by Miranda Eby | Oct 8, 2024 | President’s Pen
You can’t escape Artificial Intelligence. Everywhere you turn – the news, business, manufacturing, politics, shopping, entertainment – you’re confronted with mentions of algorithms, Large Language Models, machine learning, Chat GPT, Visio, Gemini, Claude, Canva. It is all a bit mysterious and overwhelming. Education is no different. Ever since Chat GPT made its debut at the end of 2022, the curious and geeky have been experimenting with it. Its potential is huge and so is the potential for cheating.
In May of 2023, we disciplined a student for using AI to write two final papers. It was more than apparent he didn’t write them. Vocabulary and writing style gave it away. I remember feeling conflicted about imposing punishment since, even then, I was certain this young person would be expected to know and use AI throughout his career and here we were reprimanding him for it. What we tried to make clear was that the issue wasn’t about AI, it was about academic honesty and personal integrity. As technology progresses it seems clear that we need to figure out how best to engage with AI, not avoid it.
To help in this endeavor, a team of CRSM teachers began a research task force last year and developed a CRSM Prompt Library to help students and teachers use AI in an appropriate and effective manner for academics and work-study. For instance, rather than having ChatGPT write your term paper, they have developed prompts that make ChatGPT a personal writing coach for students that helps them develop better writing skills without doing the writing for them. Here are a few of the prompt categories for Academics:
Clarifying a concept, Receiving and applying feedback, Demonstrating mastery
Analyzing and strengthening arguments, Researching reliable information, Scheduling and managing your time, Preparing for tests and quizzes, and Evaluating different viewpoints. Similarly, here are a few prompt categories for Work-Study: Fixing common work issues, Communicating an issue with supervisor, Writing concise and relevant emails, Responding to feedback, Scheduling meetings, Phone call practice, and Writing workday reports.
There is also a section on Data Analysis – using AI to help dig into extensive survey information or other data sets. If you have ever tried to analyze themes from open-ended questions, you know how arduous it can be, especially if you have a large sample. Our Principal explained how he recently used AI for Data Analysis and what it produced:
“We recently surveyed our 1300 or so alumni about their high school experience. I am sure there is some bias in that those that may have had negative experiences while in high school did not respond. But all the responses we did receive were overwhelmingly positive. I copied and pasted all the responses in ChatGPT and asked for it to do it what it does best as a large language learning model – look for patterns and themes in the responses. Below is the output. I think a great testimonial of twenty years of collective work on doing our best to make an impact on those we serve.
Key themes from the alumni responses about their experiences at Cristo Rey St. Martin include:
- Transformative Education: Alumni frequently highlight how their time at the school changed their lives in profound ways, particularly in shaping their mindset about their future, personal growth, and academic success. Many emphasized learning that they were not defined by their environment and could control their destiny.
- Supportive Community: The sense of community among classmates, teachers, and staff is a recurring theme. Alumni felt supported not only academically but also emotionally and spiritually. Teachers, counselors, and mentors played crucial roles in fostering personal development, resilience, and success.
- Work-Study Program: The Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) is repeatedly mentioned as a significant influence. Alumni noted that the work experiences helped them develop professional skills, confidence, and the ability to network and navigate real-world situations, which gave them a competitive edge in college and their careers.
- Faith and Personal Growth: Many alumni spoke about how their faith deepened during their time at Cristo Rey through retreats, theology classes, and campus ministry. Spiritual growth and a strengthened relationship with God were key aspects of their transformation.
- Accountability and Perseverance: A strong emphasis on accountability, grit, and perseverance was noted. Alumni learned to take responsibility for their success, both academically and professionally. Many referred to the importance of hard work, not giving up, and continuing to strive for their goals.
- Value of Education: Education was consistently viewed as the key to changing one’s circumstances and opening doors to greater opportunities. Alumni credited Cristo Rey for instilling the belief in the power of education and helping them pursue higher education and fulfilling careers.
- Being a Person for Others: The value of service to others and the community was a theme that resonated deeply with alumni. Many referenced learning to be a “person for others” and engaging in service as a core principle, which continued to shape their actions beyond high school.
- Career Preparation and Success: Alumni frequently attributed their career success to the skills and opportunities gained at Cristo Rey. Many discussed their current achievements in professional fields like engineering, recruitment, and corporate roles, linking them back to the experiences and internships provided by the school.
- Resilience and Overcoming Challenges: Many alumni came from challenging environments, and Cristo Rey helped them overcome obstacles. They expressed gratitude for the school’s support in helping them navigate hardships, grow as individuals, and succeed academically and professionally.
Overall, these themes highlight Cristo Rey St. Martin as a place that empowers students to overcome adversity, achieve academic and personal growth, and become compassionate, service-oriented individuals prepared for successful futures.”
This is a great example of the power of AI to save time and energy so we can focus more on what the data is telling us rather than the time-consuming practice of prepping the data to become information.
Ginni Rometty former CEO of IBM said she much preferred the term “Augmented Intelligence” rather than “Artificial Intelligence.” It can really enhance our lives when used with integrity. ¡Viva Cristo Rey!
by Miranda Eby | Oct 1, 2024 | Alumni Spotlight, CWSP, School News
Good morning, everyone!
My name is Oscar Gonzalez, and I am a proud graduate of Cristo Rey St. Martin, Class
of 2017. I attended the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts and
graduated in 2021. Currently, I work at Abbott as an Accounts Payable Specialist and
serve as an Assistant Soccer Coach for CRSM.
Today, I’m honored to share my journey with the CWSP program and reflect on the
remarkable changes at CRSM over the years. My graduating class was the last to walk
the halls of the old school building. We’ve seen many changes: a new building, a new
soccer field, and thankfully, no more cramped hallways! Speaking of which, that picture
in the hallway of all those crowded students was taken during my freshman year,
capturing many of my classmates.
But what hasn’t changed? I want to share a story from my freshman year in Spanish
class. Mr. Pradas, who still teaches here, imparted a life lesson that stuck with me
throughout high school and college. He asked us, “You have four years of high school
and four years of college. Would you rather work hard for eight years and enjoy an
easier life afterward, or slack off for four years and struggle for 40 years?” Well, Mr.
Pradas, I worked my butt off for eight years, and life is still challenging! Just
kidding—but this lesson is still being told today. My younger brother, who currently
attends CRSM, recently shared the same story from Mr. Pradas. This shows that
despite the new building, the core values of CRSM, the caring teachers and staff, and
the supportive business partners continue to help shape and develop the minds of our
future leaders.
Now, let’s reflect on my CWSP experience. Looking back to summer 2013, I vividly
remember the weeklong CWSP training—working with Microsoft Office, answering
phone calls, and practicing proper handshakes. After that, we took a weekend trip to St.
Mary’s for further training, where I made lasting friendships and memories. Not long
after, I still recall my driver, Maria, and CWSP coordinator, Mr. Chavez, taking me to my
first job at Gewalt Hamilton Associates. I was so nervous that my legs were shaking,
and I told Mr. Chavez, “I don’t think I can do this.” With a few encouraging words, I
walked in and shook my supervisor Mirna’s hand.
During my time at Gewalt Hamilton, I primarily worked with the Accounts Payable team.
Some of my most memorable moments were when Donald Dixon and Patrick Glenn
would stop by my desk to assign me tasks like scanning, printing, and cutting large
blueprints using large, advanced printers. Their patience and guidance were invaluable
during my freshman and sophomore years.
In the summer of 2015, before my junior year, I had the incredible opportunity to attend
Brown University’s summer college program. It was there that I realized how different
my high school experience was compared to many of my peers and how fortunate I was
to be a CRSM student. I received comments like, “That’s great networking!” and “What
valuable work experience!” This perspective transformed my mindset as I entered my
junior-year internship at Discover Financial Services, which was life-changing.
While CWSP and CRSM emphasized the importance of dress code and networking,
DFS reinforced these lessons through various Lunch & Learns. Their professional
culture taught me about effective communication, workplace culture, time management,
and the immense benefits of networking. These skills helped me in building a great
relationship with manager, senior manager, and director which allowed me to take on
more responsibilities and ownership. Additionally, my time at DFS helped me expand
my LinkedIn network at a young age.
Why is this important? Through professionalism, communication, and networking, I was
able to continue interning at DFS throughout college. During winter and summer breaks,
I assisted the AP Team and even worked remotely during my senior year as part of an
internship class. This experience not only enriched my professional background but also
helped me support my parents in paying for college. The money I earned during those
breaks covered my textbooks, school supplies, and more. After college, I was offered a
full-time role at DFS and was part of their CRSM Leadership Team working closely with
the CRSM students.
Recently, I joined the AP Team at Abbott, where I continue to expand my knowledge in
accounts payable and finance. This transition was possible because Abbott recognized
my high school and college work experience. The managers who interviewed me were
familiar with the CWSP program since Abbott is a Business Partner, which helped me
stand out among other applicants.
To wrap up, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to CRSM and the CWSP program. I
am where I am today because of your unwavering support. A special thank you to all
the Business Partners for your partnership and continued support.
by Miranda Eby | Oct 1, 2024 | Academic, School News
At Cristo Rey St. Martin (CRSM), the college preparatory process for Juniors and Seniors begins in the first weeks of school. Our college counselors, Sharon Holdvogt and Ana Aguilar, and their dedicated team of volunteers work hard to prepare our students to search for, apply, and be accepted into college.
Armed with working spreadsheets of different college programs, knowledge from weekly seminars, college visits, and information from college representatives at the college fair, our seniors are ready to apply to college by winter break, thanks to the collective efforts of the college counseling department.
“August through October, we meet with seniors multiple times a month one-on-one. When having these meetings, we like to reassure the students that every workshop is for a purpose and to trust the process. We will end up figuring it out, you’re not in this alone”, said Ana Aguilar.
The process begins in Junior year for our students, where the counseling team lays the groundwork for what’s to come in the application process, and integrates drafting personal statements into English classes. The team also offers a multitude of summer college programs that are accessible and affordable for our students. By the beginning of their Senior year, the students know what’s to come in the college decision process.
Although the process repeats itself every year, the counselors are “in awe every year as the new classes of kids come through. It’s important for us to keep in mind that it’s their first time going through this, and it’s powerful to wit with them and see their excitement and stress going through the process”, reflects Sharon. “We love supporting these students in such a pivotal moment of their lives. Most often it’s not only the student’s dreams to go to college, it’s their parent’s dreams for them too, especially in families where the parents are immigrants and the student is a first-gen college student”, she adds.
Not only do Sharon and Ana assist our students in the college application process, but a group of generous volunteers also comes periodically to help students write their personal statements and supplemental essays, and make sure everything is ready before they officially submit their applications. Jeanie has been volunteering with the department for almost 10 years now and comes in on Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the first semester to assist students in writing their college essays.
“Every single student I’ve met with has been motivated and appreciative. They know why they’re here at this school, and the school has done something so right that by the time they are seniors, the students get it and know their role in the college process”, remarks Jeanie. Jeanie also comments on the preparation students receive in their English classes junior year, “I would like to give kudos to the great English teachers at CRSM. I have been impressed in recent years by the high caliber of the student’s writing. Their teachers obviously prepare them well and that makes my job so much easier”.
Cristo Rey St. Martin seniors start and leave prepared for their college journey ahead of them thanks to our college counseling program. Last May, for the fifth year in a row, 100% of our seniors were accepted into a four-year college program, and 97% were accepted into three or more college programs. The numbers speak for themselves, and they are a testament to the dedication, hard work, and support provided by the CRSM community.
by Miranda Eby | Oct 1, 2024 | Academic, School News
Every year, our alumni and college counseling departments at Cristo Rey St. Martin (CRSM) host representatives from various colleges and universities across the country in our gym, to prepare our juniors and seniors for their upcoming applications and college decisions. This year, and for the past couple of years, the fair has taken place at the beginning of the school year in early September. This allows our students, particularly the seniors, to become exposed to different college options early on in the academic year, to prepare them for their upcoming college applications.
The college fair was held on September 12th this year, and approximately 63 colleges and universities were represented, from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, to the University of Denver in Colorado.
Our students prepared beforehand with questions and conversation points for the representatives they were interested in speaking with. “The questions the students have asked have been fantastic. This is one of my favorite college fairs I’ve been to. All of the students I’ve talked to are so professional in how they have spoken and dressed”, said Leah B., a representative from Milwaukee School of Engineering.
“The students guided the conversation and asked great questions. I can tell they were well prepared, and I am impressed with all of the students I have had conversations with tonight”, remarked Michelle, a representative from Saint Louis University.
Our student’s hard work and preparation for this event does not go unnoticed. This is highlighted by the kind anecdotes of the college representatives and furthered when seeing how seriously our CRSM students take the college decision process.
We are thankful every year to the representatives that come out to speak to our students at this event. It’s highly appreciated amongst our faculty and staff, and especially our students and their families.
by Miranda Eby | Oct 1, 2024 | Development, School News
CRSM is proud to announce that our new solar energy system on the roof of our school is now fully operational and producing clean, renewable energy. This marks a major milestone in our commitment to sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint.
Since becoming fully energized on Friday, September 20, the solar panel system is expected to generate approximately 500,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity in the first year alone.
With an estimated 64% reduction in our energy bill, CRSM will save around $58,476 annually.
