PCA Podcasts

Mike Runey
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News and items of interest to the PCA community from school leaders, friends, supporters, and community leaders

  1. 23h ago

    PCA Homecoming: Family Fun, Spirit, and Student-Led Celebration

    Hello PCA community — this episode walks listeners through PCA’s revitalized Homecoming Week and how the school is shifting the event from a traditional alumni weekend into a multi-generational community celebration. Mike hosts Nate Paul and Megan Tuttle (both PCA parents and Homecoming organizers) describe what families can expect Friday through Saturday and the ways Homecoming is designed to help families feel at home on campus. Topics covered include the Friday family festival: school spirit day with themed dress-up, pep rallies, food trucks, bouncy houses, face painting, yard games and evening athletics (men’s and women’s soccer, varsity volleyball whiteout) capped by an upper-school and alumni bonfire. Nate and Megan highlight how upper-school students—through the Student Life Council and leadership teams—run many of the activities, creating mentorship and connection across grades. Listeners will hear details about Saturday’s additions: a student-led 5K honoring upper-school student Grant Trueman (including the student-originated “Trueman Way” reflection), a noon soccer match, and the Dig Pink + Spike Blue volleyball event that raises funds and shares personal cancer-survivor stories. The hosts emphasize that the 5K welcomes walkers and all fitness levels and that Dig Pink/Spike Blue is family-friendly even for non-athletes. Key points include how Homecoming supports relationship-building for new and returning families, the practical wins that improved logistics (added food-truck staff and more inflatables) delivered last year, and the intentional goal of making campus feel like a place families can linger and belong. The episode closes with an invitation for families to come, connect with others, cheer for the Eagles, and help grow PCA’s compassionate, Christ-centered community. A full event guide is referenced for sign-ups and more details.

  2. Sep 28

    Beyond the Title: Students Leading at PCA

    In this episode we explore what leadership truly means at PCA — beyond titles like prefect or Student Life Council member — and how students are entrusted with real responsibility for their peers and the school culture. Host interviews Mrs. Ellen Sporko (Director of Leadership), Student Life Council member Anatoly (Anna), and prefect Noah Hastie to hear firsthand what stewardship, long-term projects, and culture-building look like in practice. The conversation covers where Anna and Noah serve (senior class culture, small-group leadership, spiritual life events such as CU at the Pole, Brookwoods, and broader student programming), challenges they didn’t expect (negativity, personal humility, self-accountability), and the growth they’ve experienced — from seeing leadership as a title to owning relationships, vision, and execution. Mrs. Sporko describes PCA’s approach: giving students grassroots responsibility from vision through handoff, mentoring them through an academic Leadership in Action course and encouraging service-rooted leadership. Key moments include stories of mentors who shaped these students (teachers, parents, and trip leaders), examples of culture change (greater unity, joy, and buy-in at events), and practical lessons: listen well, lead with love, accept correction, repair mistakes, and prioritize people over tasks. The episode closes with encouragement to keep praying for and supporting student leaders as they continue to grow and steward their communities, and a reminder that PCA’s goal is to prepare students to lead faithfully beyond campus.

  3. Sep 28

    Entrusted: PCA Students Shaping School Culture Through Leadership

    In this episode we explore what leadership really means at PCA — not as a title but as real responsibility for people and culture. Mike interviews Mrs. Ellen Sporko, PCA’s director of leadership, alongside student leaders Anna (Student Life Council, senior-class lead and small group leader) and Noah (upper school spiritual life prefect). Together they unpack how students are given authority over service areas, long-term projects, and the daily shaping of school culture. The conversation covers concrete examples and events the leaders help run — Senior Sunrise, Brookwood, See You at the Pole and worship nights — and explains school structures like the Prefect Council and the Leadership in Action course that provide training, mentorship, and practical experience. Mrs. Sporko describes the twofold responsibility of student leaders: stewardship/shepherding of peers and ownership of student culture. Anna and Noah share personal challenges and growth moments: learning to work through negativity, building unity in their class, holding themselves accountable, and developing humility. They credit mentors and influences such as parents, teacher-leaders like Nick Watson, mission trip experiences (Puerto Rico), and ongoing adult support for helping them move from a title to an identity of service. Key takeaways include leadership as a culture-shaping vocation rooted in love for others, the importance of hands-on responsibility from vision to handoff, the role of mentorship and community support, and the commitment to continued growth rather than instant perfection. The episode closes with encouragement to pray for and support student leaders as they learn to make decisions, receive correction, repair mistakes, and lead for the long haul.

  4. Sep 21

    Growing Beyond Grades: What Real School Growth Looks Like

    In this episode Mike Runey, Head of School, reflects on what true growth in school looks like — not merely aging, grades, or completed assignments, but growth in knowledge, confidence, judgment, and faith. The host shares a recent moment in Lower School Chapel, where students displayed joy, engagement, and meaningful interaction with teachers, illustrating the heart of Christian education. Topics covered include the balance of challenge and support in the classroom, examples from the upper school where 9th and 10th graders are tackling demanding new history courses, and how teachers provide guidance, feedback, and encouragement so students can meet higher expectations. The episode also recounts insights from an ACSI Exemplary school gathering attended by representatives from 46 schools, emphasizing that strong Christian schools face similar questions and can learn from one another. Key points include what great learning should increasingly look like at PCA: students who are known, challenged, and supported; clear teaching; meaningful work; useful feedback; and growth in skills and character — wisdom, humility, courage, curiosity, and love — all with Christ at the center. The host invites parents to participate by asking different questions at home, such as, “What are you learning that is making you think?” or “What can you do now that you couldn’t do a few weeks ago?” The episode closes with a commitment to continuous improvement — building on strengths, addressing areas needing consistency, listening to teachers and families, and paying close attention to student growth — all for the good of the students, the school’s mission, and the glory of God.

  5. Sep 13

    Known, Challenged, Contributing: PCA’s Vision for Your Child

    In this episode Mike Runey, Head of School at Portsmouth Christian Academy, reflects on brief but meaningful conversations with parents and how those moments point to the heart of PCA’s educational philosophy. Using the three guiding words—Known, Challenged, Contributing—Mike explains what learning and formation should feel like for students from Pre-K through graduation. Mike opens by describing parents’ responses on opening day and shows how teachers and staff build trust so children feel welcomed and loved. He then lays out PCA’s central conviction that Jesus Christ is Lord over all learning, which means education here is holistic: spiritual formation, academics, athletics, the arts, and leadership are integrated rather than treated as separate programs. The episode unpacks each of the three core commitments. "Known" describes how faculty and coaches attend to each child’s dignity, strengths, and needs—helping students grow socially, emotionally, and academically. "Challenged" emphasizes meaningful, appropriate academic rigor that develops reasoning, communication, perseverance, and mastery in ways tailored to individual learners. "Contributing" highlights how students learn they have valuable gifts to offer—through leadership, service, creative work, quiet support, and teamwork—growing into responsibilities that suit their stage of development. Mike also explains why the Educational Philosophy remains a working draft: to be both descriptive and aspirational, reflecting the PCA families already value while identifying areas for greater coherence and consistency. He summarizes next steps—faculty review, leadership and board engagement, a PDF family brief available with the episode, and a three-question feedback form linked in the episode email—and sets a goal to publish the final philosophy by February. Listeners will learn what to expect from PCA: a Christ-centered, coherent school experience that seeks to know each child well, challenge them appropriately, and help them discover ways to contribute. The episode closes with an invitation for family feedback and a reminder of the school’s desire to partner with parents in forming students who think biblically, act wisely, and serve faithfully.

    Known, Challenged, Contributing: PCA’s Vision for Your Child

  6. Sep 7

    Remembering 9/11: Passing Truth, Grief, and Hope to a New Generation

    In this episode Mike Runey, the head of Portsmouth Christian Academy, reflects on the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, exploring why events we remember deeply are often history to our students and how faithful memory should be passed on. He shares personal perspective as a former Army officer and military family member, and connects national grief to the local PCA community. Topics covered include: the lasting impact of 9/11 on the country and military families; the personal story of Tom McGuinnis — a Navy veteran, airline pilot, PCA parent who died on American Airlines Flight 11 — and how his life beyond his death should be remembered; and the responsibility of Christian education to hand memory to the next generation with honesty and care. The episode outlines a four-part approach PCA will use in school remembrance activities: remember, understand, lament, and respond. It explains age-appropriate ways teachers will help students learn what happened, who was involved, the consequences that followed, and how to grieve and reflect without sensationalizing trauma. Scriptural anchors referenced include Psalm 46, Romans 12:21, and the example of Jesus grief and hope. Key points and actionable responses emphasized are: preserve truthful memory rather than fear or bitterness; honor courage and sacrifice; care for and protect the vulnerable; refuse scapegoating and hatred; serve and love our neighbors; pray even for enemies; and root hope in the crucified and risen Christ. The episode also describes PCAs plans for a deliberate, compassionate campus observance on the anniversary and invites the community to join in remembering faithfully. This is a message from PCA leadership to the school community. Listeners can expect a reflective, pastoral tone aimed at guiding families, teachers, and students through remembrance that is truthful, compassionate, and Christ-centered.

  7. Aug 31

    Welcome Back, PCA: Campus Ready and Children First

    Good morning, PCA. In this episode the Head of School, Mike Runey, welcomes families to the new 2026–27 school year and to today’s open house, sharing a hopeful, practical preview of what students, parents, and staff can expect. The host speaks from campus and invites listeners to walk the halls, meet teachers, and imagine the growth ahead. Topics covered include the threefold summer preparation that has taken place: 1) readying the physical places (classrooms, fields, stages, and communal spaces) where relationships and learning happen; 2) strengthening academic programs and asking intentional questions about how students can be challenged, supported, and guided to take ownership of their learning; and 3) preparing the people — new and returning teachers, coaches, and staff — who will know students by name and walk alongside them all year. Key points Mike emphasized are a commitment to holistic growth — intellectual, social, and spiritual — and a focus on measurable but patient progress: curiosity, capability, service, teamwork, humility, and an increasing knowledge of and commitment to Jesus Christ. The school theme, drawn from Colossians 3, frames every activity — from Bible class to athletics — with the goal that "whatever we do... we do in the name of the Lord Jesus." Mike also calls parents to partner with the school: plug in this year, meet teachers, volunteer, celebrate growth over mere results, pray for staff, and communicate when challenges arise. Listeners are encouraged to notice the people on campus, meet another family, and imagine who their child will become by June. His send-off invites the PCA community to begin the school year together with gratitude and expectation, trusting that God will work among students and staff throughout the year. The episode is both an informational welcome to open house visitors and an encouragement to invest in the communal task of forming young people.

  8. Aug 25

    Known, Challenged, Prepared: PCA’s Vision for the Year

    Join Nate Paul and Head of School Mike Runey for the fourth summer episode of Mondays with Mike as they recap key conversations from this summer and preview the new school year at PCA. Nate and Mike reflect on themes covered in recent episodes — academic coherence, survey insights, and the traits of excellent teachers — and connect them to three core promises the school makes to families: every child will be known, challenged, and increasingly prepared to go beyond PCA. The episode highlights PCA’s annual core value of Christ-centeredness grounded in Colossians 3:16–17, explaining what that looks like across campus — in classrooms, on the field, during correction and encouragement, and through daily conduct. Mike and Nate discuss how the verse gives practical shape to teaching, community care, and school leadership. Listeners will hear concrete examples of how teachers build deep relationships to understand each student’s gifts and struggles, how challenge is thoughtfully calibrated (academically, physically, spiritually, relationally, and creatively), and why PCA aims to be a safe place to attempt hard things, fail, and grow. The hosts emphasize the ordinary practices — daily reading, focused practice, perseverance — that build character and prepare students for life beyond school. The conversation also covers systems improvements families can expect this year: clearer learning goals, stronger course-to-course connections, more dependable feedback, and principals spending more time teaching and leading. Mike describes what excellent teaching looks like — knowing the student and the destination well enough to calibrate growth — and shares how PCA supports relational and spiritual development alongside academics. Finally, the episode previews Open House and offers practical tips for families: get your child ready, connect with teachers and the community, and complete administrative tasks (health forms, portals, traffic and logistics). Nate and Mike close with excitement for the year ahead and a reaffirmation of PCA’s mission to prepare Christ-centered graduates who will impact the world for good.

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About

News and items of interest to the PCA community from school leaders, friends, supporters, and community leaders

Information

  • Creator
    Mike Runey
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    PCA Podcasts