PCA Podcasts

PCAP--Celebrating Our Preschoolers' Journey at PCA

Hello, PCA parents, specifically the PCAP parents. I am around a table with your kids' teachers, and you all are on summer break right now, which is great. And these great teachers are about to be on summer break after today. When you hear this, they will also be on summer break.
Pictured above (L to R, top to bottom): Harlee Tuttle, Beth Jones, Jodi Karnes, Sue Long. Not pictured are the other aides, teachers, and subs that make PCAP excel.
Before they all took off, I asked them to come together with me and share with you some of the things and some of the ways that they have seen your children grow this year, overcome challenges, and grow in faith as well. Well, not necessarily specifically, though they may have a couple of specific stories that they want to share with us that represent broader growth, but really to give you a bigger picture of what's been going on in preschool at PCA.
So I want them to quickly introduce themselves. You probably know one of them very well because of your experience, but you may not know them as a team. And there's even a bigger team of their aides and assistants who are not in the room today. Let’s start off with our PCAP director, Ms. Harlee.
Hi, everybody. I'm Harlee Tuttle, known as Ms. Harlee. I've been teaching for over 20 years and have been here at PCA for seven years. Fun fact about me. I love to go four wheeling. Our family, we each have our own four wheeler. And our favorite thing to do is find really big mud puddles.
Next, we have Ms. Jodi. I'm Jodi Karnes, and I have been in the education field off and on for about 20 years. I've been at PCA as an employee for 10 years and have filled different roles throughout my time here. But definitely my favorite is preschool by far. So I've been enjoying that. And my fun fact, I would say, is that I really love sloths, probably more than a typical adult should.
And finally, Ms. Beth. Hi, I'm Beth Jones, soon to be Beth Slater in October. I'm getting married. I have been at PCA. I just finished my 18th year as preschool teacher. I've been in the education department for over 20. And my fun fact, unlike Ms. Jodi, who loves sloths, I love owls. Owls are my favorite animal. But let's see what else. I have two children that started in the preschool here at PCA and graduated. My son graduated in 2014, my daughter in 2020. And just PCA is my home and my family, and I just love it.
Now, let’s talk about your students' growth as groups. If one of you would want to just share how you've seen your students grow holistically, like as a group or subgroups, over this year and just sort of paint that picture or share a story, that'd be great.
One of the biggest areas of growth across the board that we see in preschool is that social-emotional growth. Some of them are very timid, unsure of what it will be like to be away from mom and dad, what it will mean to be with new friends and new teachers, and just watching how over time they develop these relationships. Their confidence grows tremendously. They make really strong connections with their friends, with their teachers, and you can tell that they just feel really safe here at school. As you watch them engage with all of their friends, that's the most exciting thing.
Another significant area of growth is their self-efficacy. At the start of the year, they don't know that they can do things. They don't view themselves as being capable. By the end of the year, they blossom so much. Like, I had a student at the beginning that refused to do things that were hard for him. By the end of the year, the pride in what he accomplished was evident on his face.
Additionally, we see their growth in practical skills like opening a snack package or zipping a coat. These are achievable things, but maybe this is their first school experience and maybe this is their first time doing those things away from home. Often as parents, we rush right in to help, but in a classroom setting, it's just not feasible to have all your students needing those types of things. So in the Firefly Room, the first month of school is about learning how to take care of oneself.
One of the things that we did in the Frogs class this year at the milestone at the end of the year was to ask them a series of questions about their school year. One of the questions was, what was something that used to be hard for you to do at the start of the school year that is now something you can do well? One of my favorite responses is from this little guy who at the start of the year had a really hard time writing his name. At the milestone, he proudly said, writing my name.
We also focus on their ability to form relationships and solve problems with one another. They learn to socialize, make friends, share, and problem-solve. They communicate effectively by the end of the year and enjoy being with one another.
As we prepare to hand these children off to the next stage, we are excited for them to face new challenges, learn to read, and continue growing. We feel protective of them and want them to have the same kind of experience that they've had this year with us.
Spiritually, we see them grow in their understanding of faith and God’s love. They learn what faith means and how to shine God's light for others. They start to see God's light in other people, which is absolutely amazing. For instance, one of my students decided to be baptized this year, which was a significant spiritual milestone for her.
Overall, it has been a great year filled with tremendous growth, both academically and spiritually. We are excited to see what the future holds for these amazing children. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of their journey.

Fine Arts--The Harmonious Journey, A Year of Growth

Summary: Welcome back, PCA community! In this episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with our incredible Fine Arts team to reflect on the past year's journey. Our dedicated educators share their experiences, insights, and the remarkable growth they've observed in our students. From music and theater to visual arts, you'll hear firsthand how your children have developed both individually and collectively.
The PCA Fine Arts Team: Tiffany Schifano, Susie Stevens, Katrina Veno, Moriah Nadeau, Wes Raines, Autumn Zent (not pictured, but very present!)
We start with Mrs. Tiffany Schifano, our Fine Arts Director, who brings 18 years of choral classroom experience to PCA. She discusses her role in overseeing the department and teaching various choir and theater classes. Mrs. Schifano also shares her love for jazz music and the emerging theme of jazz at PCA.
Mr. Wes Raines, the Upper School Choral Director and AV director, reflects on his first year at PCA. He talks about the diverse skill levels in his choirs and the challenges of balancing advanced and beginner singers. Mr. Rains highlights the importance of mentorship, student leadership, and fostering a lifelong love for the arts.
Mrs. Katrina Veno, who teaches bands and jazz bands from 4th to 12th grade, shares a heartwarming story about her beginning band students. She describes their journey from assembling instruments to playing full songs, emphasizing the importance of early musical education and intrinsic motivation.
Mrs. Moriah Nadeau, the Middle and Upper School art teacher, expresses her excitement for the upcoming sculpture class. She discusses the importance of safety and the joy of working with engaging materials like wood and wire. Mrs. Nadeau also reflects on the enthusiasm of her students and the energizing effect it has on her.
Mrs. Susie Stevens, who teaches K-5 art and 4-8 orchestras, talks about the spiritual growth she has observed among her students. She highlights the safe and supportive environment at PCA that allows students to explore and express their faith through art and music. Mrs. Stevens shares a touching story about a first grader's artwork featuring a rainbow and the message "God loves everyone."
Wrapping up, Mrs. Schifano provides an overview of the year's highlights, including a successful theater season, an expanded visual art show, a new concert series, and increased student leadership opportunities. She praises the dedication and hard work of the Fine Arts team, which has made all these achievements possible.
This episode is a celebration of the incredible growth, creativity, and teamwork demonstrated by our students under the guidance of their passionate teachers. We hope you enjoy this glimpse into the vibrant world of PCA's Fine Arts program and look forward to another exciting year ahead.
Thank you for joining us. God bless you, and we'll see you on campus soon!

Mosaic--Nurturing Potential

Hello, PCA parents. In this episode, we sit down with the dedicated Mosaic team at PCA, the teachers who support and challenge your students to help them grow into their full potential. As the school year comes to a close, we wanted to share some of their reflections and thoughts on the progress made over the past year.
 
PCA's Mosaic Team (L to R): Liberty Roets, Matt Compagna, Louise Beal, Mikaela McGillick, and Karen Coppinger
We start by introducing the team members in a more personal way. Mrs. Louise Beal, the speech pathologist and Director of the Mosaic Program, shares her journey and love for nature. Mrs. Karen Coppinger, with her expertise in learning disabilities and special education, talks about her passion for baseball. Mrs. Mikaela McGillick, who transitioned from teaching third grade to joining the Mosaic team, discusses her interests in bird watching and horseback riding. Mrs. Liberty Roets, a reading specialist, highlights her love for spending time outdoors with her family. Lastly, Mr. Matt Campagna, known as Mr. C, shares his background in ESL and special education, and his multicultural heritage.
The team discusses their focus on student growth over achievement and how they foster a positive learning environment. Mrs. Roets emphasizes the importance of social and emotional development, sharing an example of a student who gained confidence and improved academically. The team highlights the significance of positive reinforcement and building strong relationships with students.
They also address the challenges students face and the strategies used to overcome them. Mrs. Coppinger shares a story of a student with dyslexia who, through understanding his learning process and receiving proper interventions, gained confidence and spoke about his experience to his classmates. Mr. Campagna discusses the importance of organization and time management skills, sharing how he worked with a student to develop a personalized system for keeping track of assignments.
The Mosaic Team emphasizes the importance of seeing students through the lens of Christ, recognizing their unique strengths and talents, and encouraging them to grow. They work closely with homeroom teachers and principals to provide a comprehensive support system for students. The team also celebrates the success of students who have met their goals and are ready to transition out of the Mosaic program, ensuring a smooth transition and continued support as needed.
For new families or those just discovering their child's need for extra support, the Mosaic Team assures them of the proper care, respect, and appropriate challenges their child will receive. They highlight the collaborative effort between teachers, parents, and students to maximize each child's God-given potential.
The episode concludes with the team looking forward to the next school year, sharing their excitement for the continued growth and development of their students. As they head into their well-deserved summer break, they express their commitment to recharging and preparing for another year of nurturing and guiding students at PCA.
We hope you have a restful and exciting summer, and we look forward to seeing you on campus soon!

Reflecting on Growth and Achievement: A Summer Update from PCA

Hello PCA families,
It's summer vacation, and this is Mike with you on this Monday afternoon. We're about 10 days into the break, and I want to take the next 10 minutes or so to reflect on this past year. Last week, we had our faculty here for Consolidation Week, where we reviewed curriculum, data, and grades, and discussed how to make next year even better. We celebrated our achievements and farewelled each other for the summer, handing out awards to faculty and staff, and enjoying a lunch together.
Christy and I celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary on Saturday, followed by a wonderful Father's Day. I hope your summer is starting off as great as ours.
I did something last week that I haven't done in my five years here, and I was thinking of you and the faculty while doing it. I'll share more about that soon, but first, let's talk about growth and achievement at PCA.
As you know, we emphasize growth in all areas: academically, physically, spiritually, and relationally. Some of you have asked how we gauge and measure growth, so I want to explain our three primary ways: testimony, trophies, and trends.
Testimony: This is what people tell us about your child's growth. Teachers, students, and parents share stories and examples, which are very compelling. One example is how teachers use writing samples from the beginning and end of the year to measure progress. Commencement is another key testimony, showcasing the growth and achievement of our graduating class (see the link below). These stories make your eyes light up and highlight the development of your child as they grow into their God-given potential.
Trophies: These are not just literal trophies but also standards of excellence. Report cards, awards ceremonies, and standardized test scores indicate levels of achievement. These marks show when students meet or exceed expectations, demonstrating both growth and excellence.
Trends: This is the data that shows overall progress.  Later in the month, I'll share some of the trends we've observed.
Summary. I mentioned earlier that I did something last week I haven't done before, and I had you in mind. What am I talking about? I sat down with your child's teachers and interviewed them--I got their first-person testimony.
These were so inspiring that, in the coming week, I will send you their Testimonies about the growth and challenges your child and classmates overcame this year.  Next week and into the July 4th holiday, I will share more on Trends. As I have reviewed the data already, and as Dr. Lawrence and others review it as well, I can say we are seeing some really positive trends, especially in certain areas we have focused on. This year has been among our very best since I have been here, with unprecedented growth and achievement. I can't wait to share more details with you.
As you enjoy your summer vacation, please take a moment to think about this and pray for us. There's a lot of maintenance work happening on campus to prepare for next year. We also have Eagle Camp and ongoing athletic practices. Wherever you are, we hope you find rest and adventure. God bless you, and we'll be back with more soon!

Scholars of PCA: A Journey of Academic Excellence and Personal Growth

Hi, everyone. Welcome back to the next episode in PCA's podcast series. I am Mike Runey, head of school here at PCA. Today, we have the privilege of hearing from four remarkable Upper School scholars who embody the values and mission of PCA to the core. Throughout this year, we've highlighted our missions club, fine arts, and athletics, showcasing the diverse talents and dedication of our students. Today, we turn our focus to our scholars, exploring their academic journeys, their growth as young Christians, and their aspirations for the future.
Our goal today is to dive deeper into what makes PCA a nurturing ground for excellence, joy, curiosity, and compassionate community. These students will share their experiences, challenges, and insights, illustrating how PCA is shaping them into well-rounded individuals of character who are centered on Christ and ready to impact the world for good. 
Join us as Gideon Beal, Louisa Henker, Phoebe Gaulin, and Mavrick Burgess share their favorite subjects, academic challenges, and the study habits that have propelled them forward. Discover how their faith influences their studies and interactions, and learn about the supportive and compassionate community that PCA fosters. Hear about their goals for the future and their reflections on the past academic year, offering a glimpse into the dedication and resilience of our students.
This episode is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our scholars, providing inspiration and insight into the vibrant academic and spiritual life at PCA. Don't miss this engaging conversation that highlights the essence of what makes PCA a special place for nurturing young minds and hearts.

Rising Leaders: Meet PCA’s Promising Student-Athletes

Welcome back! In this episode, we introduce some of Portsmouth Christian Academy’s underclassmen who are stepping into leadership roles within their sports teams. Meet Lexi Jordan, Brayden Leland, and Ava Buchanan as they share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations for the future.
Lexi talks about her journey in varsity volleyball and soccer, inspired by her role models and the support from her dad. Brayden reflects on the importance of community support in sports and recounts overcoming injuries to continue his passion for soccer, basketball, and baseball. Ava discusses handling pressure and expectations in high-stakes moments, such as her crucial free throws in a playoff basketball game.
The trio also delves into the impact of injuries on their athletic journeys, the significance of fan support, and their hopes for building a stronger community at PCA through sports. They share heartfelt tributes to senior athletes who have inspired them and express their excitement for the upcoming seasons.
Join us to hear these inspiring stories and get a glimpse of the bright future ahead for PCA’s sports teams. Let’s go Eagles!

Voices of PCA: Senior Athletes Reflect on Faith, Sports, and Leadership

Welcome to the PCA community podcast! In this episode, we sit down with three senior student-athletes from PCA to hear their inspiring stories. Timothy Kelm, Tatiana Stockbower, and Isaac Kohl share their experiences in varsity sports, how their faith has shaped their character, and their thoughts on leadership and the future.
Listen as Timothy discusses the influence of his coaches on and off the field, Tatiana highlights overcoming team challenges, and Isaac reflects on the importance of leadership in sports. Whether you're a student, parent, or sports enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable insights and heartfelt moments.
Join us for an engaging conversation that celebrates the spirit of teamwork, community support, and the pursuit of excellence. Go Eagles!

Reflections on Memorial Day: Remembering...

Hello, PCA community. This is Mike Runey, and it is Memorial Day. I'd like to take some time today, just less than 10 minutes, to share some reflections on this important day of commemoration and remembrance.
While it's easy to mix up Veterans Day and Memorial Day, it's crucial to understand that Memorial Day is dedicated to remembering those who died in service to our nation. This tradition began after the Civil War and has evolved into a national holiday, recognized since 1971 during the Vietnam War.
For many veterans, today is a significant day of remembrance. If you know a veteran, I encourage you to be sensitive and inquire about their well-being. Connecting with them can be a meaningful way to honor this day.
Personally, I've been reflecting on my service and the incredible men and women I served with. They believed you were worth the sacrifice, regardless of your background or beliefs. As Christians, we follow a God who deemed us worthy of the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus laid down His life for us, and we remember those who did the same on Memorial Day.
So amidst the celebrations and cookouts, let's take a moment to reflect on what this day means for us personally, as a community, and as a nation. It's more than the start of summer; it's a call to joyfully follow our Lord and serve the world He loves.
Thank you for listening. There'll be an additional podcast tomorrow with great interviews from some amazing student athletes. God bless you.

Inspiring Stories of Service from a Missionary Trip to Puerto Rico

In a heartfelt conversation, "Youth on a Mission: Inspiring Stories of Service from a Missionary Trip to Puerto Rico" host Mike Runey sits down with a group of inspiring young missionaries who narrate their transformative experiences on a service-oriented trip to Puerto Rico. By overcoming hurdles such as the language barrier, cultural differences, and physical work, these dedicated students share personal anecdotes about their journey and the profound impact it had on growth.
Relive their experience, from Rachel's powerful connection with local citizens through prayer, Noah’s moment of conquering his struggle with Spanish, to Tatum's joy in serving at a local school, and Connor's humorous yet significant 'Gringo Michael Jordan' moment. Despite the different levels of Spanish education they've had, these young missionaries testify about how this journey led them to a better understanding of themselves and the world beyond their comfort zones.
The discussion emphasizes the importance of prayer, community, overcoming challenges and transcending cultural and language barriers. It offers insight into the transformative power of service, and elucidates the themes of accountability, positive community impact, and the invaluable connections built through prayer.
Learn about their fears of losing the profound impact of the journey with time, and how they plan to maintain the transformations that this service trip sparked in their lives. Their passion and commitment to service will inspire listeners to ponder upon the transformative power of service; not just to make a difference in the lives of others, but also to allow own lives to be changed for the better.
Listen in to be moved and inspired by these young individuals, as their stories remind us how service has the power to transform both ourselves and the world around us.

Faith, Joy, & Excellence from 6 PCA Artists

In this extended episode (40 minutes) of Mondays with Mike, host Mike Runey invites a diverse group of PCA actors, musicians, and artists to share their experiences, challenges, and spiritual evolvement framed in the realm of fine arts program. Discover how these students, bound by a mutual love for art and faith, use their creativity as a medium to deepen their connection with faith.
Listen as Anna, Levi, Chloe, Eric, and Owen share their individual journeys, discussing their roles and inspiring visions in music, theater, and leadership at the PCA. From Anna's choir anecdotes to Levi's experiences in Black Box shows, Chloe's successful balancing act between chapel team and rehearsals, Eric's musical explorations in worship, and Owen's innovative plans for the Fine Arts program, their narratives are powerfully captivating.
Our episode also has Josiah narrate his transformative journey in theater, and the influence of faith in his pursuit for perfection. Anna and Levi convey the metamorphoses in their artistic journey driven by trust, confidence, and an endeavor to conquer personal setbacks while Chloe and Eric underscore the significance of integrating faith and passion. Finally, Owen ends the episode stressing the impact of robust leadership in theater.
Each of these unique narratives combined highlights developed patience, perseverance, faith, and wisdom —qualities cultivated by the challenges they faced, solidifying their passion for arts and their faith together, to high standards. But more importantly, the episode brings to the fore the endless potential of young talent at the intersection of being a Christian and an artist.
From these young talents' excitement about their upcoming shows, gratitude for supportive theater directors and community, to the comprehensive theater experience they enjoyed over the years, this episode is sure to inspire you.