St. Richard's School is a community of learners for adults as well as for students. Teachers, staff, and administrators consider the fact that learning does not occur spontaneously; it must be planned and honored in practice. As a community, we are proud of what we accomplish, but, at the same time, we are not complacent. Growth and change improve learning practices. Several opportunities are provided for learning: self-directed professional growth such as attending workshop and conferences, taking college courses, reading professional periodicals and texts, and observing in colleagues' classrooms. In addition, study groups to pursue a common interest, self-assessments on which to reflect, new teacher orientation/seminars to attend, classroom observations by an administrator, faculty meetings, and in-services around a particular topic are evidence of professional development at St. Richard's.

Pete Connallon, 5th grade teacher, attended "The Stock Market Game" workshop last September.  He learned about an online education program to help teach math, social studies, economics, and language skills while focusing on the importance of long-term savings and investment.  His students will manage a simulated investment portfolio during the school year.

Jim Strock, 7th and 8th grade math teacher, attended the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Regional Conference in Chicago last September.  He attended the following workshops:  "Using Tiles and Games to Teach Mathematics in Grades 6-8," "Mathematical Humor with a Point:  Experience How Humor Can Motivate Students," "Making Algebra Child's Play," and "Finding and Developing the Creative Student of Mathematics."

Eight faculty members attended the Indiana Energy Workshop last September.  Sponsored by Citizens Gas, Duke Energy, IPL, and VECTREN Energy Delivery, the workshop was packed with curriculum materials and resources for teachers to use to teach energy in any discipline.  All materials are correlated to Indiana curriculum standards.  Each teacher received $400.00 worth of hands-on kits.  Teachers that attended: Debbi Malooley (4), Sharon Funk (2), Stacy Graber (2), Krissy Weber (K), Tracy Hopkinson (PK4), Kathi Keen (6), Ann Enoch (7,8), and Pete Connallon (5).

Kathi Keen, 6th grade science and math teacher, and Pete Connallon (5) attended the Veolia Water workshop last October.  The Water Box is a wonderful hands-on science process tool designed to teach students the fundamentals of water, the water cycle and about water treatment.  It contains 40 experiments and activities for students in grades four through six.

Cheryl Eiszner attended The Convent of the Transfiguation where Bethany Episcopal School operates.  Their music teacher, Melanie Morrison, met with Cheryl and provided a very thoughtful and unique exercise on helping kids make the connection between language and rhythm.  Cheryl will be using this method with upper elementary and middle school students.

Karen Guess attended the Indiana Non-Public Education Conference at the Indiana Convention Center last October.  This conference featured many high quality presenters in the Early Childhood sector.  She was able to learn many songs and puppet connections that directly relate to our existing Pre-Kindergarten 3's curriculum. 

Gala Kennedy was co-chair of the International Book Festival held last October 13th and 14th at the Indianapolis Artsgarden.

Barbara Woller attended the 57th Annual Conference of the International Dyslexia Association from November 8-11, 2006.  This conference offers the latest information on dyslexia, literacy, and education from the world's most respected educators adn researchers.  There are sessions for parents to learn more about their child's needs as an individual with dyslexia. 

Lee Ann Kee attended the Association of Indiana Media Educators Conference last November 5-7 at the Indianapolis Convention Center.  She attended several excellent sessions focusing on enhancing reading programs, but one of the most meaningful topics came from Keynote Speaker Steven Layne who stressed the importance of getting books into the hands of children using multiple opportunities.