She campaigned to make fine arts a part of the daily life of her students, pioneered the introduction of technology into the Catholic elementary school classroom, and was an innovator in on-site after school care.

But what the children and teachers she has inspired may miss most is the nun who made the school community a family.

Sister Mary Ellen Beck has been a most familiar face at school sporting events: sitting in the front row at Our Lady of Assumption School basketball games, decked out in an “OLA” sweatshirt, cheering with sufficient enthusiasm to be heard throughout the entire bleacher section.

She enjoyed getting out on the dance floor at parent club fund-raisers and was usually among the last to leave.

After 21 years of serving as principal of Our Lady of Assumption School in Carmichael, Sister Beck, a member of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is retiring.

Sister Mary Ellen Beck is retiring as principal of Our Lady of the Assumption School after nearly 50 years in Catholic education. Nancy Westlund/Herald photo

Sister Beck, who will celebrate 50 years of religious life on Sept. 14, taught for 23 years in Catholic schools in Illinois, Arizona and Michigan and worked for 25 years as an administrator in Michigan and California. Being a principal, she says, is the best of both worlds.

“You are close to all the children in the school. With the parents, you are everything—an educator, a counselor, a shoulder to cry on,” she said. “It’s a family you don’t forget after graduation.”

The most important responsibility of a principal, she contends, is not simply focusing students on mastering the “Three R’s.”

“We’re known for our academics, but that’s not my first priority. This is a faith community,” she said.

Kate Walsh, vice principal, has worked side by side with Sister Beck since she arrived at Our Lady of the Assumption in 1979.

“She’s just been wonderful in giving all of us the ability to pursue our strengths…and brought so many exciting programs to our school,” Walsh said.

Raised in a musical family—her father directed the church choir in which her mother sang—Sister Beck views the fine arts as integral to a comprehensive education.

While principal at Our Lady of the Assumption, she introduced choral, instrumental and performing arts classes. A liturgical choir was formed, annual spring musicals produced and a choral festival for Catholic elementary schools was organized.

Celeste Depner, who has been involved for 26 years in the school community as a parent, teacher and volunteer, has watched as the fine arts programs built character as well as an appreciation for music and drama among students.

“The students do things that are just phenomenal,” said Depner, whose daughter Ivy is a music minor at Santa Clara University. “Once they’ve performed in a musical, they feel they can do anything.”

During Sister Beck’s tenure as principal, the school became one of the first Catholic elementary schools in the Sacramento Diocese to integrate computer and science labs into the curriculum. Science classes targeting students in fifth through eighth grades have earned the school awards at the California State University Science Olympiad competition and the California Department of Fish and Game’s annual Nature Bowl.

In addition, some 15 years ago Sister Beck started an after school care program to assist the school’s working parents, including a growing number of single-parent families.

Sister Arlene Connelly, a member of Sister Beck’s religious community and principal of Holy Family School in Citrus Heights, describes her colleague as an “extremely dedicated” administrator with a “hands-on style” whose talents enriched other diocesan schools as well. Sister Beck served on and chaired a number of school accreditation teams, was an active member of the Diocesan Parent Council and on the Parochial Athletic League’s board of directors.

Making the decision to retire has not been on easy one, dating back over a year ago when Sister Beck began losing her vision. First there was a vein occlusion (blockage) in her right eye and this year another occlusion in her left eye made reading piles of paper work an impossible task. During the current school year she has shared such responsibilities with an administrative team.

“It’s a faith journey we’re on,” reflected Sister Beck, adding with a chuckle, “and we’re not in control, as much as I like to be.”

Kelly Barnes, school secretary with two sons who are students, says perhaps one of the most valuable lessons the retiring principal has taught occurred this year.

“She has been an incredible witness to me and to my children and all those who have known her,” Barnes said. “She knows the Lord is in control and is open to where he might be leading her.”

Theresa Sparks, who is currently vice-principal at Holy Family School, has been hired as principal at Our Lady of Assumption School for the coming school year.

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