PCA Podcasts

Behind the Scenes: A Deep Dive into Upper School Student and Leader Journey

Join Jordan Heckelmann as he converses with pivotal members of the Upper School team at PCA, who, though not always in classroom roles, have a profound impact on student growth and leadership development. In this insightful episode, meet Ellen Sporko, the Leadership Development Coordinator; Amy St. John, the indispensable Administrative Assistant; and Brianna Young, the enthusiastic Academic Advisor.
Discover the dynamics of leadership evolution at PCA, from stepping into roles with uncertainty to realizing one's potential and making significant contributions to the school community. Ellen shares inspiring stories of students transitioning into confident leaders, particularly through the evolution of worship night events, initiated and executed by students.
Amy St. John provides a front-row view of daily acts of growth, such as students mastering essential skills and embracing new challenges, while also nurturing a thriving prayer community within the school.
Brianna Young reflects on guiding ninth and tenth graders as they explore their identities and future aspirations. From the hectic early stages of high school adjustment to taking on leadership roles, her observations are a testament to the supportive infrastructure that PCA offers.
This podcast episode paints a vivid picture of how PCA's comprehensive approach extends beyond academics, cultivating both personal and communal growth. Explore how the Upper School team's roles complement the educational journey of each student, as they prepare to impact the world positively.

Reflections and Revelations: Humanities Faculty Insights on Student Growth

Join Jordan Hecklemann from PCA's Upper School in this insightful episode as he engages with a panel of dedicated faculty members reflecting on the remarkable growth observed during the 2024 school year. The conversation kicks off with introductions from Steve Foley, Ray Gamble, Joy Eisner, and Adam Abood, each sharing the unique courses they taught and the challenges they faced.
Dive into inspiring stories of student development, like the transformation of a homeschool student flourishing in English under Steve Foley's guidance, or Joy Eisner’s Spanish class where students engaged deeply with complex topics like immigration. Witness the power of Socratic seminars and discussions in Mr. Aboud's biblical ethics class, enhancing students' confidence and critical thinking abilities.
Discover the educators' commitment to lifelong learning and continuous improvement, unveiling plans for the upcoming school year. From introducing innovative assessments to exploring new subjects, the faculty is eager to enhance the student experience further.
Parents and community members are encouraged to contribute to this educational journey, understanding the pivotal role they play in nurturing curiosity and supporting academic pursuits beyond the classroom. A heartfelt thank you to the faculty for their unwavering dedication and to the parents for their partnership in fostering an environment of growth and learning.
Expectations are high for another impactful year at PCA, as educators and learners alike prepare to embark on new adventures in education.

PCAP Minnows--From Comfort Zones to Classrooms, a Journey of Growth

In this enlightening episode, join Harley Tuttle, the dedicated preschool director at Portsmouth Christian Academy Preschool, affectionately known as PCAP, as she explores the incredible stories of growth and development witnessed in preschoolers. Accompanied by the fantastic PCAP faculty and staff, Harley delves into the world of three-year-old students making the significant transition from home to school environments.
The episode begins with Harley introducing the energetic and passionate three-year-old teaching team, Michelle Poulin and Holly Goldrup, who share their insights and observations. They highlight the profound impact of this transition on young children, who are moving into a new world of learning beyond their comfort zones.
Listeners will be touched by stories like that of a shy student who, at the beginning of the year, stood on the periphery of classroom activities but gradually blossomed into a confident and social member of the class. The discussion underscores the remarkable adaptability and growth potential of children when they are nurtured in a safe and welcoming environment.
As the conversation progresses, educators share their strategies for fostering development, emphasizing the importance of balancing structured plans with the flexibility to meet each child's needs. The episode concludes on an uplifting note, celebrating the boundless growth that occurs when educators prioritize fun, love, and understanding in early education.

PCAP Pollywogs--From Challenges to Triumphs: A Year of Growth

This episode takes us into the heart of PCAP's Pollywogs class, guided by the experienced teacher Ms. Beth, who shares her reflections on her students' remarkable journey of growth throughout the year. With almost two decades at PCA, Ms. Beth witnesses firsthand the profound development in her students, particularly in their social-emotional skills.Under Ms. Beth’s care, the children showed amazing progress in becoming socially and emotionally resilient. Many little ones transformed into confident young individuals, learning to initiate and sustain friendships, and even resolving minor conflicts independently. This development laid a robust foundation for emotional resilience and self-reliance as they mastered everyday tasks, from dressing themselves to making simple choices.Ms. Beth emphasizes the joy and pride she feels watching her students evolve, like when a child who struggled early in the year joyfully demonstrates newfound independence by successfully completing tasks. She speaks passionately about the importance of nurturing a safe environment where children understand it’s okay to make mistakes, fostering a setting where love, respect, and faith play crucial roles in their development.

PCAP Butterflies--Unveiling Early Literacy Magic: A Teacher's Journey

In this episode, join Miss Betsy Hickey as she takes us on a heartfelt journey through her teaching career, from her time as a kindergarten teacher to her current role in preschool education. With a passion for social-emotional and academic growth, Miss Betsy shares her insights on the incredible development that occurs within a single school year, especially focusing on the foundational skills of reading.
Discover the magic of early literacy as Miss Betsy talks about the significance of phonemic awareness and how it plays a critical role in young children's reading journey. She explains how multisensory teaching methods, using tools such as shaving cream, sand, and songs, make letter learning a fun and engaging experience for preschoolers.
Miss Betsy also unveils the success of using "Teaching Strategies Gold" to track student progress, highlighting that the greatest growth was noted in literacy and math. Through intentional and creative instruction, preschoolers not only learned to identify letter sounds but also developed skills in phonetic spelling and writing, paving the way for their future success as confident readers.
Join us as we celebrate the joy and rewards of teaching, where Miss Betsy Hickey shares the gratifying moments of witnessing her students' bright eyes and proud smiles at their remarkable progress in early literacy.

PCAP Frogs: A Year of Faith and Growth in Preschool

In this heartwarming episode, Ms. Sue, a dedicated aide at the preschool since it opened its doors 25 years ago, shares her insights on teaching faith in the classroom. This year has been a milestone in witnessing visible growth in the children's understanding of worship and their identity in God's eyes.
The episode highlights the diverse starting points of faith among the students. While some children come in with a foundational understanding, others have limited exposure. Through intentional teaching of Bible stories and Christ-like characteristics, the children began to pray for one another, demonstrating genuine concern and heartfelt conversations with God.
Ms. Sue shares an inspiring story of a young girl's journey that touched her family, leading them to embrace their faith during Easter and experience a transformation in their family life. It underscores the impact a child's faith can have beyond the classroom, influencing families and future generations.
The conversation reflects on the unique and passionate group of students this year, who were eager to learn and share God's answers to their prayers. The collective faith experience has not only been transformative for the children but also fulfilling for the educators like Ms. Sue, who feel honored to play a part in nurturing young souls on their eternal journey.

Behind the Camera: Meet Nate Paul, PCA's Chief Storyteller

Welcome, PCA community! In this episode, we dive into an intriguing conversation with Nate Paul, whom many of you might know as the mastermind behind PCA’s engaging social media presence. Nate, often behind the lens, joins us today to share his journey and the artistry involved in capturing the essence of our school.
Beyond his love for God, Nate shares his passions in life - his beloved wife, Hannah and their daughters; and his long-standing love for hockey, passed down through generations. Join in as Nate shares the heartfelt story of meeting Hannah during their school days and the joy of raising two young daughters, Adeline and Brooklyn.
As we explore Nate's unique perspective on PCA, we learn about the deep connections he fosters with staff, students, and families. Nate passionately discusses how his role as a father has transformed his approach to storytelling within our community, emphasizing the importance of documenting every special moment in our students' lives.
From the joys and challenges of parenting to inspiring student growth across various stages, Nate provides an insightful glimpse into school life at PCA. He highlights the significant role of family and faith, encouraging parents and educators to nurture each child's God-given potential. Get ready to be encouraged by stories of dedication, growth, and the vibrant spirit that thrives at PCA.

Unlocking Academic Growth at PCA: A Year in Review

Welcome PCA families! In this insightful four-week series, we delve into the academic growth witnessed at PCA over the past year, highlighting our mission to nurture students in a world often focused solely on performance. In the first episode, we focus on the encouraging academic advances made by our students, as captured through detailed NEWA assessments. Our discussion includes how we've worked to meet and exceed growth standards across various grades and subjects.
At PCA, we believe in focusing on each child's growth, which naturally paves the way for achievement. You'll discover our targeted efforts, especially in areas like math, where our students have progressed remarkably — soaring from the 78th to the 96th percentile! While we've seen great strides in reading, there's still room for improvement, and our strategies to enhance reading growth will be outlined.
Additionally, this episode shares the incredible dedication of our teachers and students, the impact of our fine arts program, and our unique approach to achieving nationwide recognition. Get insights into personalized plans for students needing additional support and learn about our goal of achieving a Presidential Blue Ribbon in the near future. Join us as we embrace these academic triumphs and look forward to continued success in the year ahead.

Celebrating the Class of 2025: A Journey of Growth and Faith

In this episode of Mondays with Mike, we pay tribute to the remarkable Class of 2025 as they prepare to graduate from PCA. Host Mike reflects on the unique attributes of this senior class, highlighting their spiritual, academic, and personal growth. Each year, Mike conducts exit interviews and surveys with the graduating class to understand their experiences and perceptions about their education journey at PCA.
Overwhelmingly, the seniors expressed the profound impact of being immersed in a Christian environment, sharing how the consistent rhythms of chapel, small groups, and prayer in classrooms have fostered their spiritual development. Notably, the class conveyed appreciation for the revamped Bible elective courses and the ability to engage in meaningful theological discussions with teachers and peers—building a solid foundation for their faith.
Academically, the Class of 2025 feels well-prepared for college, crediting the challenging coursework and supportive teachers for equipping them with crucial skills like time management and public speaking. They shared how various subjects and teachers at PCA sparked new interests and drove their passion for learning.
Athletics and extracurricular activities also played a significant role in shaping their character, instilling values of perseverance and resilience essential for future endeavors. As the seniors set their sights on impacting the world for good, they stress the importance of integrating their faith and values into their careers and everyday life.
The episode concludes with Mike discussing the feedback from the seniors on how PCA can continue to improve and enhance student experiences. With gratitude for their time at PCA, the Class of 2025 leaves a lasting mark, ready to embrace new adventures while staying connected to their alma mater.

Heroes Among Us: Honoring Our Graduates on Memorial Day

Join us in a special Memorial Day episode as we connect with two inspiring PCA graduates, Ivan Sturgis and Connor Hickey, as they share their remarkable journeys in leadership and service. Both belonging to the class of 2024, Ivan and Connor have embarked on distinguished paths, contributing to their communities and country in significant ways.
Ivan Sturgis, now a rising sophomore at Boston University, provides insights into his experience as a computer science major and a participant in the Air Force ROTC program. His formative years at PCA, marked by academic and athletic achievements, have prepared her well for the challenges of college life.
Connor Hickey shares his journey from South Berwick, Maine, to the Coast Guard Academy. Currently gaining hands-on experience at Coast Guard Station Buffalo, Connor recounts his motivation and commitment to serve, highlighting the importance of time management and leadership skills honed during his time at PCA.
This episode delves into their personal experiences, from the rigorous academic environment to the vibrant Christian communities they've found in their respective fields. Both Ivan and Connor reflect on the challenges and rewards of pursuing a military career, providing listeners with a profound appreciation for the dedication required to lead in such environments.
Listen in as they discuss their past year, share touching anecdotes, and reveal how their faith guides them in their endeavors. This Memorial Day, we remember and honor the sacrifice of our servicemen and -women. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion commemorating this special occasion and celebrating the strong legacy of PCA graduates in public service.