PCA Podcasts

Adventure Awaits: Students Gear Up for Mission Trip to Puerto Rico

Hello, PCA community. In this episode, we invite you on a heartwarming journey as a group of high school students, along with their chaperone Mr. Nick Watson, prepare for a mission trip to Puerto Rico. The episode kicks off with introductions from Mr. Watson and four enthusiastic students, each at different stages of their high school journey. They share their diverse backgrounds and experiences, setting the stage for their upcoming adventure.
The trip, organized with the help of YouthWorks, promises a week full of service and learning in places like San Juan, Coguas, and Arecibo. Mr. Watson reflects on past trips, highlighting the growth and unity among students as they engage in community service projects, facilitated by the longstanding partnership with YouthWorks. The discussion also sheds light on the students' aims to make a tangible impact while respecting local cultures and needs while also deepening their Christian faith and that of those around them.
Returning students Maeve and Christian recount memorable moments from last year's mission, emphasizing the eye-opening experiences and personal growth in faith. They vividly describe working on projects like clearing overgrown land for future community use and how these activities reshaped their perspectives on gratitude and service.
As new participants, Lucy and Molly share their pre-trip preparations and expectations. Lucy expresses a desire to break language barriers to connect deeply with locals, while Molly embraces stepping out of her comfort zone for a broader spiritual growth. They listen intently to the advice from veteran travelers, focusing on cultural sensitivity and openness to new experiences.
This episode not only gives a glimpse into the logistical side of the trip, including travel timings and weather expectations, but it also provides a deeper understanding of each student's personal goals and aspirations. It paints a picture of faith in action, community collaboration, and a commitment to serving others with humility and respect. Listen in for inspiration and to learn more about how these young individuals plan to bring their experiences back to enrich the PCA community.

The PCA Journey – Walking with students and families in faith and growth

In this unique episode of "Monday's with Mike," Mike delves deep into the core identity of Portsmouth Christian Academy (PCA), addressing pressing questions from the community. Through a video presentation, Mike reveals insights and slides that didn't make it to the Thursday State of the School address. The focus is on painting a comprehensive picture of PCA's student demographic, emphasizing the blend of faith and academic excellence that forms the foundation of the academy's values.
The session explores the spiritual growth observed within the school amidst the broader educational framework. Significant emphasis is placed on assessing and identifying the balance between nurturing strong Christian values and delivering outstanding academic programs. Mike elaborates on the role of community involvement and how parents, alongside staff and faculty, can actively participate in shaping the future direction of PCA.
Additionally, Mike provides updates on standardized testing strategies, detailing the integration of dynamic assessments like NEWA and SAT preparation within PCA to enhance student capabilities. He highlights the evolving expectations and opportunities for students, especially in preparing for college-level work through AP and dual enrollment courses.
The episode also includes a personal update from Mike, reflecting on his experiences and health journey while reassuring families of his ongoing commitment to PCA's growth and mission. Throughout the discussion, Mike engages openly, seeking feedback from listeners, and emphasizes the Academy's mission to inspire and support students on their God-given journey, aiming to prepare them for impactful lives aligned with PCA's vision.

Mid-Year Growth Insights from Our School Leaders

The latest episode delves into the mid-year reflections and observations from the principals of a thriving educational institution. With the backdrop of completing mid-year report cards and wrapping up assessments, the leaders share fascinating insights into the academic, emotional, and spiritual growth of students at various school levels.Dr. Carrie Abood discusses the lower school's focus on leveraging data from NEWA and DIBELS assessments to enhance student learning and enrich their educational experience. Field trips, innovative teaching strategies, and creativity in learning form pivotal aspects of their growth strategy. Highlights include engaging projects like hot cocoa instructional writing, a visit from a local geologist, and unique endeavors like the SeaPerch challenge, fostering curiosity and problem-solving skills.Lois Blatchley shares the middle school's journey, emphasizing the transformative experience of sixth graders and the deepening of academic and spiritual conversations. With a focus on critical thinking skills, students navigate through engaging projects such as historical analysis and book club discussions. The culmination of efforts is evident in activities like a speech meet and science presentations.Upper school principal Jordan Heckelman discusses the rhetoric development stage, where students synthesize learning through initiatives like mock trials and leadership classes. Balancing academics with extracurricular activities, students explore their potential in a supportive environment. Spiritual growth remains a cornerstone, with students actively engaging in service and missions projects.The episode concludes with reflections on the holistic and community-focused approach of the school, celebrating student achievements and looking forward to continued growth and engagement in the upcoming semester.

Unraveling the Impact of Smartphones: A Candid Dialogue with Susan Arico

Welcome back to another episode of our podcast, where today we sit down with Susan Arico, an accomplished author and speakers as well as a devoted PCA parent and a returning guest. Sudan will be leading an important in-person discussion this Thursday, January 30th, at Troiano Hall. This event is a unique opportunity for our community to engage in a candid dialogue about smartphones, social media, and the internet's role in our families' lives. Susan, a passionate advocate for understanding technology's effects, shares her personal insights and experiences as a mother of four teenagers attending PCA.
The event titled "Teens and Phones: A Candid Conversation" aims to delve deeper than the surface, focusing on how devices shape our behaviors and relationships. Susan doesn't position herself as anti-technology, but rather as someone initiating a heartfelt discussion about integrating phones in our lives in a balanced manner. Drawing inspiration from Jonathan Haidt's book "The Anxious Generation," which aligns with a PCA middle school book club, the conversation will address both the resistance and willingness individuals feel towards technology engagement.
This in-person gathering encourages honesty and openness without fear of judgment, as we explore who we are as individuals and what causes us to thrive amidst the digital era. Participants can expect an engaging experience that shies away from a rigid presentation laden with data, fostering a space for meaningful exchanges about managing phone use in various spheres, including education and family life.
Whether you're a parent exploring the intricacies of technology's influence or a professional in a related field, this conversation promises to be enriching and enlightening. We hope you can join us for this analog evening focused on digital discussions, and if not, Susan is available for follow-up sessions to continue addressing these crucial topics.

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.