Inside the Classroom: March 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 Honors & AP Art, AP American Government & Politics, Latin 4, and various Technology classes.
Honors & AP Art
Mrs. Arteaga’s Honors & AP Art students participated in a Copy-Cat Cardboard Collaboration Design Challenge. Our Ritamen were tasked with collaborating with their peers to design and construct a three-dimensional object using limited or unconventional building materials such as cardboard. Each group had to adhere to a common theme of technological inventions that influenced modern technology from the Victorian Era (1820) to the Millennium (2000). This project focused on student-centered learning, demonstrating the application of the following skills: critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication.
AP American Government & Politics
Dr. Conlon’s, Ph.D. & Mr. Kellam’s ‘98 AP American Government & Politics class transformed our Van Leuven Center (VLC) into the nation’s highest court as our Ritamen took the lead in our annual Mock Supreme Court Oral Arguments. Our Ritamen tackled the landmark case of Trump v. Barbara, debating a massive constitutional question:
Can an Executive Order redefine U.S. citizenship under the 14th Amendment?
After intense, evidence-based arguments and rigorous questioning, our student justices reached a decision. In a 7-2 landmark ruling, the court found in favor of Barbara, upholding the Citizenship Clause and the principle that birth on U.S. soil is the definitive standard for citizenship. Seeing our Ritamen navigate such a complex and timely legal challenge with poise and critical thinking was a highlight for our entire St. Rita Family. They didn't just study the law—they lived it.
Latin 4
Mrs. Loris’s Latin 4 students continued their learning outside of the classroom with a field trip to The Art Institute of Chicago. Our Ritamen explored Greek and Roman art and artifacts as well as later works influenced by Greek and Roman art.
Technology
Fundamentals of Gaming (*New Course)
Our new Fundamentals of Gaming class introduces students to the rapidly growing competitive gaming industry. This hands-on course is designed to develop critical skills such as teamwork, time management, and strategic thinking through active gameplay and collaboration.
Mr. Tellez’s Fundamentals of Gaming students are learning about Esports and how to create their own video games.
Jacob Beauregard ‘27
Use the arrow keys to move the cannon and press the space bar to destroy the tower.
Aiden Hamlin ‘27
Race the marbles! Press the space bar to start, press the “J” key to bounce, use the “A” and “D” keys to rotate the camera, and use the left and right arrows to move the spinner.
2D and 3D Animation
Mr. Tellez’s 2D and 3D Animation students learned how to make 2D, 3D animations using After Effects.
Apple iOS App Development
Mr. Tellez’s Apple iOS App Development students learned how to make apps for Apple products using the Swift UI programming language.
Technology
Mr. Tellez’s Technology students used Sphero devices to code with blocks and create a fitness program.
