PCA Podcasts

PCA Athletics Kickoff: Coaches, Teams, and a Faith-Forward Season

On this Labor Day Monday, I share my recent conversation with PCA Athletic Director Derek Summers and several coaches to kick off the fall athletics season. Derek, who has led the program since 2012, outlines the program’s core goals: get kids active, provide participation opportunities, teach each role on a team, and compete while growing in skill and faith.
Coaches share updates and hopes for their teams: Kevin Carriero discusses a strong volleyball program that has earned academic honors and deep postseason runs; Keith Teeter and Daphne Corso describe cross-country’s growth, summer training and a boys team ranked in the state top 10; Hailey DeMello highlights a growing middle school volleyball program with 19 players; Eddie Warren and Josh Chamberlain update listeners on boys soccer, with a 20-player varsity roster; and Derek closes with women’s soccer plans.
The episode emphasizes character, teamwork, and spiritual growth alongside competition. Coaches describe middle school development, JV preparation for varsity, and the importance of volunteers — including a request for more help in volleyball. You are invited to support the teams, attend games and meets, and prayerfully follow the season.
Season details mentioned: Division placements (mostly D4 competing at times in D3), roster sizes (volleyball varsity 11/JV 9; cross-country boys 11; middle school volleyball 19; soccer 20), recent achievements, and local rivalries to watch. The conversation closes with encouragement from the AD and coaches to get involved and, as always, "Go Eagles!"

Welcome, New Families: PCA’s Vision for Faith, Academics & Community

Welcome to the 25-26 school year! Our Monday's with Mike's podcast goal is to share a long-view perspective on how God is at work at PCA in students, faculty, staff, coaches, and mentors.
Enrollment director Stephen Levitt joins to share why families choose PCA. The top reasons are Christian faith formation, strong academics integrated with faith and purpose, and a close-knit community where children are known and encouraged. Families value opportunities in athletics, arts, and co-curriculars, and many are eager to engage as volunteers and community members. The school welcomes over 100 new students this year, including legacy families.
Chief storyteller Nate Paul outlines practical ways families can stay informed without feeling overwhelmed: follow classroom and coach communications, and rely on PCA’s predictable weekly email cadence—Mondays for schoolwide communications and marketing, Tuesdays for development, Wednesdays for fine arts and athletics, Thursdays at 2:00 PM for the all-school weekly calendar, and Fridays for principal-level messages. Social media, the PCA Community page, the PCA Drive carpool page, the monthly blog, and the PCA Parents webpage (pcaschool.org/new-families and pcaschool.org/parents) provide additional windows into campus life.
Mike closes by encouraging families to join the community, respect healthy communication boundaries (no planned weekend or Sunday messages except emergencies), and look forward to a year of growth and partnership between home, church, and school. He invites everyone to upcoming open house events and to engage with PCA as the year unfolds.

Ready Week: PCA Gears Up for a Powerful 25–26 School Year

Join Mike Runey as he shares a short Ready Week update as staff and faculty return and final preparations are made for your arrival. The school is busy getting everything ready for the start of the 2025–26 school year and is excited to welcome students and families next week.
Key communications to watch for include the weekly Peak of the Week (issued Thursday afternoons) and emails from your child’s principal. Principals include Ms. Harley Tuttle (Preschool, 3–4 year olds), Dr. Carrie Abood (Lower School, K–5), Mrs. Lois Blatchley (Middle School, 6–8), and Mr. Jordan Hecklemann (Upper School, 9–12). If you need help finding information, contact Mike at mruney@pcaschool.org.
Upper school updates: schedules were published last week, laptops are being distributed, and there is an add/drop period like college. For schedule or course questions contact Mr. Jordan Hecklemann; for add/drop help contact Mr. Nate Hastie.
Mike highlights the strength of PCA’s teaching team: called Christian educators who meet both secular and Christian accreditation standards and who are committed to ongoing professional growth to help students reach their potential academically, spiritually, socially, and creatively.
Listen to Mike’s Monday podcast for the school’s academic vision, student voices, and conversations about raising the next generation of Christian servant leaders. As families prepare, he encourages prayer, conversations with your children about hopes and fears, and following principals’ directions for first-day details.
Practical reminders: for preschool through middle school there will be an open-house-style start on Monday; upper school will welcome freshmen and new students as we begin Welcome Week next week. The school staff is praying for and ready to greet your family — see you on campus soon.

Envisioning the Future: A New Academic Vision for 25-26

Welcome to another episode of "Mondays with Mike," a podcast from PCA where host Mike Runey engages in inspiring conversations about the transformative power of education and community. In this episode, Mike is joined by Nate Paul, a chief storyteller from PCA's advancement team, to discuss the newly unveiled academic vision for the upcoming school year. Aimed at fostering the holistic development of students, this vision sets the course for 2025-2026 and beyond, focusing on six key areas of growth.
The conversation highlights the importance of establishing a clear academic vision and explores why it is vital for PCA's community. Through shared insights from both Mike and Nate, listeners will gain an understanding of how PCA plans to empower its students by emphasizing spiritual growth, academic excellence, creative expression, leadership opportunities, and balanced integration of technology.
Additionally, the episode delves into the broader implications of this vision, encouraging collaboration among students, parents, and educators to maximize each child's potential in a Christ-centered environment. As PCA prepares students for a rapidly changing world, this academic vision serves as a roadmap to guide and inspire students to not only thrive academically but to also flourish as compassionate, creative, and resilient individuals. Join the discussion and explore how PCA is paving the way for a brighter future for all its students.

Unlocking the Future: PCA's Journey into AI and Education

Welcome back, PCA families! In this week's engaging episode, we dive into the evolving world of artificial intelligence in education. This is the third installment of our four-part series focusing on the future of learning at our school. Our discussion is led by Dr. Connie Lawrence, Dean Emeritus at PCA, an innovative educator and seasoned researcher, celebrated for her insights into child development and AI.
During this captivating conversation, Dr. Lawrence shares her journey with AI, explaining the different types of artificial intelligence and its current applications in education, particularly Narrow AI tools like Grammarly and Lexia used at PCA. She explores how these technologies provide tailored learning experiences and critical feedback, enabling educators to enhance teaching practices and foster individual growth in students without replacing the essential human element of teaching.
Further, Dr. Lawrence and our host delve into the potential risks of AI in compromising deep learning and the critical importance of balancing technology with human interaction in education. They emphasize the value of promoting critical thinking, curiosity, and resilience in students, while considering the ethical implications and transparency required in AI usage.
This episode is essential for parents and educators who are keen on understanding AI's role in shaping educational experiences and ensuring students thrive in a technology-rich world while maintaining the integrity and depth of human learning.

Rediscovering the Joy of Reading in the Digital Age

Welcome back to Mondays with Mike, a podcast aimed at fostering wisdom and partnership within the PCA community, including our students, faculty, staff, and parents. In this episode, we delve deep into the power of reading in the digital age.
With the surging influence of AI, how do we preserve the proven tradition of reading that has shaped thoughtful and well-rounded individuals through generations? Our guest, Susan Arico, a PCA parent and literary consultant, is back with us to explore the profound role books play in forming virtues, truth, and beauty in young minds.
We kick off by examining how reading practices have evolved and why literature remains indispensable. Susan shares insights on the contrasting effects of consuming visual media versus immersing in textual narratives. With personal anecdotes and thought-provoking analogies, she advocates for reading as an essential vehicle for developing imagination, resilience, and deep human connectedness.
The episode unfolds with an engaging dialogue on the challenges posed by modern educational trends where reading comprehensive books is becoming rare. Drawing from articles and research, we discuss the implications of a fragmented attention span and explore remedies to retain meaningful learning experiences through literature.
In an era dominated by technological influence, we ponder strategies to inculcate a love for reading in our children while acknowledging individual differences in reading preferences. Susan sheds light on the dynamic relationship between old classics and new writings, encouraging a balanced literary diet, enriched through family read-aloud sessions and diverse media like audiobooks.
Join us for this enriching conversation as we aim to restore the premium of reading in our fast-paced world, and ensure that our children can access the timeless wisdom and virtues embedded in literature.

Navigating the Future: Hope and Faith as Our Visionary Compass

Welcome to another episode of "Mondays with Mike," where we embark on a journey to elevate our perspective as we prepare the next generation with wisdom, faith, and courage. Mike Runey, a seasoned leader with a deep military background, initiates a thought-provoking four-part series that challenges us to look deeper into the future, much like he did in his former role anticipating global security shifts.
This episode dives into the fracture points around the world that are shaping our present and future, highlighting the need for clarity and hope in navigating these turbulent times. Mike emphasizes the importance of anchoring ourselves in the enduring truth of God's presence and explores how this belief can guide us through the challenges our children will face.
We explore various megatrends that are expected to shape the coming decades, including the persistence of information conflicts, the growing emphasis on mental health, the changing landscape of education, and the significant shifts in global demographics. Runey stresses that while these trends present challenges, they also open up opportunities for flourishing, provided we nurture our children's ability to stand firm and take action, as inspired by the timeless wisdom of the book of Daniel.
Join us as we delve into the essential pillars of a Christ-centered education, fostering competition, curiosity, and joy, and shaping resilient individuals who are prepared to thrive in a dynamic world. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes as we continue to explore key topics, including reading in the digital age and the impact of AI on education.

Reflecting on America's Journey: Embracing History and Heritage

Welcome to a special episode of Mondays with Mike, where we dive into the rich tapestry of American history as our nation steps into its 250th year. As we reflect on Independence Day and the remarkable journey that has brought us to this historical milestone, we explore the profound idea that history is more than just names and dates - it is a form of discipleship and an opportunity to pass on our values to the next generation.
In this episode, Mike shares his family's personal connection to America's founding, detailing the bravery and sacrifices of ancestors who stood for liberty and rebuilt lives amidst adversity. From Captain Robert Monroe's valor at Lexington Green to the resilience of the Rooney family during the Battle of Bunker Hill, these stories exemplify trust in God and dependence on community during times of challenge.
We journey through significant events from July 1775 to July 1776, including the forming declarations of independence and the tension surrounding General Washington in New York. Hear about the pivotal moments and internal conflicts that shaped a burgeoning nation on the brink of declaring its independence.
As Portsmouth Christian Academy embarks on this significant year, there lies an opportunity to connect history with purposeful education and to share diverse stories within our community. We are called to reflect on our legacies, acknowledge God's role in our journey, and prepare our children for the future with wisdom and justice.
Join us in commemorating America 250, as we celebrate personal stories, acknowledge our collective past, and take part in shaping how the next generations perceive our nation's history. Let's walk faithfully together, ensuring that the narratives of our diverse community continue to inspire and guide the principles of freedom and dignity.

Unveiling Insights from PCA's Feedback Surveys

Welcome to an insightful episode of "Mondays with Mike," where Mike Runey, head of school at Portsmouth Christian Academy (PCA), wraps up a significant four-part series. In this episode, Mike discusses the comprehensive feedback received from the Spring Parents Survey, student surveys, and staff and faculty surveys, which reflect the perspectives of the broad PCA community.
With over 300 parents responding, representing nearly 40% of PCA's moms and dads, the surveys provide a robust foundation for understanding the school's strengths and areas for growth. Mike highlights the core strength of PCA, emphasizing the shared value of having Christ at the center, and the appreciation for the teachers' Christ-like care and commitment to nurturing the students.
Mike also addresses key areas for improvement, such as enhancing math and science education in the Upper School in particular, fostering stronger student-to-student relationships, and improving parent-teacher communication. The episode delves into parents' concerns regarding how well their children are achieving their potential and discusses efforts to enhance communication about student growth and progress.
Celebrating the achievements, Mike reveals the impressive performance of PCA students, who are scoring in the top 10% nationally in math. This achievement is complemented by strong results in reading and language usage throughout the grades, signaling the success of the sustained academic efforts at PCA. Yet, he also acknowledges that this doesn't line up with some families' experiences and confidence yet in how their kids are growing into their God-given potential. 
In closing, Mike expresses gratitude for the PCA community's dedication and highlights the commitment to growth and improvement. He reassures listeners that PCA will continue working toward excellence, with a special focus on nurturing students' spiritual growth and academic excellence. As the community heads into the summer, Mike offers his prayers and best wishes for a restful and fulfilling break, while anticipating further school developments and preparing for the upcoming school year.

Inspiring Growth: Tales from the STEM Classroom

In this engaging episode, join host Jordan Heckelmann as he sits down with key members of the STEM team at the upper school. Featuring life science teacher Jesse Graustein, math educator Bekah Shoemaker, and chemistry expert Ethan Littlefield, the discussion delves into the growth and accomplishments of students over the past year. Each educator shares inspiring stories of students overcoming challenges and thriving in various scientific and mathematical pursuits.
The episode highlights memorable moments, from a student's victorious mastery of complex taxonomy memorization to the joyful perseverance of an Algebra I class eager to tackle challenging concepts. These anecdotes reflect the importance of growth mindsets and the power of grit, resilience, and curiosity.
Listeners will also learn about future plans, including innovative project-based learning in marine science and the integration of real-world data into statistics classes. The educators reflect on the invaluable lessons they've gathered throughout the year, and the importance of finding joy in the small moments amidst life's challenges.
This episode is not only a celebration of students' successes but also a testament to the dedicated educators who tirelessly nurture curiosity and confidence, preparing their students for bright futures in STEM fields.