Reinventing Enrichment Classes with Mary McKeever - How to make “Forgotten Classes” Unforgettable.

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