchicago.or...

https://www.ontheblock.org/?fb...

https://www.chipublib.org/news...


Please view our IP Family Business Directory and help support small businesses! If you would like to add your families information to our business directory please reach out to Ms. Guerrero via email at lguerrero@distinctiveschools.org.