In this episode, Thomas and Becky break down their School Technology Checklist, offering practical guidance for school leaders and tech coordinators. They discuss the importance of managing access to critical systems, maintaining robust infrastructure, and ensuring regular device updates and backups. The conversation is filled with real-life examples, from the challenges of lost admin access to the value of having clear documentation and multiple staff members with key responsibilities.

The hosts also explore strategies for effective communication, both in emergencies and everyday school operations, highlighting tools like Google Classroom and Seesaw. They emphasize the need for sustainable funding plans, the benefits of involving students in tech support roles, and the importance of building a collaborative tech leadership team. Whether you’re new to school tech or looking to refine your processes, this episode is packed with actionable tips to keep your school organized, secure, and ready for anything.

Walk through the checklist with us and see where your school has things setup and where there might be room for improvement.  Then schedule an hour on your calendar each month to move forward the process for the things still unfinished.

If you need help with getting items crossed off your list or following through on the next step, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-Together

To get a copy of the School Technology Checklist, please visit us here.  

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

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-Together

Gustavo 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 and Becky Wong discuss the importance of parent engagement in Catholic schools. They explore strategies for building strong partnerships with parents, including open communication, consistent and meaningful events, and providing support beyond traditional volunteering and fundraising. The conversation highlights practical ways to foster community, address parent needs, and create a welcoming environment that benefits students, families, and the entire school.

Becky challenges us to look at Parent Engagement beyond behavior and fundraising conversations.  There are so many ways we can assist and partner with parents to make our schools the best place for them and their children.  Keep communication open and consistent as well as consider their needs in planning your events.  With parents in lock-step with the school, the students will thrive.  

To get a copy our Parent Engagement Best Practices Checklist visit us here.  

If you need help developing a better plan for parent engagement or communication, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-Together

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

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-Together

St. 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 and Becky Wong explore the importance of alumni engagement for Catholic schools. They discuss practical strategies for building and maintaining alumni databases, fostering ongoing connections beyond fundraising, and creating meaningful events and communications that keep former students and families involved in the school community. The conversation emphasizes consistency, creativity, and the long-term value of nurturing alumni relationships for both community spirit and future support.

Becky reminds us to focus on 3 elements when designing our Alumni Program.  

1. Build up our database with current alumni and plan for future alums.  
2. Increase alumni engagement - Offer value and Recognition
3. Infrastructure -Who will manage it and how will it be stored. 

It is important to be consistent and not only reach out to alumni when we want money.  Let’s build a connection so they are forever with our schools.  

To get a copy of our Alumni Best Practices Checklist please visit us here.  

If you need help building up your alumni database or streamlining your process for communication, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-Together

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

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-Together

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 and Becky Wong discuss the challenges and best practices of fundraising in Catholic schools. They explore how to balance community-building with financial needs, share creative and efficient fundraising ideas, and emphasize the importance of transparency, planning, and purposeful events. The conversation offers practical strategies for reducing burnout, involving the wider community, and making fundraising both meaningful and enjoyable for families and staff.

Becky challenges us to be consistent with our fundraising efforts, to have events that are not fundraisers so we don’t burn families out and to look for ways to decrease the cost of running the fundraisers.  With clear expectations and communication with families about the goals and process, we can get more out of our fundraising efforts without taxing our families, yet again.  

To get a copy of our Fundraising Best Practices Checklist please visit us here.  

If you need help setting up the fundraiser or finding better ways to connect your various fundraising systems please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-Together

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

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-Together

Sacred 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

In this episode of "In Search of Catholic School Excellence," Thomas Boles and Becky Wong dive into the admissions process for Catholic schools, sharing practical strategies and best practices to attract and welcome new families. They discuss the importance of visibility, community reputation, and intentional, personalized engagement throughout the admissions journey—from initial inquiry to enrollment and beyond. The conversation highlights actionable tips for making schools more inviting, reducing barriers for prospective families, and fostering a sense of belonging that supports both students and parents.

Becky reminds us to focus on Communication with Families, the Environment we invite new families into and engaging the Community as part of the process.  If we can consider how we can simplify and gain clarity about each step of the process that families will go through in applying, enrolling and attending our school, we can increase the numbers and overall satisfaction, making our marketing efforts even easier.  

To get a copy our Admissions Best-Practices Checklist, please visit us here.  

If you need help with any of the steps or in simplifying and clarifying your process, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-Together

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

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.com

Every 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