On Friday, Dec. 7, Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School's digital literacy teachers Amanda Swert and Ian Armstrong welcomed Mary Monroy-Spampinato, Microsoft's Midwest operations and community manager, to the school for an Hour of Code event with fourth-grade students.

Being scared, getting teased, feeling isolated — all feelings most teens have felt at some point in their lives.

Having dozens of surgeries by the age of 18? Something most have luckily never had to experience.

But for 18-year-old Peter Dankelson of north suburban Libertyville, experiencing 30 major surgeries in his young lifetime has not only taught him the value of life — it's also inspired him to teach children across the country the importance of embracing who they are and spread the message that kindness is key.

Though Goodwin Elementary School calls itself "gator country," the entire school turned into Blackhawks nation on Monday, Dec. 3, as retired Chicago Blackhawks player Patrick Sharp made a special visit to students and staff, speaking about his experiences playing professional hockey, teaching floor hockey lessons, and stopping for photos and autographs.

Sure, most junior-high kids enjoy creating experiments and having fun with STEAM technologies in the classroom, but when they're put to the test, how many can actually score high on an exam testing advanced level comprehension of science practices and formulas?

Eighth-grader Reynaldo Camas can.

Despite growing up hundreds of miles from both U.S. coasts, ocean photographer and science editor Alex Rose has had an affinity for the sea for as long as she can remember.

By now, Jasmine Hernandez, Jorge Martinez and Jose Sotelo are seasoned students of Cicero District 99.

The Unity Junior High School eighth-graders — District students since kindergarten — have achieved academic, athletic and extracurricular accolades during their time in District 99.

"Checkmate."

That's a phrase you may be hearing a lot of at Drexel Elementary School, where every Thursday morning, 48 fifth- and sixth-graders come together for a friendly battle in the classic game of chess.

I would like to take this time to formally express my gratitude to all District employees who worked together to ensure that all our schools and administrative facilities were up and running smoothly despite the inclement winter weather on Monday, Nov. 26.

Although many schools observe Veterans Day by teaching history lessons on war and the military from textbooks, students from across Cicero District 99, including those at north-east side Liberty Elementary School, celebrated America and those who have defended it firsthand from those who served in the military.

Though Chicago meteorologists are predicting blizzard-like conditions in our area throughout the evening and early morning hours, at this time, District 99 administrators have made the decision for all campuses to stay open for classes tomorrow, Monday, Nov. 26.

With the daily bombardment of violence and natural disasters infiltrating our television screens, it may seem harder and harder to believe that there is any positivity and goodness left in the world.

But on Monday, Nov. 19, acclaimed children's author and Joliet native Amy Logan paid a visit to Cicero students and staff at Columbus West Elementary School, sharing her message of respect and acting with kindness towards one another.

While some students showed up in princess dresses and others in superhero costumes on Halloween at Drexel Elementary School, the real showstopper on Oct. 31 was David Fisher — the nation's very own Rock 'n' Rope Warrior and holder of three Guinness World Records.

This month, Cicero District 99 recognized district technology clerk Dawn Benvenuto and Warren Park Elementary School second-grade teacher Jorge Pina for making a difference in the communities they grew up in.

Emphasis on community and serving others is already strong throughout Cicero, but over the past few years, Cicero District 99 has encouraged students to become part of a larger initiative geared toward encouraging compassion in youths for both local and global communities.

On Nov. 10, Unity Junior High School served as the host site for a regional WE Day summit, where more than 200 children and teachers from schools and organizations across Chicagoland came together to hear messages of encouragement and information on how students can better their communities and work alongside movements to donate goods and time around the world.

On Wednesday, Nov. 14, more than 250 seventh- and eighth-graders from Unity Junior High School were honored by school administrators for achieving straight A's during the first quarter of the school year.

On Oct. 24, students and staff across District 99 celebrated Unity Day, showcasing the District's dedication to kick bullying to the curb.

Though Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is a celebration in remembrance of loved ones who have passed, Cicero District 99 wanted to remind its community that the holiday is also one of thankfulness for the gift of life — and those who give their lives to help save the lives of others.

For generations, the people of Mexico have honored the memory of their family and friends through Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos — a celebration during the first few days of November which includes decorating sugar skulls (calaveras), creating an altar (ofrenda) of photos, mementos and favorite foods of the deceased, and time set aside for prayer.

To honor Cicero students' predominantly Mexican culture with art, history and Cicero District 99 values, the District hosted a Day of the Dead celebration Saturday, Nov. 3 at Unity Junior High School.

Over the past few years, Cicero District 99 has placed heavy emphasis on bringing its students and staff up to speed on the latest, most innovative programs and technologies for learning and instruction. So to showcase its progress with educational technology and assist other school districts in achieving their technology goals, District 99 hosted a Lunch and Learn program on Oct. 26 at Abraham Lincoln Elementary School.