On Friday, December 6, Saint Agatha School had the honor of hosting Eileen McLaughlin, the Superintendent of Catholic Schools, for a special visit. The school community was excited to welcome her as she took time to engage with both students and staff, highlighting the hard work and dedication that make Saint Agatha School a vibrant learning environment. During her visit, Superintendent McLaughlin met with the school’s leadership and administrative teams to discuss the progress and goals of the school. These collaborative discussions emphasized a shared commitment to academic excellence and spiritual growth for all students. The visit also included attending Mass, where she joined the school community in prayer, reflection, and the joy of singing.
A highlight of the visit was the performance at the 9:00 AM Mass by the school’s talented chorus, led by chorus director Kathy Fitzpatrick. The students’ vocal talents were on full display, impressing Superintendent McLaughlin who noted in meeting with the chorus that their singing elevated the celebration of Mass for all who participated. Additionally, Superintendent McLaughlin had the opportunity to observe students in action. She spent time in Maeve McDonald's middle school classroom, where she witnessed engaging lessons and dynamic interactions between students and Ms. McDonald. She also saw a second-grade student utilizing Boom Cards for Math on a Chromebook, an example of how the school integrates technology to support students' learning. Saint Agatha School’s second-grade teacher, Alice Sciasci, says Boom Cards are based on academic standards and are great for allowing teachers to differentiate learning based on student skill level.This visit also provided a chance to highlight the significant improvements Saint Agatha School has made over the past year. Under the leadership of Principal Gregg Chambers and the newly formed leadership team, the school has made considerable strides in enhancing both its educational programs and physical facilities. Over the last year, the school has focused on updating classrooms, investing in new technology, and enhancing its physical environment to support student growth and engagement. Notably, new staff additions have strengthened the leadership team, which includes dedicated educators with a shared vision of excellence. Together, they’ve worked tirelessly to create an atmosphere where students feel supported and encouraged in all aspects of their education. Her visit served as a valuable reminder of the progress Saint Agatha School has made, both in its academic offerings and the commitment of its staff. Superintendent McLaughlin’s encouraging remarks were warmly received by the entire school community, highlighting the crucial role that effective leadership, community involvement, and a commitment to ongoing improvement play in ensuring student success. “I am so grateful for Superintendent McLaughlin’s continued support,” said Principal Gregg Chambers. “Her visit reinforces the progress we’ve made, and her feedback motivates us to keep striving for excellence. We look forward to welcoming her back in the future and continuing to build on the strong foundation we’ve established here at Saint Agatha School.”
About Eileen McLaughlin, Superintendent of Catholic Schools Eileen McLaughlin has dedicated her career to supporting Catholic education. As the Superintendent of Catholic Schools, she oversees the development and implementation of academic and spiritual programs across the Archdiocese. She is passionate about fostering environments where students can thrive academically while growing in their faith. Her leadership is characterized by a deep commitment to educational excellence, community engagement, and the holistic development of every student. Additionally, Superintendent McLaughlin is an alumna of Boston College and Emmanuel College and was a fellow of the Lynch Leadership Academy at Boston College, a prestigious program designed to enhance the leadership skills of Catholic school leaders. There, she worked closely with other school leaders to improve her leadership approach and impact.
About Principal Gregg Chambers Principal Gregg Chambers brings nearly 25 years of nonprofit management experience and 9 years of experience in education to his leadership role at Saint Agatha School. Under his guidance, the school has flourished, emphasizing academic rigor, character development, and a strong sense of community. Principal Chambers is deeply invested in the well-being of both students and faculty and works closely with his team to ensure the school remains a place of academic and spiritual growth. His leadership is grounded in the belief that every child deserves a high-quality education and the support needed to succeed. Like Superintendent McLaughlin, Principal Chambers is also an alumnus of Boston College and Babson College and a past fellow of the Lynch Leadership Academy at Boston College, where he honed his leadership skills and developed a network of educational professionals dedicated to elevating the standard of Catholic education. This shared experience has fostered a strong partnership between himself and Superintendent McLaughlin, contributing to the clear vision that is guiding the positive progress of Saint Agatha School.