St. Rita School Faculty Reflects on a Week of Learning and Inspiration

St. Rita School’s faculty and staff enjoyed a wonderful week filled with learning, reflection, and inspiration as they prepared for the new school year.

The week began with two days of professional development with Dr. Eric Jensen, a former teacher, neuroscientist, and author of Teaching with the Brain in Mind, among many other works. The St. Rita School community was especially honored to have his very last workshop before his retirement. Dr. Jensen was engaging and inspiring, giving the faculty and staff much to consider as they continue to grow as educators.

The third day was led by the school’s principal, Mr. McMaster, as the faculty worked together on a new writing program for students. A strong advocate for reading and writing, Mr. McMaster emphasized the importance of these essential skills to students’ academic success and lifelong learning.

The school was also thrilled to welcome its Thinking Maps trainer back for the second year in a row. The training continued to strengthen the strategies educators use to help students organize their thinking and deepen their learning.

The week concluded with a retreat alongside parish and school staff. A speaker from St. Monica Parish shared a meaningful message, and the group was blessed to attend Mass together at Mater Dolorosa.

After a full and enriching week, St. Rita School’s faculty is renewed, inspired, and ready to begin a new school year. The school community looks forward to welcoming its students and families back for another year of learning and growth.

St. Rita School, 322 N. Baldwin Avenue, Sierra Madre, (626) 355-6114 or visit https://www.st-ritaschool.org/.