PCA Podcasts

Dr. Connie Lawrence: Unlocking the Future of Education with AI

In this insightful, extended episode of "Mondays with Mike," we dive into the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education with Dr. Connie Lawrence, Dean Emeritus and esteemed teacher coach. As we approach the end of the first semester, Dr. Lawrence joins Mike to discuss the fast-evolving presence of AI in educational settings and its potential to revolutionize personalized learning.
The conversation explores the definition and scope of AI, its current applications in classroom settings, and the opportunities it presents for personalized education. Dr. Lawrence elaborates on adaptive learning tools like Lexia and Map Accelerator, which tailor educational experiences to meet students' unique needs, thereby enhancing learning efficiency and engagement.
Dr. Lawrence highlights the significance of maintaining a balance between digital and human elements in education. They discuss the safety concerns and ethical considerations surrounding AI, emphasizing the importance of developing digital literacy and critical thinking skills in students to navigate this new landscape responsibly.
The episode also touches on the critical role of human interaction in an AI-augmented world, stressing that AI should be viewed as a tool to enhance, but not replace, human creativity and communication. The necessity for lifelong learning and the skills needed to thrive in an AI-influenced future are thoroughly examined, pointing to the need for flexibility, curiosity, and soft skills among students.
Tune in to this engaging episode as we contemplate the future of AI in education and the strategies needed to ensure it serves as a beneficial, supportive tool within our learning environments.

Keeping PCA Safe and Healthy: Meet the Team

Welcome to the second week of 2025 at PCA. This episode marks the beginning of a series focused on the internal workings of our school, especially regarding safety and future planning. In today's discussion, we introduce two key figures dedicated to maintaining PCA as a safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment. You'll hear from our Chief Operations Officer, Steve Howe, and our Head Nurse, Jolene Sbrizza.
Steve Howe, with 24 years of Army experience and a rich background in education, oversees operations, security, facilities, and IT at PCA. His leadership is instrumental in ensuring the safety of our students through comprehensive planning and real-world security assessments.
Jolene Sbrizza, a PCA alumna and a seasoned cardiac nurse, leads our medical team in providing not only healthcare but also emotional support for students. Jolene's insights into mental health challenges faced by students highlight the importance of communication and community support in fostering a healthy school environment.
Both leaders emphasize the role of trained staff and volunteers in enhancing school safety and the importance of partnership with parents for effective communication and vigilant care. This episode provides an in-depth look into the systems and strategies in place to ensure the well-being of the PCA community.

"Reflections and Resolutions: Student Voices from the Seacoast"

Happy New Year, everyone! As we kick off 2025, we reflect on the past year and look forward to all that's to come. In this special episode, we're joined by four remarkable students from the Seacoast community: two eighth graders and two seniors. Together, they share personal insights and pivotal moments from 2024, touching on their mental, spiritual, and creative growth.
Elizabeth, a senior, opens up about overcoming stage fright and finding joy in theater, while Sarah, an eighth grader, reflects on the impactful community experience she gained through last year's musical. Isaac shares his journey of adapting to a new state and school, emphasizing the lesson of handling change with faith. Meanwhile, Russell narrates how a seemingly mundane Veterans Day workout sparked a deeper connection with his community.
As they prepare for future transitions, these students discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. They share invaluable lessons learned from their experiences, such as the importance of patience, seizing opportunities, and being kind to one another. Their stories offer a genuine and inspiring glimpse into the life of the Seacoast school community.
Join us on this journey of reflection and aspiration as we collectively trust in God's plan and look forward to what 2025 has to offer. Here's to growth, new beginnings, and a supportive community!

Heartfelt Reflections on Christmas: A Student-led Discussion

In this special pre-Christmas episode, we gather around the table with three amazing elementary students, Ellie from Dover, Jameson from Newfields, and Sarah from Strafford, who share their personal insights into the meaning of Christmas. These young voices offer powerful reflections on the holiday as a celebration of Jesus' birth and the importance of being kind and grateful.
Ellie, Jameson, and Sarah discuss their treasured family traditions, such as gatherings with loved ones, making gingerbread houses, and enjoying festive music and delicious food. Their heartfelt stories emphasize the joy, love, and blessings that Christmas brings to their lives.
The children also reflect on how their school, PCA, celebrates the season with meaningful activities like decorating a Christmas tree, setting up a nativity scene, and holding a special chapel. They share how these experiences deepen their understanding of the holiday's significance and express the warmth and unity that the season inspires.
Join us as we explore the thoughts and feelings of these thoughtful students, and discover how Christmas shines brightly through their experiences, touching hearts with the true spirit of the season.

Voices of Christmas: Middle School Reflections

Join us in this heartwarming episode as we sit down with middle school students Elijah, Elias, and Angie from PCA to explore the significance of Christmas in their lives and community. Elijah from Brentwood, Elias from Northampton, and Angie from Exeter each share their unique perspectives on what Christmas means to them, emphasizing themes of family, faith, and gratitude.
Through engaging conversations, the students reminisce about family traditions, from singing Christmas hymns with large family gatherings to creating teddy bear pastries and watching holiday classics like "White Christmas" and "The Grinch." Their stories reveal a common joy and excitement associated with the festive season, underlining the importance of coming together and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
The episode further delves into the vibrant Christmas celebrations at PCA, where the students participate in concerts and share the spirit of Christmas through music and outreach. Through heartfelt music performances and thoughtful reflections, these young voices bring a fresh perspective to the cherished traditions of the season.
As this episode wraps up, listeners are encouraged to embrace the joy and love of Christmas, deepening their understanding of its profound meanings and reaching out to share this joy with loved ones and the wider community. Let this episode be a reminder of the true spirit of Christmas, inspiring us to connect with God and others as we celebrate with gratitude and warmth.

Musical Journeys of PCA Students: From Auditions to Allstate

Join us as we delve into the inspiring musical journeys of PCA students who have recently made it to the New Hampshire Allstate auditions. These talented young musicians share their stories, revealing the years of practice, dedication, and passion that have led them to this prestigious selection.
In this episode, Simeon, Mason, Anna, Chloe Ts, and Chloe D. introduce themselves and their musical talents, discussing the excitement and challenges they face as they prepare for Allstate. Discover the influences and role models that have guided them, such as Mr. Stevens, a beloved choral director.
Listen as these students discuss the audition process and how they overcome self-imposed pressures and perfectionism. They candidly share experiences of teamwork, encouragement, and faith that play a vital role in their musical journey.
Each student reveals how their faith shapes their music, offering insights into the spiritual aspect of performing. Discover how they strive to glorify God through their art and the profound lessons they learn about confidence and trust in their abilities.
Gain valuable advice for young musicians aiming for excellence and learn how perseverance, trust, and community support can lead to success in music.
Whether you're an aspiring musician or a music enthusiast, this episode is full of wisdom and inspiration from young talents who are setting out on a remarkable path in music.

Meet Our Unsung Heroes: The Volunteers Who Make PCA Shine!

Welcome back to school after a festive Thanksgiving break! As we dive into the holiday season, bask in the glow of Christmas joy illuminating our school and community here in New England. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the lifeblood of our institution – our incredible volunteers. Join us as we spotlight the stories of these dedicated individuals who generously give their time, making a significant impact on the school community.
Meet Summer Heath, our dedicated volunteer coordinator, who shares her journey from a parent to an invaluable leader at PCA. Alongside her are three remarkable volunteers: Melissa Spaulding, Enid Band, and Jennifer O'Donnell, each sharing their unique stories and the transformative role volunteering plays in their lives. From coordinating events to lending a helping hand in classrooms and school activities, their contributions span far and wide.
Discover the multifaceted roles volunteers play, from art and sports support to handling logistics for school events and enhancing student experiences. These narratives unfold how volunteering fosters deeper connections between the school, students, and the broader community, reinforcing the values of service and togetherness.
Explore the heartfelt gratitude from students and staff alike, as volunteers share moments of joy and memorable experiences, embodying the spirit of community service. Their stories highlight how these acts of kindness resonate beyond the school walls, impacting lives and strengthening ties within our community.
Join the conversation and consider being part of this vibrant network that shapes the future of our children. Every act of volunteerism, big or small, enriches our collective journey, turning our school into a beacon of hope and a tapestry of shared memories.

Leading with Purpose: Student Leaders Share Insights on Small Group Dynamics

Join us for a special Thanksgiving episode where we sit down with four upper school spiritual leaders from PCA. As small group leaders, Charlie, Linnie, Jeremiah, and Mackenzie share their unique journeys and insights into the role of guiding their peers in faith and community. Discover how these students balance leadership with personal growth and the creative ways they foster connection within their groups.
Charlie, known for his kind attitude, aspires to own a business and discusses the challenges and rewards of leading a small group. Linnie, the writer of the group, dreams of a career in publishing and shares how her introverted group surprises her with deep insights. Jeremiah, a budding filmmaker, highlights the importance of genuine interest in others to build trust and community. Mackenzie, a singer, reflects on the impact of stepping into leadership for the first time and how it has enriched her faith journey.
The episode delves into the dynamics of small group meetings, from sharing weekly highs and lows to engaging in thoughtful discussions and prayer. The leaders also emphasize the importance of humility, active listening, and recognizing the diverse gifts each member brings to the table. They share personal stories of growth, the challenges of silence, and the joy of seeing their peers open up and connect.
As the conversation wraps up, the student leaders offer words of encouragement to future small group leaders, highlighting the significance of being faithful, trusting God, and embracing the unexpected. This episode is a testament to the power of student-led spiritual growth and the impact of community at PCA.
Wishing everyone a blessed Thanksgiving and looking forward to the Advent season ahead!

Behind the Curtain: Meet the Cast of PCA's Fall Productions

Welcome to a special edition of "Mondays with Mike," where we dive into the exciting world of PCA's fall theater productions. Join us as we meet the talented cast behind two highly anticipated shows: "Charlotte's Web" and "The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong." Recorded on the day of their final dress rehearsal, this episode gives you an insider's view into the lives of these young actors and actresses as they prepare for their sold-out performances.
In this episode, you'll hear from Jonah, Josiah, Grace, Emma, Lily, and Adam, who share their experiences and challenges in bringing their characters to life. From the complexities of performing a play within a play to managing the demands of schoolwork, sports, and theater, these students reveal the dedication and passion that drives them.
Discover what inspired them to step onto the stage and how theater has impacted their personal growth and faith journeys. You'll also learn about the hilarious and memorable moments they've shared during rehearsals and the valuable life lessons they've gained through their performances.
Whether you're an aspiring actor or simply a theater enthusiast, this episode offers a glimpse into the vibrant and supportive community at PCA. Tune in to be inspired by their stories and find out why theater is a powerful tool for building connections and showcasing creativity. Don't miss this chance to meet the stars of PCA's fall productions and hear their stories of courage, camaraderie, and artistic expression.
Join us in celebrating the talent and hard work of these young performers, and as always, we look forward to seeing you on campus soon.

Balancing Academics and Passion: Insights from Young Scholars

Welcome back to another inspiring episode where we sit down with three remarkable young scholars from PCA's upper school: Sophia, Mia, and Kennedy. These students, two juniors and one senior, share their experiences and insights on balancing academics, faith, extracurricular activities, and personal growth.
Meet Sophia, a junior who has been part of PCA since seventh grade and has a keen interest in AP Government. She shares her strategies for managing time effectively, juggling her responsibilities as a student and an athlete, and the importance of maintaining a routine that includes personal reflection and spiritual growth.
Next, Mia, a senior with a passion for science, talks about her journey from homeschooling to tackling a diverse range of science subjects, including marine science and sports medicine. She opens up about the challenges of balancing a busy schedule filled with soccer and dance, and how her faith provides the strength and motivation to excel academically and personally.
Kennedy, also a junior, discusses his love for math and how he navigates the pressures of academic excellence. He emphasizes the importance of communication with teachers, friends, and family, and shares his perspective on handling stress and maintaining a balanced life.
The episode delves into the pressures these students face, both self-imposed and external, and how they manage to stay focused and motivated. These PCA scholars share their personal stories and the role of faith in their lives, offering valuable advice on prioritizing sleep, nurturing relationships, and finding one's purpose.
Listen in as these young scholars provide encouragement to their peers and those following in their footsteps, emphasizing the importance of asking for help, avoiding comparisons, and understanding that grades do not define one's worth. This episode is a testament to the resilience and dedication of these students and their commitment to pursuing excellence while embracing grace.