PCA Podcasts

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.

Third Grade--Journey Through Growth, Challenges, and Triumphs

Hello, third-grade parents,
I am here with our two third-grade teachers, Mrs. Tamari Nduaguibe and Mrs. Katie Brouse, to discuss their experiences this year. They will share how they've grown, faced challenges, and witnessed your children's educational and spiritual growth.
Our 3rd Grade Teachers: Katie Brouse and Tamari Nguaduibe
Mrs. Nduaguibe has been teaching at PCA for one year, returning after 18 years. She has taught for 18 years in various cultures and has traveled to every continent except Antarctica. She shared how her class took ownership of their learning, particularly during a social studies unit on economics. The students created their own shops, engaged in mock transactions, and even negotiated prices, demonstrating their understanding of economic concepts.
Mrs. Brouse has been teaching at PCA for three years, with a total of eight years of teaching experience. She focuses on helping students discover their God-given talents. She shared how her students overcame challenges, particularly in math, through small group teaching and personalized learning. This approach helped students build confidence and find enjoyment in learning math.
Both teachers emphasized the importance of growth over achievement. They adapted their teaching methods to meet students' needs, such as using manipulatives to explain new concepts and allowing students to retake quizzes until they understood the material. They also highlighted the value of staying connected with parents to support their children's success.
Spiritually, Mrs. Brouse shared about Worship Wednesday, where students chose and sang worship songs, creating a meaningful worship experience. She also recounted a Bible lesson by the waterfront, where she shared her testimony, deeply engaging the students.
Mrs. Nduaguibe described how her class regularly shared and prayed for each other during morning meetings, fostering a supportive and prayerful environment.
We at PCA aim to inspire your children to grow into their potential, partnering with you in this journey. Thank you for your continued support and involvement in your children's education and spiritual growth. 
 

Second Grade--Celebrating Growth for your kids!

Hi, second grade parents. As the school year wraps up, I gathered with the second-grade teaching team to reflect on the growth and achievements of your children over the past year. Each teacher shared their unique insights and experiences, highlighting the diverse strengths and needs of our students.
PCA's 2nd Grade Team (L to R): Melanie Shutt, Julie Harris, Alcia DiTommaso
We started with Mrs. Melanie Shutt, who has been with PCA for two years. She emphasized the success of the immigration project and the importance of differentiation to meet all learners' needs. Mrs. Shutt introduced "Happy Numbers," a math program that allowed students to work at their own pace and grow, which was particularly effective in fostering individual progress.
Mrs. Alicia DiTommaso, known as Mrs. D, has been teaching for 34 years and brings a background in basketball coaching to her classroom management style. She spoke about the challenges of teaching phonics to second graders, especially those new to PCA. Mrs. D shared various strategies, such as color-coded word parts and phonics choice boards, to help students master spelling and phonics.
Mrs. Julie Harris, with eight years at PCA, highlighted the use of hands-on science activities to spark curiosity and problem-solving skills among students. She mentioned a recent project where students designed and tested clay boats, emphasizing the importance of learning through trial and error.
The teachers also discussed the spiritual growth of their students. Mrs. DiTommaso shared how they integrate faith into daily lessons, encouraging students to listen and obey God's word. They noticed significant growth in students' willingness to pray and support their classmates throughout the year.
Looking ahead, the teachers expressed excitement for the students' continued growth in third grade. They shared favorite activities, such as the immigration project, hands-on science experiments, and a marketplace unit where students create and run their own businesses. These activities not only enhance academic skills but also foster creativity, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving abilities.
As we conclude this school year, we are proud of the progress your children have made. We hope you have seen their growth and are excited for the next steps in their educational journey. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you and your children on campus next fall. Have a wonderful summer!

First Grade--Growth, Challenges, and Spiritual Formation

Hello, first grade families! Join us for a heartwarming episode featuring the first grade teaching team as they gather around the table to share their reflections on the growth, challenges, and spiritual formation of your kids. It's summertime, and we're excited to look back at the incredible journey your children have had this year.
1st Grade Team: Ariana Coules, Maggie Lacouture, Shannon Trueira
Meet Mrs. Maggie Lacouture, Ms. Shannon Trueira, and Ms. Ariana Coulis, who have dedicated themselves to nurturing and educating your children. Each teacher shares their passion for teaching and some fun facts about themselves, creating a personal connection with you, the parents.
Mrs. Lacouture shares touching stories about two particular students, highlighting their unique growth journeys. One student, confident in his abilities, learns humility and the importance of continuous challenge, while another overcomes resistance to reading, ultimately finding joy and confidence in his skills.
Ms. Coulis talks about the challenges faced in the classroom, particularly with double-digit addition. She praises the students for their perseverance and hard work, describing them as champions who tackled tough concepts and grew in their confidence and abilities.
Mrs. Trueira reflects on the spiritual growth of the students, emphasizing the importance of the weekly sing-alongs and the Good, Good Father play, which helped the kids understand God's love and support for one another. She also shares how daily prayers and making supportive cards for classmates contributed to their spiritual development.
Looking ahead to second grade, the teachers express their excitement for the students' continued growth. Mrs. Lacouture looks forward to seeing the students read chapter books and experience the chip system, while Ms. Coulis is eager for them to participate in Reader's Theater. Ms. Trueira is excited about the immigration project, where students will delve deeper into research and presentations.
For families new to PCA or those moving up from kindergarten, the teachers highlight the welcoming and supportive environment in first grade. They emphasize the significant growth in reading skills and the joy of watching students become more independent and confident in their abilities.
As the episode concludes, the team reflects on the lasting impact they have on their students' lives, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to teach and shape these young minds. They wish everyone a restful and exciting summer and look forward to reconnecting in August.
God bless you and see you on campus soon!

Kindergarten--Celebrating Growth through the ear at PCA

Hello, kindergarten families! Join us for an engaging discussion with the dedicated kindergarten team at PCA as we celebrate the growth and achievements of your children over the past year. In this episode, we sit down with Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Fritter, Mrs. McKeon, and Ms. Scola to reflect on the challenges and triumphs faced by our kindergarteners, how they’ve seen God work in their lives, and the excitement for what lies ahead in first grade.
Kindergarten Team (L to R): Aimee Fritter, Ruth Brown, Rachel McKeon, Sofia Scola
Meet the teachers: Mrs. Brown, a 31-year veteran with a passion for quilting, Mrs. Fritter, who loves playing pickleball, Mrs. McKeon, who transitioned from first grade to kindergarten this year, and Ms. Scola, who enjoys surfing and coaching volleyball. Each teacher shares unique insights into their students' growth and personal anecdotes that highlight the joy of teaching.
We delve into the metamorphosis of our young learners, likening their development to that of a butterfly, as they transition from preschool to a full day of kindergarten. Hear heartwarming stories of student growth, from overcoming challenges in handwriting to gaining confidence in writing and public speaking. The teachers emphasize the importance of partnering with parents to support their children’s development and the profound impact of peer support and teamwork in the classroom.
The episode also touches on the spiritual growth of our students, with stories of heartfelt prayers, acts of kindness, and service projects such as donating pajamas to foster children. The teachers share their excitement for the students' future, highlighting their readiness for first grade and the continued journey of learning and faith.
As we wrap up the school year, we look forward to welcoming a new group of kindergarteners and continuing to nurture their growth in a Christ-centered environment. Enjoy a restful and exciting summer, and we can't wait to see you back on campus in August!

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.