PCA Podcasts

Rooted, Formed, Sent: PCA's Week of Milestones

Hello, PCA families and friends. In this episode we reflect on one remarkable week at Portsmouth Christian Academy: Baccalaureate for our seniors, an eighth-grade milestone, commencement for the Class of 2026, and our inaugural Academic Showcase. These events are presented as windows into the same story — students rooted at PCA, formed over time, and sent to their next faithful steps.
We profile the Class of 2026 (45 seniors): 92 college acceptances, more than $780,000 in merit scholarships to the schools they plan to attend, 143 earned college credits, and nearly 12,000 hours of service during their upper school years. Beyond the statistics, we discuss the variety of next steps students are taking — engineering, robotics, medicine, ministry, trades, gap years, and more — and how PCA’s goal is to help each student grow toward their God-given potential.
Turning to the Class of 2030 (48 eighth graders), we highlight their strong academic profile — a 93.3 course average (third quarter), 91st percentile growth, 98th percentile achievement in math, and high reading growth and achievement — alongside broad participation: 77% in athletics and 100% engagement in fine arts. We explain why this milestone marks readiness for the greater academic and personal stretch of upper school.
The episode also recaps highlights from PCA’s first Academic Showcase: students across grades explaining and defending their work, demonstrating curiosity and public courage. Examples include Mrs. Chamberlain’s biology students studying Oriental Bittersweet on campus, a senior’s independent research on microplastics, chemistry and anatomy projects (titration curves, solubility tests, dual-enrollment muscle plans), and compelling fine arts capstones presented by student leaders.
We summarize conversations from the showcase about curricular direction — new and refreshed upper-school courses in science and health, AP Seminar to develop source evaluation and argumentation, revamped history courses, and strengthened mathematics pathways — framing these changes around a coherent, long-term vision of formation rather than transient metrics.
The central message is formation over time: academic rigor paired with character, service, creativity, and faith. We focus on students learning to explain how they know what they know (especially important in an age of AI), to listen, refine, lead, and serve. Student leaders (including Linnie, Chloe, and Gage) and faculty (including Mrs. Chamberlain) model and amplify that growth.
We close with the immediate calendar and a charge to the community: Baccalaureate tonight, eighth-grade recognition on Thursday, commencement Friday, and gratitude for families and faculty who walk with students in daily faithfulness. Rooted here, formed here, sent from here — once an eagle, always an eagle.

Remembering with Gratitude: A Memorial Day Message to PCA Families

In this solo message to PCA families, Mike reflects on Memorial Day, asking listeners to pause and remember the men and women who died in service to the nation. The host distinguishes Memorial Day from Veterans Day, frames remembrance in a Christian context, and urges gratitude, humility, and prayer as proper responses to the sacrifices that made our freedoms possible.
The episode connects personal and national memory to the study of history, describing the host's reading of David McCullough's 1776 and encouraging a clear, balanced approach to the nation’s founding: honoring courage and sacrifice while honestly naming flaws. The speaker emphasizes that God’s story belongs in how we tell our national story and that parents and educators have a responsibility to help children understand what they inherit.
Turning to the school year, the message celebrates late‑May as a time when student growth becomes visible — increased confidence, clearer thinking, creativity, leadership, service, and perseverance. The host explains that Christian education aims to help students see all of life before God, not merely to add Bible verses to lessons, and highlights concrete contexts where formation occurs: classrooms, labs, rehearsals, fields, and service projects.
The episode also looks ahead to graduation for the class of 2026 and invites families to attend an upcoming Academic Showcase. Described as more than a science fair, the showcase presents student work and learning as a public demonstration of formation: selected upper‑school students will explain what they tried, what challenged them, and what they learned. Faculty will also share curriculum examples in math, science, and history.
Throughout, Mike ties the Memorial Day theme to stewardship of what’s been entrusted to the next generation: asking not only whether students will be successful, but whether they will be faithful, truthful, humble, and service‑oriented. The message closes with encouragement to remember with gratitude, to notice the growth in students, and to enjoy a meaningful Memorial Day with family and friends.

From Genesis to the Stage: PCA’s Joseph Comes Alive

In this episode we recap PCA’s spring musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, with director and creative lead Miss Melissa Weisberg and three members of the cast and crew: Isaac (who plays Joseph), Chloe (one of three narrators), and Lucy Arico (dance captain). The conversation covers why the show matters to the PCA community, how the production was adapted to begin on campus, and the creative team behind it, including music and choreography support from Mrs. Conant, Mrs. Sporko, and Mrs. Vino.
The episode explores practical production details: the large cast of 58, the show’s unique sung-through format with virtually no spoken dialogue, splitting the narrator role across three singers to cover the full vocal range, and the wide variety of choreography and musical styles—from disco-inspired numbers like “Go, Go, Go, Joseph” to Elvis-style “Song of the King.” Guests describe intensive rehearsals, vocal and physical challenges, and the running schedule that included multiple dress runs.
Beyond logistics, the episode highlights personal and spiritual takeaways. Isaac shares how performing with his brother deepened relationships and how the story’s themes—perseverance, forgiveness, trusting God through hardship—resonate with students and staff. Miss Weisberg reflects on Joseph’s faith in the Genesis account and emphasizes the production’s message: “you meant this for evil, but God meant this for good.” The conversation also notes campus spiritual activity this year, including a freshmen Bible study and upcoming staff devotions focused on Genesis.
Listeners can expect an inside look at student leadership, growth, and teamwork—how ensemble members step into lead roles, how student choreographers are mentored, and how a school-wide musical can become a vehicle for community, faith, and creative expression. The episode closes with encouragement to engage with students about seeing God in suffering and to revisit the Genesis account behind Joseph’s story.

Everyday Heroes: Celebrating PCA Teachers' Quiet Faithfulness

Good afternoon, PCA families. In this episode the Head of School offers a heartfelt message of gratitude following Teacher Appreciation Week, reflecting on the deep relational work of Christian education and how a faithful school community shows up for students and staff.Topics covered include Teacher Appreciation Week activities—meals, notes, volunteers, and the welcoming culture our teachers create—and how those ordinary acts reveal the steady presence and partnership that shape the school. The speaker emphasizes that teaching is more than content delivery; it’s long-term formation of mind, heart, body, and soul.We hear about the opening of the new Eagles Nest Playground for kindergarten–fifth grade, with joyful reactions from students and teachers guiding play and learning. The episode also honors longtime kindergarten teacher Ruth Brown as she prepares to retire after 33 years of service, and it highlights other faculty examples of creativity, leadership, and care across divisions.The host addresses both joyful and difficult moments from the year: concerts, games, and performances alongside the ongoing support the community has given a student and family facing serious illness. These stories illustrate what a Christian school community looks like—people praying, carrying burdens together, and loving faithfully in uncertainty.Key points: the slow, patient work of Christian formation; the profound, often unseen influence of teachers who show up day after day; concrete examples of faculty devotion and creative teaching; and the vital role parents and volunteers play in partnership with the school.The episode features a message from the Head of School and includes tributes to retiring and longtime staff, snapshots of campus life, and encouragement for the year ahead. Listeners can expect gratitude, reflection on vocation, and an invitation to continue partnering in the work of forming young people.Closing remarks express thanks to teachers, parents, and students, and look forward to upcoming end-of-year events with a blessing for the community.

Eighth Grade on the Ground: PCA’s Washington, D.C. Journey

In this episode, host Mike Runey talks with Portsmouth Christian Academy U.S. History teacher Mr. Pierre-Luc Rivard and two eighth graders, Lily and Abhi, as the class of 2030 prepares to arrive in Washington, D.C. for their annual educational trip. The conversation explores how months of classroom study come alive when students visit the places where American history was made.
Guests and itinerary highlights include access to the U.S. Senate gallery (arranged with Senator Maggie Hassan), visits to the National Archives to see founding documents, the Capitol, Holocaust Museum, Korean and Vietnam memorials, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, Arlington National Cemetery with a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown, the Spy Museum, and the Air and Space Museum.
Key themes are the transition from learning about events in class to encountering them in person, the emotional impact of memorials and museums (especially the Holocaust Museum), and the way physical spaces—monuments, architecture, and artifacts—help students connect more deeply to the Constitution, founding documents, and wartime sacrifice.
Mr. Rivard emphasizes civic formation: history as training for leadership, decision-making, and gratitude. The episode also touches on the upcoming American 250th (semi-quincentennial), reflections on faith and the visible role of God and Christian heritage in U.S. history, and how the trip reinforces the freedoms that allow open religious practice.
Lily and Abhi describe what they most look forward to (the National Archives, seeing Congress in action, and the Holocaust Museum) and what representing PCA means to them—showing respectful, Christ-like behavior and being curious, engaged visitors. The hosts encourage parents to ask students about what they learn and how they see God at work in history.
Overall, listeners can expect a thoughtful preview of a formative middle school experience: a mix of logistics and sneak-peek highlights, heartfelt student reflections, teacher perspectives on learning and leadership, and a call to connect family conversations to students’ on-the-ground discoveries in the nation’s capital.

New Pet Policy & Spring Safety: What PCA Families Need to Know

Join Mike and Steve Howe, PCAs Director of Operations, for a timely spring safety update as campus activity ramps up. This episode covers key policy changes, on-the-ground concerns, and ways families can partner with the school to keep students safe during the busiest season of the year.We explain the updated animals-on-campus policy: unauthorized pets (including dogs) are no longer allowed at PCA events. The episode details how the change will be communicated (signage at fields and entryways), how staff will handle incidents (gentle reminders from school employees), and what parents should do if they spot a pet on campus (notify a school official rather than confronting the owner). Exceptions for service animals and a process for education-focused exceptions are described, with a typical response timeline of about a week.Traffic and parking safety is a major focus: increased spring foot and vehicle traffic from track and baseball activities means a renewed emphasis on obeying speed limits, coming to complete stops, and watching for students. Steve outlines short-term measures already in place (flashing lights and reminder signage) and plans to reinstall speed bumps after spring break to slow traffic in the loop and parking areas.The conversation also covers trails and outdoor use of campus: reminders to stay on school property, respect neighboring property lines, and pick up after yourselves. Steve highlights common outdoor hazards families might encounter on the trails, such as bees and other stinging insects, skunks, and porcupines, and encourages caution in more remote areas that are not actively treated.Learn about Eagle Watch, PCAs volunteer safety team: their role as an extra set of eyes, duties (monitoring campus access, checking doors, following security protocols), training and background screening, and flexible scheduling. Steve invites community members to join (they currently need two to three more volunteers) and explains how to sign up: call the school receptionist to be routed to Steve, find his email on the website, or contact Volunteer Coordinator Summer Heath.Closing the episode, Mike and Steve thank the PCA community for their partnership, encourage everyone to "see something, say something," and remind listeners that these measures are about care and stewardship of students. Expect practical updates, clear next steps, and ways to get involved to help keep PCA safe this spring.

Resurrection & Repair: Teaching Kids to Own Their Mistakes

Good afternoon, PCA families. In this episode a member of PCA leadership (Head of School/Campus Leader) delivers a post‑Easter message that ties the theological truths of Good Friday and the resurrection to the everyday work of parenting and school life. The speaker reflects on how the cross and the empty tomb make honest responsibility and extending grace possible for children and families.The episode covers the realities of living in community: friction, misunderstandings, and real hurt that can show up in hallways, group chats, teams, and friendships. Concrete examples are used to illustrate how conflict often looks and how it can quietly change relationships even after apologies are offered.Key points include the distinction between when a child has hurt someone and when a child has been hurt, and the different kinds of formation each situation requires. The host explains why courage, ownership, and meaningful restitution (not merely an apology) are essential for character formation, and why naming loss and creating healthy boundaries are part of true healing for the wounded.The episode outlines PCA’s approach: teachers, coaches, mentors, and advisors partnering with parents to cultivate character over time rather than merely managing behavior. It emphasizes age‑appropriate expectations, the long arc of formation, and practical help for parents navigating this difficult terrain.Finally, the message roots this work in Christian hope: without the cross and the resurrection, repair and grace would be either too costly or too heavy—but because of Easter, children can come clean, receive forgiveness, and be healed. The leader closes with reassurance of the school’s commitment to families, a benediction, and an invitation to continue this work together in faith.

Beyond the Classroom: PCA Students' Transformative Mission in Puerto Rico

In this episode of Mondays with Mike, three PCA juniors—Alex Child, Brooke Leger, and Riley Tuttle—join the host to reflect on a winter-break missions trip to Puerto Rico. They describe serving local communities, participating in Spanish-language worship, and building cross-cultural relationships that challenged and expanded their understanding of faith and service.
Topics include the power of worship (Alex recalls a moving Spanish service), bold acts of compassion (Brooke and a friend praying for and giving a bracelet to a woman they met), and witnessing young leadership and vulnerability (an underclassman, Aris, leading a powerful reflection). The students discuss practical challenges too: language barriers, navigating fast Puerto Rican Spanish, moments of illness and recovery, and the awkward—but growth-filled—conversations that followed when they pushed past comfort zones.
Key takeaways focus on spiritual growth and everyday application: the trip deepened the students’ sense of mission, made faith more personal and bold, and showed how receiving joy from others can be as impactful as giving it. The conversation highlights how classroom learning (like Spanish study) meets real-world practice and how encounters with real needs shape character, empathy, and leadership.
Listeners will hear honest stories of vulnerability—losing confidence, finding rest, and discovering new courage to speak, pray, and serve—and be invited to carry the lessons home. The episode closes with two family conversation prompts: share an experience that changed how you see other people, and reflect on how faith shapes your response to people in need.

Beyond the Scoreboard: Lessons from PCA’s Winter Athletes

Hello PCA families — Join PCA’s winter student-athletes as they reflect on a season of competition, growth, and faith. In this episode, host interviews four athletes: Emma (sophomore swimmer who qualified for State on her first event), Josie (sophomore swimmer and State competitor), Ava (senior basketball player who broke the school’s all-time scoring record), and Catarina (senior winter track athlete who ran relays at States).The conversation covers season highlights — from team camaraderie and unforgettable moments (like a playoff-team hug on an opposing court and back-to-back relay teamwork at States) to the excitement of qualifying for and competing at State meets. The athletes describe what made their seasons memorable and how teammates from different programs train together in club and high school arrangements.Key themes include discipline, perseverance, leadership, and mindset. The swimmers talk about the relentless focus on times and personal improvement, setting goals, and learning to be intentional in training. Captains discuss leading by example, meeting teammates where they are emotionally, and protecting team culture when negativity arises. The basketball and track perspectives highlight building culture, celebrating progress, and responding to fatigue and long seasons with joy.The episode also addresses practical challenges: heavy time commitments, balancing academics with long practices and tournaments, and navigating pressure and disappointment. The students share strategies for time management, leaning on teammates and family, and grounding identity in faith rather than performance.Listeners will hear faith-centered reflections on competition — how representing Christ shapes conduct on the court and how joy, community, and perspective help athletes through tough days. The episode closes with encouragement for younger students to try a sport, and a call for parents to ask their athletes what they’ve learned when things are hard.Tune in for an honest, uplifting look at how PCA athletes grow through winter competition — in skill, character, and community. Go Eagles!

From Stage to State: PCA Students Shine at the NH Theater Festival

Happy Monday, PCA community. In this episode we sit down with three students who took part in the New Hampshire Educational Theater Guild’s 2026 Festival — Viola (senior actor and set designer), Sarah (9th-grade actor and costume assistant), and Richard (10th-grade lighting designer). Over a tight, competitive weekend their ensemble of about a dozen students prepared, performed, and struck a one-act play under strict five-minute set/strike rules and adjudication across acting, design, and tech.
The conversation walks listeners through the rehearsal timeline, the stress and triumph of a misplaced prop box that almost derailed their performance, and the practical problem-solving that made the show work — from using magnets and fishing line to hang set elements to teaching other schools how to busk lighting at an impromptu dance. Richard describes designing lighting to distinguish three time periods and heighten dramatic beats; Viola discusses her abstract, paper-based set that literalizes the show’s themes of overlapping stories; and Sarah explains costume choices across eras (2001, 2014, and a near-future 2039) and the joy of collaborating on wardrobe.
We hear how the actors built characters they’d never lived — a grieving mother, long-time friends, and intergenerational relationships — by mining the script, creating backstories, and developing ensemble "family groups." They reflect on learning empathy through performance, growing closer as a cast, and the emotional payoff of presenting difficult topics like loss and divorce with care and nuance.
The students also talk about representing a Christian school among largely secular programs: how they aimed to "shine God’s light" through humility and service, how that identity was sometimes felt by others, and how they chose to respond with love, support, and collaboration. Their work earned recognition at the festival — including an adjudicated lighting/tech award and acting honors — and the ensemble advances to the state competition in early April.
Highlights include memorable backstage moments, the camaraderie forged under pressure, practical lessons in lighting and design learned through trial-and-error, and the leadership shown by students helping peers from other schools. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how thoughtful interpretation, technical discipline, and teamwork bring a story to life onstage.
Listeners can expect personal anecdotes from cast and crew, concrete examples of design and tech choices, reflections on faith and representation, and questions to ponder with family or community: What stories have helped you understand people more deeply, and how do your beliefs shape that understanding? We close by celebrating the students’ growth and wishing them well as they head to state.