PCA Podcasts

Reflecting and Renewing: Summer Rhythms, America and Its Meaning, and Books

Happy Mid-summer, PCA families! It's Mike, and today is Monday, July 15, 2024. I've just had a few wonderful weeks with family in and out of New England, and I want to share some thoughts with you. I also hope and pray that you're having valuable, blessed times with your loved ones. I'm convinced that God has placed rhythms in our lives that we are blessed to follow, from weekly Sabbaths to the educational rhythms of summer. These times are essential for reflection, rest, and preparation for the year ahead.
After wrapping up the school year, our staff and faculty took time to reflect, rest, and start thinking about the upcoming year. We've broadly laid out next year and are excited to share more in the coming weeks. The past few weeks have been special for us as a team, allowing us to reconnect and prepare to inspire and educate your children.
Three weeks ago, our daughter Sarah returned from a deployment in Iraq, and we were there to welcome her back. It was a powerful moment, especially with the 4th of July and recent events in our country. I want to highlight the beauty of our American community, as seen in the diverse group of people welcoming soldiers home. It's a reminder of the unity and strength we share as a nation.
As we approach the 250th anniversary of our country's founding, I reflect on the uniqueness and challenges of our American Democratic Republic. Our work at PCA, though small, plays a significant role in shaping the future. I am grateful to be part of this mission, serving and growing our community.
Recent events, like the assassination attempt on former President Trump, remind us of the importance of living faithfully and well before God and others. We at PCA are committed to fostering an environment of truth, love, kindness, and service. I encourage you to pray for our leaders and our nation, and to live out our faith joyfully and engagingly.
On a lighter note, I hope you're enjoying a wonderful summer with family and friends. Whether at home, the lake, or the beach, I pray this season offers you time to reconnect and recharge. I've been reading some books that I'd like to share with you:
From Strength to Strength by Arthur C. Brooks - A great read for finding purpose in the second half of life.
Doing Life with Your Adult Children by Jim Burns - Helpful advice for parenting adult children.
Playing God by Andy Crouch - A book on power and how Christians should think about it.
Authority by Jonathan Lehman - Discusses godly rule and its impact on communities.
The Gospel-Shaped Leader by Scott Thomas - Insights on leadership from a Christian perspective.
The Pastor as Leader by John Curry - Connecting preaching and leadership.
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt - Explores the impact of modern childhood on mental health.
Generations by Jean Twenge - Examines the differences between generations and their implications.
I hope you're finding time to read, reflect, and pray as we prepare for the new school year. In the coming weeks, I'll share more about our plans for next year. Until then, know that I'm praying for you and cheering you on. I look forward to seeing you on campus soon. God bless you!

Reflecting on Academic Growth: PCA's Year in Review

Welcome PCA community! As we celebrate the 4th of July week, we're taking a moment to reflect on our achievements and growth over the past school year. In this episode, we summarize the progress of your kids seen through the trends we've observed through standardized testing.
How do well assess how PCA is doing? We look at three things as we continually assess and adjust. Throughout the year, especially at the end of the year, we've celebrated various milestones and achievements, often referred to as "trophies," which are evident in award ceremonies and report cards. These trophies highlight individual and collective growth and excellence. Additionally, the testimonies from teachers and the community confirm these accomplishments, further showcasing the development of our students.
Today, we're diving into trends observed from our standardized testing, particularly focusing on the NWEA assessments when we look across the entire school, across subjects, and across grades. This test is unique in its emphasis on student growth, which ultimately leads to student achievement. Over the past few years, we've expanded our testing to include more grades, ensuring a comprehensive view of student progress from kindergarten through 11th grade.
Our analysis of the past three years reveals promising trends. Overall, the trends are moving in the right direction, particularly in math, where we've seen significant improvements. This success is attributed to our dedicated teachers and the concerted effort to enhance our math curriculum. However, we've identified areas in reading and language usage that require more attention, and we're implementing strategies to address these dips relative to our very high standards for student growth at PCA.
To provide a clearer picture as to how Growth leads to achievement, we compared our students' performance on a national scale. In math, our students have moved from the 78th percentile to the 95th percentile in just two years. Reading scores have remained around the 90th percentile, with a slight dip this year, which we are addressing. Language usage has shown strong performance, consistently staying around the 94th percentile. Overall, your kids have moved from the 87th percentile to the nearly 93rd percentile in just two years--I celebrate this growth with you!
As a school, we are committed to continuous improvement. Our focus remains on fostering growth, which naturally leads to achievement. As we look to this coming year, we're particularly excited about our potential to qualify for consideration as a National Blue Ribbon School, a testament to our dedication to excellence in education. While this is not a goal unto itself, it is the result of multiple years of broad, solid to excellent growth. Your kids have some strong momentum heading into 24-25 across the board, and have been picking up steam even as we grew in enrollment over the last three years.
 
In conclusion, we are grateful to God for this growth, as well as for the collective efforts of our teachers in partnership with your: our parents and students. As we look forward to the next school year, we are committed to sustaining our strengths and addressing areas for improvement. Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Have a wonderful 4th of July week, and stay tuned for more updates and reflections in the coming weeks.

Celebrating Language and Growth: A Year in Review with PCA Faculty

Welcome back, PCA community! In this episode, we bring together the passionate educators from our English and World Languages departments. Join us as we delve into the multifaceted world of language learning and witness how our faculty members have contributed to the growth and development of your sons and daughters over the past year.
PCA English Team: Pete Beal, Steve Foley, Carolyn Hutton, Matt Dunphy
World Languages Team: Joy Eisner, Emily Fontaine, I-Hui Lui
Meet Mr. Steve Foley, who has dedicated 28 years to PCA, teaching English and instilling a love for writing in his students. Discover how he helps freshmen and juniors appreciate the art of rhetoric and composition. Then, hear from Senora Eisner, who brings her international experiences into the classroom, teaching Spanish and opening students' minds to global cultures and issues.
Senorita Fontaine shares her enthusiasm for introducing languages and cultures to young minds, while Mr. Pete Beal reflects on the remarkable progress of his sophomore and senior students, particularly in public speaking and essay writing. Mrs. Yi Hui Liu, who teaches Mandarin from kindergarten to upper school, expresses her joy in seeing students progress from knowing no Mandarin to holding conversations within months.
Mrs. Carolyn Hutton, who has a rich background in teaching English as a second language, discusses her philosophy of teaching and how she helps students grow by focusing on their strengths. She also shares touching stories of students finding their voice and enthusiasm through unique assignments.
Our faculty also discuss the challenges and triumphs students face in their language journey. From overcoming the initial fear of a new language to achieving biliteracy, our educators share inspiring stories of growth and resilience. Senora Eisner introduces the National Seal of Biliteracy program, which recognizes students' proficiency in multiple languages, and Senorita Fontaine talks about the initial steps in language learning and the exciting progress students make.
Looking ahead, our teachers share their excitement for the upcoming school year. Mr. Beal anticipates further growth in his students' writing and critical thinking skills, while Mrs. Hutton looks forward to supporting her students' unique learning styles. They also reflect on the importance of faith in their teaching and how it helps students navigate challenges and grow in their academic and spiritual lives.
Join us in celebrating the dedication and passion of our PCA faculty as they continue to inspire and nurture the next generation of learners. Whether you're a parent, student, or educator, this episode offers valuable insights into the transformative power of education and the joy of learning languages.
We hope you have a restful and engaging summer. Read a good book, practice your language skills, and continue to grow in faith and knowledge. See you soon!

Year in Review: Insights from PCA’s History and Bible Departments

Welcome, PCA community! Join us for a special end-of-year episode featuring insightful interviews with members of the History and Bible Departments. In this episode, educators share their observations and experiences from the past year, highlighting the growth and achievements of PCA students.
PCA's History Team: Matthew Dunphy, Melissa Weisberg, Ray Gamble
PCA's Bible Department: Terry Sharbaugh, Adam Abood
We start with introductions from Dr. Ray Gamble, Ms. Melissa Weisberg, Mr. Matthew Dunphy, and Mr. Terry Sharbaugh. Each educator provides a glimpse into their background and the unique subjects they teach, from history and civics to theology and literature.
Ms. Weisberg discusses the engaging mock trials in her civics and liberty and justice classes, which help students develop critical thinking, public speaking, and evaluative skills. She highlights the significant growth she has witnessed in her students as they navigate these challenging exercises.
Mr. Sharbaugh shares his experiences teaching New Testament, world religions, church history, and systematic theology. He emphasizes how students are challenged by complex theological debates and historical contexts, which encourage them to deeply engage with their faith and understanding of the Bible.
Dr. Gamble reflects on his work with freshmen in history classes and his goals for helping students master proper documentation and source evaluation. He also touches on the electives he teaches, including the history of the Second World War and the Cold War, and the moral and ethical questions these subjects raise.
Mr. Dunphy passionately describes his interdisciplinary course on C.S. Lewis, which combines elements of history, theology, and literature. He shares the rewarding experience of seeing students connect deeply with Lewis’s works and concepts, applying them in their academic and personal lives.
As the episode concludes, the educators discuss the importance of respectful dialogue, particularly in politically charged times, and the role of Christian values in fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. They share their hopes for continued student growth and the impact PCA graduates will have on the world.
Thank you for listening, and we look forward to another year of learning and growth at PCA. God bless you this summer!

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.