PCA Podcasts

Meet the Minds Behind the Math and Science Departments

Hi, PCA community. Welcome back. In this episode, we have the pleasure of introducing you to the dedicated teachers from the science and math departments. They will share their reflections on the past year, highlighting how students have grown academically, spiritually, and relationally.
PCA's STEM Team: Jessi Graustein, Bekah Shoemaker, Jeffrey Lapointe, Ethan Littlefield; Not pictured: Bill Windsor
Mrs. Shoemaker kicks things off by introducing herself. She has just completed her seventh year at PCA, where she teaches Algebra I and serves as the Dean of Women at the Upper School. She’s excited for her daughter to join PCA next year.
Next, Mrs. Graustein, who is in her fifth year at PCA, talks about her role teaching life sciences and dual enrollment classes. She shares an exciting summer plan: presenting research on oriental bittersweet at a scientific conference in California.
Mr. Littlefield, a first-year teacher at PCA, shares his journey from initially disliking biology to majoring in molecular biophysics and biochemistry. He teaches chemistry and geometry, and is passionate about helping students discover their love for science.
Mr. Lapointe, a PCA alum, discusses his experience teaching a wide range of subjects over the past seven years. He shares a touching story of a student’s remarkable growth in AP Computer Science.
Mr. Windsor, who teaches four mathematics courses, emphasizes the importance of presenting technical material and conducting oneself professionally. He also shares his passion for astronomy and the awe-inspiring experience of witnessing a total solar eclipse.
As the episode progresses, the teachers discuss the challenges students face in math and science, and how they help them overcome these obstacles. Mrs. Shoemaker talks about the difficulties freshmen face when transitioning to algebra, while Mr. Littlefield highlights the importance of building confidence in tackling complex problems.
Mrs. Graustein shares heartwarming stories of students growing in their faith and executive functioning skills. She emphasizes the interconnectedness of science and faith, and how understanding the design of the natural world can deepen students’ appreciation for God’s creation.
In a broader discussion, the teachers explore the integration of STEM and humanities. They highlight the importance of communication in science and how critical thinking and curiosity are essential skills in both fields.
This episode provides a rich tapestry of insights, experiences, and reflections from the teachers who are shaping the minds and hearts of PCA students. Their dedication to fostering growth in various dimensions is truly inspiring.
We hope you enjoy this episode and look forward to seeing you on campus soon. God bless!

Eighth Grade--Reflections, Celebrating Growth, and Anticipating High School

Hello, 8th grade parents, I am around the table with the 8th grade team. You all are on summer break, and they are about to be on summer break. By the time you hear this, they will also be with you. But before they have left, I have asked them to come together and think about and share some of the insights that they've had of your students over the last year. And hopefully, this will be a real encouragement and blessing to you as you hear some of the ways that your kids have grown, faced challenges, grown spiritually, and how we think they're ready for what they're going to be taking on as freshmen.
Our 8th Grade Team: Michelle Weisberg, Tammy Treadwell, Donna Collins; not pictured: Hannah Gouldrup
The team starts by introducing themselves and sharing fun facts about their teaching experiences. Mrs. Treadwell, who has been teaching math and homeroom Bible for 21 years at PCA, highlights the significant growth in students' attitudes towards math. Ms. Weisberg, the social studies and homeroom Bible teacher, recounts her experience teaching alongside her sisters in Colorado and emphasizes the importance of spiritual and social growth. Mrs. Collins, the English teacher, shares her passion for outdoor activities and worship leading, and Ms. Gouldrup, the 7th and 8th grade science teacher, talks about her first year at PCA and her involvement in coaching middle school sports.
The teachers then reflect on the various forms of growth observed in the students. Mrs. Treadwell discusses the improvement in students' math skills and their willingness to tackle challenges. Mrs. Collins highlights the rigorous English curriculum and the importance of academic integrity, particularly through the research project that required students to cite their sources. Ms. Gouldrup shares the excitement of students exploring potential STEM careers through a career project in science.
Ms. Weisberg shares some thoughtful and profound questions posed by students during the year, reflecting their spiritual growth and curiosity. The team discusses how they help students navigate these questions by turning to Scripture and encouraging open dialogue.
Looking ahead, the teachers express their excitement for the upcoming eighth graders. Mrs. Treadwell mentions the much-anticipated lock-in event, which fosters class bonding through worship and team-building activities. Ms. Gouldrup looks forward to the fun and engaging science experiments, including building rubber band cars. Mrs. Collins emphasizes the significance of the Washington D.C. trip, which not only enhances learning but also helps students develop social skills and independence.
As the school year concludes, the team expresses their gratitude for the opportunity to invest in the students' growth. They wish the parents and students a restful and exciting summer and look forward to seeing them in the new academic year.
God bless you and take care.

Seventh Grade--Growth, Challenges, and Excitement for the Future

Hello, PCA Community! Join us around the table with the remarkable seventh-grade teaching team as we reflect on a year of growth and learning. Though you're on summer vacation, and our teachers are about to be, we wanted to capture their insights and experiences before they break for the year. This episode offers a unique opportunity to hear from the educators who have been guiding your children and to get to know each of them a little better.
7th Grade Team: Martha James, Dawn Bowden, Michaella Wood; not pictured (but certainly not forgotten): Courtney Hassell, David Moore, and Hannah Gouldrup.
We begin with introductions from Mr. David Moore, Mrs. Dawn Bowden, Mrs. Martha James, Ms. Michaella Wood, and Ms. Hannah Gouldrup. Each teacher shares their background, fun facts, and their excitement for teaching at PCA. It's a delightful start that sets the stage for deeper conversations about your children's growth.
The focus then shifts to the significant growth observed in your children over the year. Mrs. James highlights the transition challenges of moving from a single-teacher environment to a multi-teacher one and how your children have risen to meet these expectations. Ms. Gouldrup shares her experience of growing alongside her students in confidence and capability, especially through complex units like genetics.
We also delve into specific challenges your children faced and overcame as groups. Ms. Wood discusses the Independent Investigation Method (IIM) research projects, highlighting the development of thesis writing skills and the importance of pausing and practicing. Mrs. Bowden talks about the intricacies of life science, using microscopes, and the perseverance required to see and understand the parts of a cell.
Looking ahead, we share the excitement for the upcoming eighth grade. Ms. Gouldrup and Mrs. Bowden express their enthusiasm for continuing to build on the scientific thinking developed this year. Mrs. James looks forward to the growth in mathematical processes and skills, while Ms. Wood anticipates rich conversations about worldview and history.
Lastly, we touch on the spiritual growth observed in your children. Mr. Moore and Ms. Wood recount precious moments of students taking ownership of their learning and investigating profound questions about Christianity, the Bible, and God.
As we conclude, the teachers share their excitement for the new families joining PCA and the unique experiences awaiting them in seventh grade. We hope this episode gives you a glimpse into the dedication and care these teachers have for your children. Have a wonderful summer, and we look forward to seeing you all on campus in August. God bless you all.

Sixth Grade--Reflections and Summer Send-off

Hello, sixth grade parents. I am here around a table with your kids' sixth grade teaching team.  You've been off for about 10 days now, and I'm sending them off tomorrow for their summer, but we wanted to capture a little bit of how they've reflected upon this year for your kids. And so what I'd like to do is have them reintroduce themselves. You probably know at least one of them particularly well. You may know them all. But I'd really like to have you meet them as a team. 
6th Grade Team: Dawn Bowden, Beth Mennelle, Kate Summers, Lydia Tucker
Mrs. Tucker introduces herself as Lydia, who just finished her fifth year at PCA. She shares a fun fact about her first teaching job overseas in Vienna, Austria. Next is Mrs. Summers, Kate Summers, who has taught at PCA for four years. She shares that her entire family is part of PCA, which has been fun and enriching. Mrs. Bowden, Dawn Bowden, is in her second year teaching science at PCA. She shares her passion for marine biology and her experience of swimming with dolphins. Lastly, Beth Mennelle, who joined PCA in January, talks about her transition from being a radio disc jockey to teaching in her 40s.
The episode focuses on the growth the teachers have seen in their students over the year. Mrs. Summers shares how her math class, which started with anxiety and reluctance, transformed into a group of independent and hardworking students. Mrs. Bowden discusses the significant growth in critical thinking skills in her science class, illustrated by an open-ended project where students had to explain their reasoning.
The teaching team emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and the classical model of education they follow. They introduce the dialectic or logic stage to the students, focusing on abstract thinking and piecing things together. They share stories of students overcoming challenges, from engaging hands-on activities in science to thoughtful literature discussions in Mrs. Summers' class.
The teachers also highlight the spiritual growth of the students. Mrs. Mennelle shares a touching story about her students' compassion and willingness to pray for her during a personal crisis. The teachers integrate Christian character and faith into their lessons, from Bible study to connecting scripture with science and literature.
Looking ahead, the teachers discuss their excitement for the students' transition to seventh grade. They note the significant growth in executive functioning skills, conflict resolution, and self-advocacy. They encourage parents to reach out with any concerns and to help their children develop these essential skills.
For new families joining PCA, the teachers advise reaching out with questions and encouraging students to advocate for themselves. They acknowledge the challenges of transitioning to sixth grade and assure parents that they are there to guide and support the students through this change.
As the school year wraps up, the teachers and I pray for continued growth in the students' minds, hearts, and relationships. We wish you a wonderful summer, filled with rest, excitement, and God's blessings. We look forward to seeing you all on campus in August.

Fifth Grade--Teaching Team Celebrates Your Children's Growth!

Hello, fifth-grade families. This is Mike Runey, and I have with me the fifth-grade teaching team, three pretty amazing educators. In this episode, you'll get to know them better and hear about the incredible growth they've seen in your kids this year.
5th Grade Teaching Team: Indra Edmonds, Stephanie Higgins, Kaitlin Gilday
First, we have Mrs. Higgins, who has been teaching for 27 years in various states including New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Missouri. Next, Mrs. Edmonds, with over 15 years of experience, has taught in New York City, New Jersey, Riga, Latvia, and New Hampshire. Lastly, Ms. Gilday, finishing her third year at PCA and her second as a fifth-grade homeroom teacher, is an avid runner often seen with her dog, Lucy.
These educators share their journeys back to PCA and the satisfaction of bringing their experience and love for teaching to the school. Stephanie Higgins talks about her move back to New Hampshire due to family health concerns and the joy of returning to the ocean.
Mrs. Higgins also shares insights into her 5.3 math group, discussing the importance of developing a growth mindset and perseverance in math. She highlights how students move from saying, "I don't get it," to "I'm stuck," showing a willingness to engage and seek help.
Mrs. Edmonds discusses the writing challenges faced by students and the strategies used to overcome them. She explains the RACE method—Restate, Answer, Cite, and Expound—to help students systematically approach writing assignments. This method builds confidence and ensures students can effectively express their thoughts.
Ms. Gilday shares the spiritual growth observed in students, emphasizing their deep questions about God and their eagerness to pray for others. The class explored concepts like omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence, leading to profound discussions about faith. The students also connected their learning to real-world stewardship during their National Parks project.
As the school year ends, the teachers reflect on their excitement for the students' future in sixth grade. They highlight the students' teamwork, musical growth, and readiness to tackle new challenges. The episode concludes with gratitude for the educators' dedication and a look forward to the upcoming school year.
Join us to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the fifth-grade students and the exceptional educators who guide them. God bless you, moms, dads, and kids. We look forward to seeing you on campus soon!

Fourth Grade--Celebrating a Year of Growth

Welcome to an insightful episode for fourth-grade families! Today, we have the privilege of hosting the fourth-grade teaching team, who are excited to share their experiences and observations on how your children have grown, faced challenges, and witnessed God's movement in the classroom. We look forward to offering you an overall perspective of a remarkable year.
4th Grade Teaching Team: Shanna Ketchum, Terri Dobson, Kaitlyn Eastman
We begin with introductions from the teaching team. Mrs. Kaitlyn Eastman, who has been with PCA for eight years, expresses her joy in teaching science and observing the students' creativity. Ms. Shanna Ketchum, with a decade at PCA and 15 years of teaching experience, cherishes building relationships with her students and understanding their unique personalities. Ms. Terri Dobson highlights the collaborative spirit among the students, emphasizing teamwork and mutual respect.
Mrs. Eastman discusses student growth, particularly in math, where students showed significant improvement in both growth and achievement metrics. She explains how changes in the math curriculum and the introduction of tools like Math Accelerator have enhanced student engagement and understanding. The focus on individual and small group learning has contributed to this remarkable progress.
Ms. Dobson addresses the challenges students faced, particularly in writing. The transition from third to fourth grade involves a significant increase in writing expectations. The new curriculum, Simplify Writing, has been instrumental in breaking down the writing process into manageable parts. Students have embraced peer support and teacher guidance, resulting in impressive writing achievements, including original fairy tales and state research reports.
Ms. Ketchum shares insights on students' spiritual growth. She highlights their enthusiasm and ownership during chapel preparations and their curiosity during Bible lessons. The students' thoughtful questions about faith and scripture demonstrate their deepening understanding and spiritual development. Ms. Ketchum also notes the privilege of witnessing individual students' spiritual journeys, including baptisms and recognition for Christ-centeredness.
As the school year concludes, the teaching team expresses mixed feelings about sending their students to fifth grade. They are excited to see the students take on leadership roles in the lower school, continue to grow creatively, and engage in various extracurricular activities. The fourth-grade team reflects on the students' readiness for new challenges and their potential to excel in the next academic year.
In closing, the teachers share what incoming fourth graders can look forward to, including the Narnia study, the opportunity to have different teachers for specific subjects, and engaging in exciting projects across various disciplines. The team expresses their gratitude for the students, families, and each other, wishing everyone a restful and fulfilling summer break.

Third Grade--Journey Through Growth, Challenges, and Triumphs

Hello, third-grade parents,
I am here with our two third-grade teachers, Mrs. Tamari Nduaguibe and Mrs. Katie Brouse, to discuss their experiences this year. They will share how they've grown, faced challenges, and witnessed your children's educational and spiritual growth.
Our 3rd Grade Teachers: Katie Brouse and Tamari Nguaduibe
Mrs. Nduaguibe has been teaching at PCA for one year, returning after 18 years. She has taught for 18 years in various cultures and has traveled to every continent except Antarctica. She shared how her class took ownership of their learning, particularly during a social studies unit on economics. The students created their own shops, engaged in mock transactions, and even negotiated prices, demonstrating their understanding of economic concepts.
Mrs. Brouse has been teaching at PCA for three years, with a total of eight years of teaching experience. She focuses on helping students discover their God-given talents. She shared how her students overcame challenges, particularly in math, through small group teaching and personalized learning. This approach helped students build confidence and find enjoyment in learning math.
Both teachers emphasized the importance of growth over achievement. They adapted their teaching methods to meet students' needs, such as using manipulatives to explain new concepts and allowing students to retake quizzes until they understood the material. They also highlighted the value of staying connected with parents to support their children's success.
Spiritually, Mrs. Brouse shared about Worship Wednesday, where students chose and sang worship songs, creating a meaningful worship experience. She also recounted a Bible lesson by the waterfront, where she shared her testimony, deeply engaging the students.
Mrs. Nduaguibe described how her class regularly shared and prayed for each other during morning meetings, fostering a supportive and prayerful environment.
We at PCA aim to inspire your children to grow into their potential, partnering with you in this journey. Thank you for your continued support and involvement in your children's education and spiritual growth. 
 

Second Grade--Celebrating Growth for your kids!

Hi, second grade parents. As the school year wraps up, I gathered with the second-grade teaching team to reflect on the growth and achievements of your children over the past year. Each teacher shared their unique insights and experiences, highlighting the diverse strengths and needs of our students.
PCA's 2nd Grade Team (L to R): Melanie Shutt, Julie Harris, Alcia DiTommaso
We started with Mrs. Melanie Shutt, who has been with PCA for two years. She emphasized the success of the immigration project and the importance of differentiation to meet all learners' needs. Mrs. Shutt introduced "Happy Numbers," a math program that allowed students to work at their own pace and grow, which was particularly effective in fostering individual progress.
Mrs. Alicia DiTommaso, known as Mrs. D, has been teaching for 34 years and brings a background in basketball coaching to her classroom management style. She spoke about the challenges of teaching phonics to second graders, especially those new to PCA. Mrs. D shared various strategies, such as color-coded word parts and phonics choice boards, to help students master spelling and phonics.
Mrs. Julie Harris, with eight years at PCA, highlighted the use of hands-on science activities to spark curiosity and problem-solving skills among students. She mentioned a recent project where students designed and tested clay boats, emphasizing the importance of learning through trial and error.
The teachers also discussed the spiritual growth of their students. Mrs. DiTommaso shared how they integrate faith into daily lessons, encouraging students to listen and obey God's word. They noticed significant growth in students' willingness to pray and support their classmates throughout the year.
Looking ahead, the teachers expressed excitement for the students' continued growth in third grade. They shared favorite activities, such as the immigration project, hands-on science experiments, and a marketplace unit where students create and run their own businesses. These activities not only enhance academic skills but also foster creativity, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving abilities.
As we conclude this school year, we are proud of the progress your children have made. We hope you have seen their growth and are excited for the next steps in their educational journey. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you and your children on campus next fall. Have a wonderful summer!

First Grade--Growth, Challenges, and Spiritual Formation

Hello, first grade families! Join us for a heartwarming episode featuring the first grade teaching team as they gather around the table to share their reflections on the growth, challenges, and spiritual formation of your kids. It's summertime, and we're excited to look back at the incredible journey your children have had this year.
1st Grade Team: Ariana Coules, Maggie Lacouture, Shannon Trueira
Meet Mrs. Maggie Lacouture, Ms. Shannon Trueira, and Ms. Ariana Coulis, who have dedicated themselves to nurturing and educating your children. Each teacher shares their passion for teaching and some fun facts about themselves, creating a personal connection with you, the parents.
Mrs. Lacouture shares touching stories about two particular students, highlighting their unique growth journeys. One student, confident in his abilities, learns humility and the importance of continuous challenge, while another overcomes resistance to reading, ultimately finding joy and confidence in his skills.
Ms. Coulis talks about the challenges faced in the classroom, particularly with double-digit addition. She praises the students for their perseverance and hard work, describing them as champions who tackled tough concepts and grew in their confidence and abilities.
Mrs. Trueira reflects on the spiritual growth of the students, emphasizing the importance of the weekly sing-alongs and the Good, Good Father play, which helped the kids understand God's love and support for one another. She also shares how daily prayers and making supportive cards for classmates contributed to their spiritual development.
Looking ahead to second grade, the teachers express their excitement for the students' continued growth. Mrs. Lacouture looks forward to seeing the students read chapter books and experience the chip system, while Ms. Coulis is eager for them to participate in Reader's Theater. Ms. Trueira is excited about the immigration project, where students will delve deeper into research and presentations.
For families new to PCA or those moving up from kindergarten, the teachers highlight the welcoming and supportive environment in first grade. They emphasize the significant growth in reading skills and the joy of watching students become more independent and confident in their abilities.
As the episode concludes, the team reflects on the lasting impact they have on their students' lives, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to teach and shape these young minds. They wish everyone a restful and exciting summer and look forward to reconnecting in August.
God bless you and see you on campus soon!

Kindergarten--Celebrating Growth through the ear at PCA

Hello, kindergarten families! Join us for an engaging discussion with the dedicated kindergarten team at PCA as we celebrate the growth and achievements of your children over the past year. In this episode, we sit down with Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Fritter, Mrs. McKeon, and Ms. Scola to reflect on the challenges and triumphs faced by our kindergarteners, how they’ve seen God work in their lives, and the excitement for what lies ahead in first grade.
Kindergarten Team (L to R): Aimee Fritter, Ruth Brown, Rachel McKeon, Sofia Scola
Meet the teachers: Mrs. Brown, a 31-year veteran with a passion for quilting, Mrs. Fritter, who loves playing pickleball, Mrs. McKeon, who transitioned from first grade to kindergarten this year, and Ms. Scola, who enjoys surfing and coaching volleyball. Each teacher shares unique insights into their students' growth and personal anecdotes that highlight the joy of teaching.
We delve into the metamorphosis of our young learners, likening their development to that of a butterfly, as they transition from preschool to a full day of kindergarten. Hear heartwarming stories of student growth, from overcoming challenges in handwriting to gaining confidence in writing and public speaking. The teachers emphasize the importance of partnering with parents to support their children’s development and the profound impact of peer support and teamwork in the classroom.
The episode also touches on the spiritual growth of our students, with stories of heartfelt prayers, acts of kindness, and service projects such as donating pajamas to foster children. The teachers share their excitement for the students' future, highlighting their readiness for first grade and the continued journey of learning and faith.
As we wrap up the school year, we look forward to welcoming a new group of kindergarteners and continuing to nurture their growth in a Christ-centered environment. Enjoy a restful and exciting summer, and we can't wait to see you back on campus in August!