In Search of Catholic School Excellence

Community Engagement—Building Relationships, Strengthening Our Schools, TogetherA thriving school isn't built only by what happens inside its classrooms—it grows stronger through the relationships it builds with the people and businesses around it.In this episode, Thomas and Becky explore practical ways schools can become active members of their neighborhoods instead of simply existing within them. From partnering with local restaurants and businesses to collaborating with neighboring schools, senior centers, and community organizations, they share real examples of how authentic relationships create opportunities that benefit students, families, staff, and the broader community.You'll discover how community engagement strengthens enrollment through word-of-mouth, creates meaningful learning opportunities, provides valuable resources, and helps schools become trusted neighborhood institutions. Most importantly, you'll be encouraged to take small, intentional steps that can lead to lasting partnerships and a stronger sense of belonging for everyone connected to your school.Whether you're looking to improve marketing, enrich student experiences, or simply become a more visible presence in your community, this episode offers practical ideas you can begin implementing right away.If you need help with developing your community engagement plan, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-TogetherTo receive a copy of the Catholic School Excellence Toolkit - A Reflective Workbook for Visionary Catholic School Leaders, click here. It is the companion to the podcast: In Search of Catholic School Excellence.Becky Wong has been a teacher, admin, tech coordinator and innovator in Catholic Schools for over 25 years. She not only assists schools as part of the Tech Team but has been instrumental in guiding the Archdiocese of San Francisco as it navigates the edtech decisions and ever-changing landscape of classroom technology. The In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team. When technology doesn’t work, Catholic school leaders lose time, trust, and momentum. We partner with schools to restore reliable systems, empower teachers, and create the foundation for innovative learning centered on students.Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team.Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible.Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.com

Let's Talk Books - Controlled ChaosA Conversation with author Eric HallWhat if the most memorable lessons in school weren't found in a worksheet, but in an experience students never forgot?In this episode, Thomas sits down with retired teacher and author Eric Hall to discuss his book, Controlled Chaos, a collection of stories and lessons from 27 years in the classroom. Eric shares how creativity, humor, and meaningful relationships transformed everyday lessons into unforgettable learning experiences—and why engagement is one of the most powerful teaching tools we have.Together they explore:How to create classrooms where students want to come to schoolBuilding strong classroom communities through trust and connectionPractical ways to make ordinary lessons extraordinaryHow small changes can create lasting memories and deeper learningWhether you're a classroom teacher, principal, or instructional leader, this conversation will inspire you to look at your school through your students' eyes and discover new ways to make learning meaningful, memorable, and full of joy.Eric Hall is an award-winning educator, writer, and storyteller who has spent more than 27 years inspiring students in the classroom. A fifth-grade teacher in Cheboygan, Michigan, Hall is a three-time Teacher of the Year recipient, a winner of the American Red Cross Everyday Hero Award, was named one of the Top Educators of America, and has received a special teaching tribute from the Governor of Michigan. Known for his humor, creativity, and heart, Eric has built a career helping students see learning as both meaningful and fun.Beyond the classroom, Hall is a contributing writer for Edutopia, We Are Teachers, TEACH Magazine, and The Educator's Room. His reflections on teaching blend practical insight with laugh-out-loud storytelling, reaching educators and parents alike. His unique approach to education has even been featured on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where his classroom adventures reached a national audience.If you want to see how the lessons of this book can influence your school, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-TogetherThe In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team. When technology doesn’t work, Catholic school leaders lose time, trust, and momentum. We partner with schools to restore reliable systems, empower teachers, and create the foundation for innovative learning centered on students.Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team.Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible.Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.com

Let's Talk Books - Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. DweckConversation with Erika Bryant of Piece of Cake MarketingThis is our summer series where we talk about a book that all teachers should know and use to shape their strategies for the coming year. Read, Re-read, Recharge and Recommit to your students. This episode explores the ideas in the book Mindset and how adopting a growth mindset can transform the way educators, leaders, parents, and business owners approach challenges, learning, and success. Thomas is joined by Erika Bryant for a conversation about recognizing fixed mindset thinking, celebrating progress instead of outcomes, and creating environments where people feel safe to learn and grow. They discuss practical strategies such as praising effort, embracing small experiments, replacing labels with curiosity, and viewing setbacks as opportunities to improve rather than signs of failure. The episode concludes with practical advice for school leaders on fostering a culture where students, teachers, and staff continually grow by focusing on the learning process rather than perfection. Piece of Cake Marketing is your guide to marketing and business advisory services that turn great ideas into actionable steps. We help you find (and keep) your customers so you can get back to focusing on the parts of the business you love. I’VE ALWAYS LOVED LEARNING AND HAVE A NATURAL KNACK FOR PROBLEM SOLVING.That means I’ve spent the majority of my life consuming every strategic marketing resource out there, building a collection of tools and strategies I can leverage at any time. I’ve tried, failed, and succeeded countless times in the last 20 years – so I know exactly which resource to pull out to help you get unstuck… no matter the business challenge you’re facing.I’ve spent the last five years specifically helping B2B service providers and other marketing experts reassess their businesses, create new revenue streams, and adjust their messaging and strategy to gain bigger market share – and now I want to help you too.Here are a couple of links discussed by Erika. Choose again method by Gabby Bernstein 10 Forms of Twisted ThinkingIf you want to see how the lessons of this book can influence your school, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-TogetherThe In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team. When technology doesn’t work, Catholic school leaders lose time, trust, and momentum. We partner with schools to restore reliable systems, empower teachers, and create the foundation for innovative learning centered on students.Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team.Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible.Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.com

School Marketing the Right Way – with Brendan Schneider Why Identity Matters More Than BuzzwordsIn this episode, Thomas sits down with marketing strategist and former school administrator Brendan Schneider of SnyderB Consulting to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing Catholic schools today: how to clearly communicate what makes a school worth choosing.From websites that try to say too much to schools that struggle to define their identity, Brendan shares practical insights on how principals can rethink enrollment, retention, and school marketing in a rapidly changing educational landscape.The conversation explores:Why schools must identify what truly makes them differentHow generic messaging hurts enrollmentWhy retention may matter more than recruitmentThe importance of defining a clear school identitySimple exercises principals can use immediately with staff and familiesHow AI and strategic conversations can support school leadershipWhether your school is thriving, struggling with enrollment, or simply trying to clarify its mission, this episode offers practical and encouraging ideas for building a school culture and message that families genuinely connect with.About Schneider B Media:You Were Hired to Build Relationships with Families. Not to Become a Google Ads Expert.I spent 28 years working inside schools in admissions, marketing, and enrollment. I know what it is like to be told to "increase inquiries" while also managing tours, writing newsletters, driving the van, and cleaning up after a sick kid at lunch.That is why I built the Fractional Digital Marketer program. You get a full digital marketing team without hiring anyone. We handle the strategy, execution, and optimization. You focus on what you do best: connecting with families.School Marketing the Right Way - Book Read more of Brendan’s work on LinkedinTo get your School Identity & Marketing Reflection Toolkit, please visit us here.If you need help implementing your marketing strategy, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-TogetherThe In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team. When technology doesn’t work, Catholic school leaders lose time, trust, and momentum. We partner with schools to restore reliable systems, empower teachers, and create the foundation for innovative learning centered on students.Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team.Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible.Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.com

Meeting Students Where They Are w/ Megan Rabbitt of St. Brigid Academy - Creating Schools Where Every Learner Can ThriveIn this episode, we sit down with Megan Rabbitt of St. Bridget Academy in San Francisco to explore what it truly means to meet students where they are.St. Bridget Academy was created with a bold mission: to support students with learning differences in a Catholic school environment designed intentionally around their needs. Megan shares the story behind the school’s transition, the challenges of launching a completely new model, and the systems they have built to help students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.From flexible “Walk to Read” and “Walk to Math” groupings to strong SEL supports, creative scheduling, makerspaces, and individualized instruction, this conversation dives deep into how schools can rethink traditional structures in order to better serve students.But this episode is not just about one specialized school. It is a conversation about a mindset shift for all Catholic schools:How can we become more responsive to student needs?What happens when schools prioritize flexibility over rigidity?How can principals begin making small changes that lead to meaningful support for learners?Whether your school has a formal support program or is simply looking for ways to better serve struggling students, this episode offers practical ideas, leadership insights, and encouragement for building schools where every learner feels known, supported, and capable of success.To get your Meeting Students Where They Are - Reflection Guide please visit us here.If you need help developing a plan to better serve your students, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-TogetherSaint Brigid Academy, launching in the 2024-25 school year, embodies a Christ-centered, community-based approach to education. As a Micro Catholic School, we prioritize individualized learning within a cohesive, multiage classroom setting. Our commitment to innovation includes project-based learning, specialized teacher training, and a focus on inclusion.The In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team. When technology doesn’t work, Catholic school leaders lose time, trust, and momentum. We partner with schools to restore reliable systems, empower teachers, and create the foundation for innovative learning centered on students.Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team.Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible.Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.com

Anne Stricherz (St. Ignatius High School, San Francisco) shares how sports can become a living classroom for faith—a place where students practice prayer, discipline, community, and purpose in real time. From the “spirit of play” to the line between ritual and superstition, Anne offers simple ways to help students find God not only in chapel, but also on the court, in the end zone, and in the highs and lows of competition. This conversation equips educators and coaches to connect theology to students’ lived experience so faith feels less like a unit to memorize and more like a life to live.For the Faith in Every Arena – Quick-Start Guide, please visit us here.If you need help making connections to your curriculum, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-TogetherAnne Stricherz has been speaking the language of sports and spirituality her entire life. In 2009, Anne created a blog and theology course entitled Sports & Spirituality. An avid sports fan, Anne believes we can learn more about the spiritual life through the analogy of sports. The class and her writing is fortified by Anne’s experience in having coached girls' high school rowing, cross-country and golf.Today she works with coaches to help them create their own program for the spiritual development of their athletes. She is the author of "Pray and Practice with Purpose: A Playbook for the Spiritual Development of Athletes"—a book to serve as a complimentary resource. Anne has spoken about Sports and Spirituality at parishes, local and national conferences. She is now working with other athletic departments—in particular at secondary schools nationwide—to help them "faith train" their athletes.St. Ignatius College Preparatory is a community of lifelong learners that supports students as they develop into thriving adults. With a commitment to intellectual excellence, leadership, service, and justice, our students strive to respond courageously to the opportunities and challenges of our time.Through a rigorous and integrated program of academic, spiritual, and co-curricular activities, St. Ignatius educates all aspects of our students according to the Jesuit philosophy of cura personalis, care for the whole person.The In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team. When technology doesn’t work, Catholic school leaders lose time, trust, and momentum. We partner with schools to restore reliable systems, empower teachers, and create the foundation for innovative learning centered on students.Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team.Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible.Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.com

In this episode John Payne shares the steps, the challenges and successes of working with Catholic Virtual to fill a staffing need. He lays out some simple steps to get parent buy-in and the strategies that made the partnership successful. For the Creative Staffing Playbook, please visit us here.If you need help planning for your unique staffing situation, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-TogetherOur mission at Saint Veronica Catholic School is to provide a Catholic education that fosters spiritual, intellectual, social, and physical growth. We aim to develop the whole person and prepare our students to become responsible citizens of the world. Our school is committed to academic excellence and provides a challenging curriculum that prepares our students for success in high school and beyond. We believe that every student is unique and has the potential to make a positive impact in the world.In partnership with each family and the St. Veronica Parish community, and as ministers who participate in the mission of Jesus Christ, St. Veronica Catholic School strives to keep Christ’s image present in the world while providing a quality education which instills Christian stewardship and academic excellence.The In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team. When technology doesn’t work, Catholic school leaders lose time, trust, and momentum. We partner with schools to restore reliable systems, empower teachers, and create the foundation for innovative learning centered on students.Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team.Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible.Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.com

In this episode of "In Search of Catholic School Excellence," Thomas Boles interviews Gustavo Torres, principal of Good Shepherd School in Pacifica, California. Gustavo shares the story of the school’s remarkable turnaround, highlighting strategies for enrollment growth, community engagement, and the restoration of enrichment programs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of joy, wonder, and curiosity in school culture, strong partnerships with faculty and parish, and creative approaches to funding and experiential learning that have revitalized the school and fostered a thriving, connected community.Gustavo encourages us to sit down with each of the invested groups; pastor, faculty, parents, and key community organizations to share the priorities of the school and what you need. Then we can see what their priorities are, what they want to do and we can then plan how to move forward, together. Take care of the low hanging fruit to build momentum and then see what is possible now that there is trust and connection. It is simple plan but a much needed one. Take your first step and schedule the first conversation with . For a guide to opening up those Community Conversations, please visit us here.If you need help planning your Community Conversations or developing a plan after those conversations, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-TogetherGustavo Torres is the Principal of Good Shepherd School in Pacifica, CA. He has been using his past experiences, exercising his business mindset and development skills from his time at the archdiocesan level to lead GSS into the new era of Joy, Wonder and Curiosity. In alignment with the pastor, faculty, families and the local community, over the last 5 years he has been able to take care of the deferred maintenance, increase enrollment and instill a great sense of hope for the future of the school.The In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team. When technology doesn’t work, Catholic school leaders lose time, trust, and momentum. We partner with schools to restore reliable systems, empower teachers, and create the foundation for innovative learning centered on students.Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team.Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible.Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.com

In this episode of "In Search of Catholic School Excellence," Thomas Boles interviews Kelly Sturgeon, middle school science teacher at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School in Texas, about their innovative Invention Convention program. Kelly shares how the event blends scientific method with entrepreneurship, encouraging sixth graders to identify real-world problems and invent creative solutions—often leading to practical, marketable products. The conversation highlights the value of hands-on, student-driven learning, community involvement, and the importance of starting small and adapting the program to fit each school’s needs.Kelly encourages us to expose, remind and revisit the Scientific Method with our students. If we want to start our own Invention Convention we should look into the official competition for ideas but don’t get overwhelmed; start really small. You can run your own “Science Fair Meets Shark Tank” anyway you like it, even just as a simple project. Over time you will find what works for you and for the students, so it can grow as needed but keep it simple, keep it fun and keep them curious!If you would like a simple guide to starting your own Learning Fair, please visit us here.If you need help starting your own Invention Convention or Learning Fair, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-TogetherSt. Anthony of Padua Founded in 2001 as part of the Catholic parish of St. Anthony of Padua, we serve students in Pre-K3 through 8th grade in The Woodlands, Texas.Members of our school are encouraged to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and accept responsibility as His disciples serving others by sharing the gifts and talents received from God. We are blessed to have the opportunity to watch our students live as Jesus taught us to live and find joy in learning and growing.Kelly Sturgeon is the 7th Grade Advisor & MIddle School Science Teacher at St. Anthony of Padua in Woodlands, Texas. She has been running the Invention Convention for 6th graders and the Science Fair for 7th and 8th for over 15 years at her school. Kelly shares her deep knowledge of science, her commitment to excellence and her enthusiasm for learning with her students which pays dividends when it comes time for them to showcase their ideas and skills. The In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team. When technology doesn’t work, Catholic school leaders lose time, trust, and momentum. We partner with schools to restore reliable systems, empower teachers, and create the foundation for innovative learning centered on students.Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team.Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible.Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.com

In this episode of "In Search of Catholic School Excellence," Thomas Boles interviews Mary McKeever, principal of St. Philip’s School in San Francisco, about the innovative Smarts program. Mary shares how the program enriches middle school education by offering students a diverse range of hands-on classes—including art, STEM, mindfulness, trades, and fashion—that foster creativity, confidence, and practical skills. The conversation highlights the importance of mission-driven enrichment, community involvement, and meeting students’ unique needs to help every child discover their strengths and passions.Mary invites us to think about what the students might want and what they need in regard to enrichment classes. If we consider their interests, the faculty’s skills, the Student Learning Expectations and our school mission, then we can’t really go wrong in picking a class to reinvent or create. It is ok to try something new or play with schedules if it allows for a better opportunity for students and doesn't over-tax the faculty. “St. Philip’s School is a place where academic excellence and faith based learning combine to create an environment where students can succeed.”​Mary McKeever is a native of Ireland, having moved to California in 2000. A graduate of University College, Dublin, she has almost 30 years of teaching experience in Catholic schools Before taking on the role as principal, Mary was the 5thGrade teacher and vice-principal at St. Philip’s, and has been part of this community for 17 years. She completed her graduate studies at USF in the Masters in Catholic Educational Leadership Program. Mary is devoted to this school and community and believes in the future of St. Philip’s as a vibrant and inclusive place of faith and learning. She is committed to the school’s mission to meet the needs of all learners, through a program that is balanced between academic rigor and enrichment that allows students to reach their full potential. Mary is the also the founder and director of “Celtic Voices” choirs, of which many current and past students, teachers, and parents are members.To get a copy of the Enrichment Class Planning Sheet please visit us here. If you need help with planning your enrichment classes or reinventing how you will share learning with your students, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-TogetherThe In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team. When technology doesn’t work, Catholic school leaders lose time, trust, and momentum. We partner with schools to restore reliable systems, empower teachers, and create the foundation for innovative learning centered on students.Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team.Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible.Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.com

In this episode of "In Search of Catholic School Excellence," Thomas Boles interviews Theresa Rothstein, principal of Sacred Heart School in Patterson, California. Theresa shares her journey from parent to principal, the school’s unique legacy of multi-generational families, and the intentional community-building that has driven significant enrollment growth. The conversation highlights innovative programs, strong relationships with families and the local community, and practical advice for school leaders seeking to foster a thriving, mission-driven Catholic school environment.Theresa reminds us to first focus on developing the vision, getting the “balcony view” to see where we want to take our schools, taking care of some early easy wins, and then really “anchoring yourself in the mission.” That mission has to not just be some pretty words but something that we are willing to chase everyday. She also encourages us to surround ourselves with “leaders that can affirm and support you” since some days will be tougher than others but it is important to “remind yourself that you are making a difference and you made an impact today.” The rest will come into play.To get a copy of the Building a Mission Worth Chasing Worksheet visit us here.If you need help really diving into your mission or making those dreams a reality please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-TogetherSacred Heart Catholic School in Patterson, California, serves students in Preschool through Grade 8, with comprehensive, rigorous academic programs in all curricular areas along with a strong Catholic setting and instruction in Catholic tradition. We have been teaching children for decades. Students, teachers, and parents alike contribute to developing and maintaining our strong sense of community. There are many opportunities for students to experience and develop their faith during the school day, including but not limited to daily morning prayer, leading a decade of the Rosary, daily Religion classes with sacramental preparation, chapel masses, monthly First Friday Mass and celebrations of the holy days of obligation and feast days. Parents are our partners in faith development and serve as the first teachers. Parents are also an integral factor in the success of the school and devote much time and energy to fund development and community building activities. At the core of Sacred Heart Catholic School is a staff made up of people who truly care about the students, who are dedicated teachers, and who are strong role models. We celebrate our Catholic heritage, and invite families of all faiths to join us, all are welcome, and every student will receive and education that stresses Christ-like conduct, family, values and community service.We are intensely proud of our graduates, who leave us well prepared to face the challenges of high school and beyond. Please visit our school and experience our family. See for yourself why Sacred Heart Catholic School helps children to grow into truly good humans. Theresa Rothstein has had every role at Sacred Heart Catholic School from pre-school parent to school volunteer, then classroom teacher, to now principal. She has seen first-hand how welcoming the school was, she was compelled to get-involved and called to serve in leadership long after seeing her own graduate move on from the school. Throughout her time, she has embraced, encouraged and empowered the community to become part of the family and the school has grown considerably as a result of their combined efforts. You can see it on her face and hear it in her voice, just how much this place means to everyone involved. It truly is a wonder to feel how different the school is from the moment you walk in. We are grateful she has shared a piece of it with us. The In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team. When technology doesn’t work, Catholic school leaders lose time, trust, and momentum. We partner with schools to restore reliable systems, empower teachers, and create the foundation for innovative learning centered on students.Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team.Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible.Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.com

To start building your Fine Arts Program, Abby suggests, " try to start first with where they are at or what was the big trend this past year...then when you announce something that has something to do with that, they really get into it and get excited." Plan your own Sunrise Art Show by gathering all the work from the year, displaying and it and inviting the community to come see all of the beautiful things your students are creating. Saints Peter and Paul School will celebrate its 100th year in 2025! Through the years, we have fostered a thriving learning community in the heart of San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood. Our Pre-K through eighth grade provides academic excellence, enrichment opportunities, and development of the whole child through spiritual guidance based on reason, service to others, and loving-kindness.Abby Herget is the Junior High Fine Arts teacher and leader of the school's fine arts program. She brings her talents and experience as both an art and design director to the classroom to help students express themselves while exploring the elements of a formal arts program.To get a copy of the A Catholic School Guide to Meaningful Student Showcases, please visit us here. The In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team. When technology doesn’t work, Catholic school leaders lose time, trust, and momentum. We partner with schools to restore reliable systems, empower teachers, and create the foundation for innovative learning centered on students.Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team.Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible. Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.comEvery great school starts with a bold vision. Take the first step toward making yours possible — schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-Together