Inside the Classroom: April Academics Recap

Each month, we highlight the engaging lessons and dynamic classroom experiences shaping our Ritamen. Through hands-on activities and academic exploration, these moments capture how our Ritamen are challenged and inspired in the classroom. This month’s recap features our Catholic Social Teaching, AP Spanish Language and Culture, Biology, and Engineering & Industry classes.

Catholic Social Teaching

Father Stephen Isley, O.S.A., Catholic Social Teaching classes welcomed Deacon John Donahue, J.D. Ed.D., President of St. Rita of Cascia High School, to talk about the rights of workers and impact of the labor movement.

Deacon John opened with the historical context, including the impact of the rise of industrialization in the 19th century, Pope Leo XIII and his encyclical Rerum Novarum, concentration of wealth in the Americans Carnegie, Rockefeller, J.P. Morgan, and Ford. He continued with Chicago's important role in the struggle for workers rights, including the Haymarket riots/massacre, Pullman Strike, and the Memorial Day Massacre.

He even shared his own history and experience working in the electricians' union with emphasis on how the union supports the education of its members, gives back to the community in gift-giving and some pro-bono work, and is uniquely committed to peaceful resolution of terms (no-strike clause).

The Church has been involved with questions of labor for more than 100 years and many of the teachings are developed through long documents. Deacon John helped our Ritamen see how workers' rights are deeply enmeshed in our local community.

AP Spanish Language and Culture

Mrs. Earley’s AP Spanish Language and Culture class took a field trip to a Spanish tapas restaurant, Emilio's. Our Ritamen enjoyed trying tapas for the first time such as Spanish tortilla, croquetas, tuna and also had the famous Spanish paella dish. Our Ritamen even interacted with the staff in Spanish and learned more about cuisine and customs from Spain. Overall, everyone enjoyed their lunch and experienced firsthand delicious food from Spain.

Biology

Mr. Ward’s ’15 Biology classes participated in a fetal pig dissection, providing a hands-on opportunity to explore the structure and function of major organ systems. This engaging lab served as an important scientific milestone for our Ritamen.

Engineering & Industry

Mr. McGovern’s Engineering and Industry class took part in an exciting Cardboard Boat Regatta challenge. The class was broken into teams and they were tasked with creating a seaworthy vessel for two Ritamen to sail in our pool. Materials included an unlimited amount of cardboard as well as three rolls of duct tape. Our Ritamen learned about forces such as buoyancy and had to keep things like the trade offs between speed and stability in mind.