PCA Podcasts

Navigating Middle School Together: A Deep Dive into the Upcoming School Year with Lois Blatchley, Middle School Principal

Hello, middle school families. Join Mike and the Middle School principal, Lois Blatchley, as they sit down to discuss exciting updates and plans for the 2024-2025 school year. This episode is packed with insights and reflections on the journey of Christian education, personal anecdotes, and the shared mission of fostering growth and development in students.
Lois shares her extensive background in Christian education, starting from her own school days to her current role at Portsmouth Christian Academy. She recounts her experiences, including her time serving as missionaries in Istanbul and her various roles within PCA, culminating in her current leadership position.
The discussion transitions into the philosophy and vision for the PCA Middle School, emphasizing the unique developmental stage of middle school students. Lois and Mike delve into the importance of critical thinking, character formation, and the role of educators as guides in this transformative period. They highlight the Middle School's approach to bridging the gap between lower and upper school, fostering a supportive and enriching environment for students.
One of the exciting changes for the upcoming year is the adjustment in the schedule to ensure core classes meet five days a week, enhancing continuity and relationship-building between teachers and students. The episode also explores the enrichment programs available, ranging from art and world languages to STEM and creative writing, designed to fuel students' curiosity and personal growth.
Lois and Mike stress the importance of partnership between parents and the school, encouraging open communication and collaboration to support students' journey. They also provide insights into the new open house format aimed at better preparing students and parents for the start of the school year.
Concluding on a positive note, Lois expresses her excitement for the new school year and the privilege of working closely with students and families. Mike echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the school's commitment to partnering with parents and guiding students through this critical stage of their lives.
Tune in to hear more about the plans for the upcoming school year, the enriching programs available, and how PCA is dedicated to maximizing each student's God-given potential.

Navigating the Digital Age: Empowering Parents and Students for the School Year Ahead

Podcast Summary:
In this insightful episode, Mike interviews Susan Arico, a PCA parent as well as a consultant and writer specializing in digital wellness. They dive into the critical topic of how mobile devices and social media shape the lives of students and families. Drawing from Susan’s professional and personal experiences, they discuss the profound impact of technology on spiritual and cultural formation, especially among children and adolescents.
Susan shares her journey into digital wellness, highlighting the intersection of faith and culture. She emphasizes how smartphones and social media have rapidly changed our lives and the lives of our children, often in ways that we do not fully understand. They explore the balance between the benefits and the potential dangers of these technologies, particularly concerning mental health and social development.
A key focus is the importance of proactive parenting in the digital age. Susan advocates for setting clear boundaries and guidelines around technology use, emphasizing that parents should delay introducing smartphones and social media to children as long as possible. She also discusses the concept of digital wellness as a form of spiritual formation, where parents and educators play a crucial role in guiding children toward healthy and balanced use of technology.
The conversation also touches on practical steps parents can take, such as setting screen time limits, removing certain apps, and encouraging alternative activities that foster real-world interactions and relationships. Susan encourages parents to lead by example, be courageous in setting counter-cultural standards, and prioritize their children’s long-term well-being over short-term convenience.
Show Notes:
- Introduction: Mike introduces the topic of digital wellness and its relevance as the school year approaches.- Guest Introduction: Susan Arico shares her background in consulting and writing on digital wellness, particularly focusing on the intersection of faith, culture, and spiritual formation.- Impact of Smartphones: Discussion on how smartphones and social media have transformed society and the developmental challenges they pose, especially for children and teens.- Parental Guidance: Susan offers advice on delaying smartphone and social media use, setting boundaries, and engaging in proactive conversations with children about technology.- Resources: Mention of helpful books and documentaries for parents, including "The Anxious Generation" and "The Tech-Wise Family."- Practical Tips: Suggestions for managing technology use in the household, such as screen time limits, digital Sabbaths, and family discussions on technology’s role in life.- Conclusion: Mike and Susan emphasize the importance of parents leading by example and making thoughtful, informed decisions about technology in their families.
Links (must add these in):- [The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt](#)- [The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch](#)- [Screen Time Management Tools](#)- [Documentaries on Social Media Impact](#)

Exciting Year Ahead: Insights from Upper School Principal Jordan Heckelmann

Welcome back, everyone! Join Mike and Jordan Heckelmann, our Upper School Principal, as they dive into the preparations and excitement for the upcoming school year. Over the past week, they've been discussing plans with greater specificity, and now they want to share these insights with you.
Jordan expresses his eagerness for the new school year and reflects on the highlights from the previous year, including the outstanding achievements of the Class of 2024. He shares notable moments, such as the freshman class's successful student life event and the prestigious appointments of Connor Hickey and Tatiana Stockbauer to West Point and the Coast Guard Academy, respectively.
The conversation shifts to the Class of 2025 and the new initiatives being introduced, such as a summer book group reading "Life Together" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. This initiative aims to foster a deeper understanding of community and leadership among rising prefects, student government members, and small group leaders.
Jordan outlines his vision for the coming year, focusing on three key areas: challenge, consistency, and connection. He explains the importance of challenging students appropriately to help them grow academically, spiritually, and relationally. He also emphasizes the need for consistency in setting expectations and maintaining standards across the school.
On the topic of connection, Jordan highlights efforts to integrate all members of the community, including students, parents, faculty, and staff. He discusses the revised cell phone policy and other measures aimed at enhancing face-to-face interactions and fostering a supportive and welcoming environment.
As the episode wraps up, Jordan talks about the core value of humility that will be a focus this year, tying it into the themes of challenge, consistency, and connection. He shares his excitement for the year ahead and the importance of living in community with a humble heart.
Stay tuned for more updates and communications from Jordan as the school year approaches. Don't miss this insightful conversation that sets the stage for an inspiring and transformative year at the Upper School!

Building Community and Preparing for a New School Year at PCA

Hey, PCA families, it is Mike, and it is another Monday, and we are three weeks from the start of school. We had a great day here on campus. It was the first day of Shine Week, a time dedicated to preparing the school for your kid's arrival and your return to campus soon.
Tomorrow, we will be in-processing some of our new teachers, helping them with personnel and tech, and getting them ready for the new teacher onboarding next week. Our goal is to ensure they are highly effective from day one when they welcome your child into their classroom.
Shine Week started about five years ago and is rooted in our appreciation for the amazing campus God has provided us. This campus, which began as an old hospital building, has grown into a vibrant place of learning and community over the last 25 years. We are blessed with facilities like two gyms and multiple school buildings, all situated on 60 acres of protected land.
While we have this incredible place, we also need a strong community to support it. Our school brings together families from over 50 towns across three states and multiple countries, representing more than 100 different churches. Our shared vision is to help your kids grow into their God-given potential.
Maintaining our campus requires a collective effort. Our facilities manager, Josh Gronblom, along with a small team, relies heavily on volunteer support. People like Paul Gases, a retired firefighter and PCA grandfather, contribute significantly to our campus upkeep. We also have contractors and other volunteers who help with various tasks.
This week, during Shine Week, we saw an outpouring of community support. Around 30 volunteers, including staff, faculty, new families, and returning families, came together to help with projects like installing a fence for the K-5 playground, clearing woods for a Wilderness Play Area, and working on our cross-country track. Get a sense from our Volunteer Coordinator, Summer Heath, at this link on our Community Page. 
We are incredibly grateful for the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. From assembling furniture for classrooms to maintaining trails, each contribution helps create a welcoming and well-prepared environment for our students.
As we look forward to the new school year, we encourage you to think about how you can engage with our community. Whether through prayer, volunteering, or using your unique skills, your involvement is invaluable. Supporting one another as parents and working together with our teachers and staff will help us build a strong, healthy community.
Thank you to everyone who participated today and will join us later this week in Shine Week. We look forward to seeing more of you on Wednesday and throughout the coming weeks. Let's continue to support each other and create a welcoming environment for all PCA families.
God bless you, and we'll see you on campus soon.

Summer Leadership Retreat and Upcoming School Year Insights

Hello PCA families,
This is Mike, and I hope you're having a fantastic week this summer of 2024. I just wrapped up an incredible weekend with some of our seniors, Mr. Hecklemann, and Mrs. Shoemaker. Mr. Hecklemann is our principal at the upper school, and Mrs. Shoemaker is our dean of women. We took a group of senior leaders through a 36-hour bonding challenge course right here on campus. The students camped out, rotated through leadership positions, and participated in various challenges. We enjoyed campfires and evening swims, which helped them get out of their comfort zones and bond as a team.
One of the key activities was a land navigation course, where we taught our seniors how leadership applies to navigating terrain both individually and as a team. This included determining direction and understanding distance. Mrs. Shoemaker led us in a devotional from Exodus chapter three, framing the coming year with themes of direction and distance, much like God's guidance to Moses.
As we look ahead to the new school year, our focus remains on maximizing each student's God-given potential and challenging them to grow. Whether you're new to PCA or returning, welcome! We've included over a hundred new students, and we're excited to have you all join us. We'll be fine-tuning some aspects of our direction and sharing more details in the coming weeks.
During our land navigation exercise, we emphasized the importance of understanding one's pace count—the number of steps taken to cover a specific distance. This exercise highlighted how each student moves at a different speed, symbolizing how we all progress at our own pace in life. This analogy will guide us as we come together as a community, regardless of our individual speeds. We all go along the same course together!
In the coming weeks, we'll be welcoming new faculty, preparing for Shine Week, and getting ready for the new school year. Our school calendar is available on Veracross (Parent Portal--requires login)and our website, providing key dates and events to help you navigate the year smoothly. If you have any questions, feel free to connect with us through the PCA community Facebook page or send us feedback.
We are excited and called to support your children and partner with you as parents and grandparents. As we prepare for the upcoming year, we are committed to helping your children grow and flourish in their faith, academics, and personal development. Life may present challenges, but together, we will navigate them as a community.
We're praying for you and look forward to seeing you on campus soon. God bless you!

Embracing Creation and Community: Exciting Developments at PCA Campus

Hi PCA families, I hope you're enjoying this beautiful July weather. I certainly am and it's great to be back in some of the rhythms of the seacoast and I've been out on campus a lot. Today, I want to focus on the beauty and amazing impact that our campus grounds have to shape our community, your kids, our families, our learning, our growth, and just some of the things that I've seen.
I've been on campus a lot over the last few days. I'll tell you more about it in a little bit and just some things that are changing for this coming year that I'm looking forward to. But first, let me give you a highlight of what I saw just a few minutes ago. I was out on campus, going through the wood line and I heard peals of joy and laughter. It was Nick Watson and the summer camp staff with many of the Eagle Camp kids, playing water games, and having a great time. It's just so good to see all these kids out somewhere laying on their towels, just soaking up the sun under some of the crabapple trees. Others are playing different types of relay and competition games, but just the joy of being outside in God's creation.
Amanda Dobson and Nick Watson, particularly in the summer camp, Eagle Camp staff have done a marvelous job on campus, off campus, but especially in the woods and at the waterfront with Seven Rivers paddling. It's so cool to see these adventurous kids, your kids, swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking in the Bellamy River right off the PCA dock. Just amazing.
I also saw Mrs. Indra Edmonds, one of our fifth-grade teachers, working on cultivating oysters along the Bellamy River. This project, led by Jessi Graustein, the head of our science department, aims to cultivate the habitat in the salt marshes that line the Bellamy River. Indra and other teachers are researching what it takes to help cultivate oysters and plan to integrate your kids into learning about this. This is amazing, and I'm so grateful for this opportunity.
A few weeks ago in June, I had the privilege of taking out our four-wheeler with our cross-country coaches, Keith Teeter and Justin Malone. They've charted out a new cross-country course that maximizes access and views of the Bellamy River. They've cut new paths and utilized new woodland property. This new course will be great for our runners and guests, offering beautiful spots around campus.
Josh Gronblom, our facilities manager, has worked with an arborist to take down some of the trees that are dying along the way to keep paths safe. Jessi Graustein and her students will be monitoring the invasive bittersweet vine to preserve our woodland. Integrating God's creation into our campus and learning is really cool.
On the practical side, with the new land, we've created more overflow parking and repainted some line stripes to make peak arrival and dismissal times more manageable. Derek Summers has been utilizing the campus for voluntary practices for volleyball, soccer, and basketball, with a special interest in middle school sports. We've carved out a new practice space for soccer teams, which will be ready for the fall season.
I've been out on campus, walking, running, praying, and soaking in the beauty of God's creation. I recently put in a six-point basic orienteering course, introducing students to basic land navigation skills. Our campus is large and diverse enough for these adventures, and it's great to see our kids already out there exploring and playing.
It's been a busy summer on campus, with beautiful gardens thanks to volunteers and Josh's team. I hope you're enjoying your summer, whether staying put, traveling, or connecting with family. I look forward to seeing you back on campus in a little over five weeks. God bless you, and I will talk to you next week here with Mondays with Mike. Take care.

Reflecting and Renewing: Summer Rhythms, America and Its Meaning, and Books

Happy Mid-summer, PCA families! It's Mike, and today is Monday, July 15, 2024. I've just had a few wonderful weeks with family in and out of New England, and I want to share some thoughts with you. I also hope and pray that you're having valuable, blessed times with your loved ones. I'm convinced that God has placed rhythms in our lives that we are blessed to follow, from weekly Sabbaths to the educational rhythms of summer. These times are essential for reflection, rest, and preparation for the year ahead.
After wrapping up the school year, our staff and faculty took time to reflect, rest, and start thinking about the upcoming year. We've broadly laid out next year and are excited to share more in the coming weeks. The past few weeks have been special for us as a team, allowing us to reconnect and prepare to inspire and educate your children.
Three weeks ago, our daughter Sarah returned from a deployment in Iraq, and we were there to welcome her back. It was a powerful moment, especially with the 4th of July and recent events in our country. I want to highlight the beauty of our American community, as seen in the diverse group of people welcoming soldiers home. It's a reminder of the unity and strength we share as a nation.
As we approach the 250th anniversary of our country's founding, I reflect on the uniqueness and challenges of our American Democratic Republic. Our work at PCA, though small, plays a significant role in shaping the future. I am grateful to be part of this mission, serving and growing our community.
Recent events, like the assassination attempt on former President Trump, remind us of the importance of living faithfully and well before God and others. We at PCA are committed to fostering an environment of truth, love, kindness, and service. I encourage you to pray for our leaders and our nation, and to live out our faith joyfully and engagingly.
On a lighter note, I hope you're enjoying a wonderful summer with family and friends. Whether at home, the lake, or the beach, I pray this season offers you time to reconnect and recharge. I've been reading some books that I'd like to share with you:
From Strength to Strength by Arthur C. Brooks - A great read for finding purpose in the second half of life.
Doing Life with Your Adult Children by Jim Burns - Helpful advice for parenting adult children.
Playing God by Andy Crouch - A book on power and how Christians should think about it.
Authority by Jonathan Lehman - Discusses godly rule and its impact on communities.
The Gospel-Shaped Leader by Scott Thomas - Insights on leadership from a Christian perspective.
The Pastor as Leader by John Curry - Connecting preaching and leadership.
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt - Explores the impact of modern childhood on mental health.
Generations by Jean Twenge - Examines the differences between generations and their implications.
I hope you're finding time to read, reflect, and pray as we prepare for the new school year. In the coming weeks, I'll share more about our plans for next year. Until then, know that I'm praying for you and cheering you on. I look forward to seeing you on campus soon. God bless you!

Reflecting on Academic Growth: PCA's Year in Review

Welcome PCA community! As we celebrate the 4th of July week, we're taking a moment to reflect on our achievements and growth over the past school year. In this episode, we summarize the progress of your kids seen through the trends we've observed through standardized testing.
How do well assess how PCA is doing? We look at three things as we continually assess and adjust. Throughout the year, especially at the end of the year, we've celebrated various milestones and achievements, often referred to as "trophies," which are evident in award ceremonies and report cards. These trophies highlight individual and collective growth and excellence. Additionally, the testimonies from teachers and the community confirm these accomplishments, further showcasing the development of our students.
Today, we're diving into trends observed from our standardized testing, particularly focusing on the NWEA assessments when we look across the entire school, across subjects, and across grades. This test is unique in its emphasis on student growth, which ultimately leads to student achievement. Over the past few years, we've expanded our testing to include more grades, ensuring a comprehensive view of student progress from kindergarten through 11th grade.
Our analysis of the past three years reveals promising trends. Overall, the trends are moving in the right direction, particularly in math, where we've seen significant improvements. This success is attributed to our dedicated teachers and the concerted effort to enhance our math curriculum. However, we've identified areas in reading and language usage that require more attention, and we're implementing strategies to address these dips relative to our very high standards for student growth at PCA.
To provide a clearer picture as to how Growth leads to achievement, we compared our students' performance on a national scale. In math, our students have moved from the 78th percentile to the 95th percentile in just two years. Reading scores have remained around the 90th percentile, with a slight dip this year, which we are addressing. Language usage has shown strong performance, consistently staying around the 94th percentile. Overall, your kids have moved from the 87th percentile to the nearly 93rd percentile in just two years--I celebrate this growth with you!
As a school, we are committed to continuous improvement. Our focus remains on fostering growth, which naturally leads to achievement. As we look to this coming year, we're particularly excited about our potential to qualify for consideration as a National Blue Ribbon School, a testament to our dedication to excellence in education. While this is not a goal unto itself, it is the result of multiple years of broad, solid to excellent growth. Your kids have some strong momentum heading into 24-25 across the board, and have been picking up steam even as we grew in enrollment over the last three years.
 
In conclusion, we are grateful to God for this growth, as well as for the collective efforts of our teachers in partnership with your: our parents and students. As we look forward to the next school year, we are committed to sustaining our strengths and addressing areas for improvement. Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Have a wonderful 4th of July week, and stay tuned for more updates and reflections in the coming weeks.

Celebrating Language and Growth: A Year in Review with PCA Faculty

Welcome back, PCA community! In this episode, we bring together the passionate educators from our English and World Languages departments. Join us as we delve into the multifaceted world of language learning and witness how our faculty members have contributed to the growth and development of your sons and daughters over the past year.
PCA English Team: Pete Beal, Steve Foley, Carolyn Hutton, Matt Dunphy
World Languages Team: Joy Eisner, Emily Fontaine, I-Hui Lui
Meet Mr. Steve Foley, who has dedicated 28 years to PCA, teaching English and instilling a love for writing in his students. Discover how he helps freshmen and juniors appreciate the art of rhetoric and composition. Then, hear from Senora Eisner, who brings her international experiences into the classroom, teaching Spanish and opening students' minds to global cultures and issues.
Senorita Fontaine shares her enthusiasm for introducing languages and cultures to young minds, while Mr. Pete Beal reflects on the remarkable progress of his sophomore and senior students, particularly in public speaking and essay writing. Mrs. Yi Hui Liu, who teaches Mandarin from kindergarten to upper school, expresses her joy in seeing students progress from knowing no Mandarin to holding conversations within months.
Mrs. Carolyn Hutton, who has a rich background in teaching English as a second language, discusses her philosophy of teaching and how she helps students grow by focusing on their strengths. She also shares touching stories of students finding their voice and enthusiasm through unique assignments.
Our faculty also discuss the challenges and triumphs students face in their language journey. From overcoming the initial fear of a new language to achieving biliteracy, our educators share inspiring stories of growth and resilience. Senora Eisner introduces the National Seal of Biliteracy program, which recognizes students' proficiency in multiple languages, and Senorita Fontaine talks about the initial steps in language learning and the exciting progress students make.
Looking ahead, our teachers share their excitement for the upcoming school year. Mr. Beal anticipates further growth in his students' writing and critical thinking skills, while Mrs. Hutton looks forward to supporting her students' unique learning styles. They also reflect on the importance of faith in their teaching and how it helps students navigate challenges and grow in their academic and spiritual lives.
Join us in celebrating the dedication and passion of our PCA faculty as they continue to inspire and nurture the next generation of learners. Whether you're a parent, student, or educator, this episode offers valuable insights into the transformative power of education and the joy of learning languages.
We hope you have a restful and engaging summer. Read a good book, practice your language skills, and continue to grow in faith and knowledge. See you soon!

Year in Review: Insights from PCA’s History and Bible Departments

Welcome, PCA community! Join us for a special end-of-year episode featuring insightful interviews with members of the History and Bible Departments. In this episode, educators share their observations and experiences from the past year, highlighting the growth and achievements of PCA students.
PCA's History Team: Matthew Dunphy, Melissa Weisberg, Ray Gamble
PCA's Bible Department: Terry Sharbaugh, Adam Abood
We start with introductions from Dr. Ray Gamble, Ms. Melissa Weisberg, Mr. Matthew Dunphy, and Mr. Terry Sharbaugh. Each educator provides a glimpse into their background and the unique subjects they teach, from history and civics to theology and literature.
Ms. Weisberg discusses the engaging mock trials in her civics and liberty and justice classes, which help students develop critical thinking, public speaking, and evaluative skills. She highlights the significant growth she has witnessed in her students as they navigate these challenging exercises.
Mr. Sharbaugh shares his experiences teaching New Testament, world religions, church history, and systematic theology. He emphasizes how students are challenged by complex theological debates and historical contexts, which encourage them to deeply engage with their faith and understanding of the Bible.
Dr. Gamble reflects on his work with freshmen in history classes and his goals for helping students master proper documentation and source evaluation. He also touches on the electives he teaches, including the history of the Second World War and the Cold War, and the moral and ethical questions these subjects raise.
Mr. Dunphy passionately describes his interdisciplinary course on C.S. Lewis, which combines elements of history, theology, and literature. He shares the rewarding experience of seeing students connect deeply with Lewis’s works and concepts, applying them in their academic and personal lives.
As the episode concludes, the educators discuss the importance of respectful dialogue, particularly in politically charged times, and the role of Christian values in fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. They share their hopes for continued student growth and the impact PCA graduates will have on the world.
Thank you for listening, and we look forward to another year of learning and growth at PCA. God bless you this summer!