Host: John Mihalyo  |  ~25 minYou made it through another school year — and that is worth celebrating. Whether this year felt like a championship season or survival mode, you showed up every single day for your students, your families, and your mission. That matters.In this episode, John takes a few minutes to celebrate what you accomplished, have an honest conversation about where your enrollment stands heading into summer, and send you off with five practical action items to make sure the next few months are intentional — not accidental.Because here's the thing — summer is not a break from enrollment. Families are making decisions right now, and the schools that stay visible and proactive are the ones that win in the fall. If you're not where you wanted to be this year, John talks about why your message may not be landing and what to do about it.And yes — rest is on the list too. You cannot lead well on empty. So before you dive into summer planning mode, give yourself permission to actually recharge. The mission needs you healthy.LINKS AND RESOURCESFree Summer Workshop"Ten Things Every Catholic School Leader Should Do This Summer" — free at elementaryadvancement.comWork with JohnIf your enrollment isn't where you want it to be, reach out at elementaryadvancement.comIf this episode was helpful, subscribe and share it with another Catholic school leader who could use some encouragement heading into summer. Thank you for everything you do for your students, your families, and the mission of Catholic education.

16 - Teaching Tech with Purpose – Digital Citizenship, AI, and Creativity in the Classroom with Catherine FuerteIn this episode of In Search of Catholic School Excellence, we sit down with Catherine Fuerte of Holy Angels School to explore how schools can teach technology with purpose in the age of AI. From digital citizenship and media literacy to ethical AI use and creative STEM projects, Catherine shares practical strategies for helping students become thoughtful, responsible digital learners.The conversation dives into real classroom examples including AI-powered superhero projects, fake news detection activities, prompt engineering lessons, and discussions about technology’s impact on values like hard work and honesty. Rather than fearing AI, Catherine challenges educators to model responsible use, encourage critical thinking, and help students use technology as a tool for learning rather than a shortcut around it.Whether you’re a classroom teacher, technology coordinator, or school leader, this episode offers practical ideas for building a school culture where creativity, integrity, and digital responsibility go hand in hand.To get your Digital Citizenship & AI Classroom Starter Kit please visit us here.If you need help developing a plan to try AI with your students or for yourself, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-TogetherMore about Catherine’s technology class: We strive to seamlessly integrate technology into every aspect of curriculum, teaching, communicating and professional growth. We are responsible 21st century learners, authors and problem solvers, able to seek and use information and communicate effectively and to pursue real-world learning and work using technology.Holy Angels School based the profile of its students on a comprehensive understanding of curriculum, which includes the spiritual, intellectual, social, psychological, and physical experiences of all students. This statement represents what we consider the important characteristics of an ideal student.Be like Jesus. Be the best you can be. Be responsible citizens.  Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeDigital Citizenship & Media Literacy ResourcesCommon Sense MediaCheckology by The News Literacy ProjectThe News Literacy ProjectBad News GameAI & Technology ToolsCanva for EducationGoogle VidsDay of AIAnimated Drawings ProjectPadletSchoolAIMagicSchool AIGoGuardianThe 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 1504, Christopher Columbus was stranded in Jamaica, his crew mutinous and his indigenous hosts refusing to feed him. So he consulted an almanac, gathered the tribal leaders — and told them God was going to devour the moon as punishment for their refusal. Three days later, the blood moon rose exactly as he predicted. They believed him. They brought food. Columbus sailed home. This is the Columbus story they left out of the textbook — and it's only one of them.

Matt Karabinos joins Jethro Jones to introduce Artificial Intelligence: Real Talk and explore how curiosity, teacher experience, and AI as a thought partner can help educators reimagine teaching and learning.

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