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. 2d ago

    Survey Says: PCA's Spring Feedback & a Plan for Progress

    PCA community, welcome back to Mondays with Mike. In this episode Nathan Paul (PCA’s marketing director and chief storyteller) sits down with Head of School Mike Runey to unpack the results from the spring family, student, faculty, and alumni surveys. They explain why the school conducts regular surveys, how leadership interprets the voices of the community, and why broad participation matters for charting school priorities. The conversation highlights the strengths the community affirmed: a Christ-centered culture, caring teachers and coaches, strong relationships, meaningful opportunities for students, and a sense that students are known and encouraged academically, spiritually, and relationally. Nate and Mike celebrate those wins while emphasizing the need to hold praise and critical feedback together. They also review the main areas families asked the school to strengthen: academic consistency and confidence in teaching (with particular attention to math and STEM variability), clearer leadership oversight and follow-through when issues arise, and more consistent communication and expectations so parents understand what students are being asked to learn and how success is measured. Mike outlines the school’s evidence and response: academic outcomes show both strengths and opportunities — AP results are strong (an average of 3.74), SATs are improving but below target, and internal reviews confirm year-to-year variability in some areas. Planned actions include a major vertical review of math, strengthening the upper school science sequence, a deliberate writing alignment (grades 6–12), PCA-aligned assessments for key courses, improved mentoring and professional development for teachers, and freeing principals to spend more time in classrooms as instructional leaders. Throughout, the hosts stress that coherence and improvement won’t mean sameness or loss of teacher personality; the goal is to steward what is strong while addressing uneven areas. They close by thanking families for candid feedback, committing to continued listening and steady work, and previewing next week’s episode — practical expectations for the coming year and a deeper dive into academic evidence such as AP, PSAT/SAT, dual enrollment, and student showcases. Listeners can expect transparency about next steps, a clear focus on sustaining PCA’s Christ-centered community, and concrete plans to make teaching and learning more consistent and dependable across the school.

  2. Aug 10

    Building the PCA Staircase: A Christ-Centered Approach to Curriculum Coherence

    Join Nate Paul, PCA’s Marketing Director and chief storyteller, and Head of School Mike Runey on Mondays with Mike as they explore how PCA is intentionally aligning curriculum and instruction across grade levels. This episode dives into the distinction between clarity and coherence in education, and why building a dependable “staircase” from preschool through graduation matters for every student. Mike and Nate discuss the school’s recent work to shore up a Christ-centered program—how PCA teaches faith and character across subjects, not just in chapel or Bible class—and the importance of supporting teachers so they can teach with confidence. They cover topics such as teacher retention and development, team collaboration across grade levels and departments, and creating PCA-aligned assessments to supplement external measures like NWEA. Specific examples highlight the plan in action: the math “staircase” that takes students from basic facts to AP Calculus, science programs that feed engineering and robotics pathways (including SeaPerch and regional competitions), and upcoming work on writing across the curriculum for grades 6–12. Mike outlines what leadership is asking of teachers—more teamwork, common outcomes, shared language—and how principals will support that work through professional development and assessment design. The episode also offers practical guidance for parents: ask your child about what they’re learning and its application, encourage perseverance when students face challenge, and celebrate growth as students develop. Finally, Mike previews next week’s conversation about family survey results and invites listeners to stay engaged as PCA continues this multi-year effort to tighten curriculum coherence and student readiness.

  3. Aug 3

    Mondays with Mike: Preparing PCA for 26-27 — Vision, Faith, Action

    Hello, PCA families. In this opening episode of a four-part Monday series, Head of School Mike welcomes returning and new families as PCA prepares for the 26-27 school year, shares a personal reflection following his daughter’s wedding, and frames the year as a shared beginning that requires faithfulness, encouragement, and community. Mike explains the purpose of the series — not a run of announcements but a candid conversation about the kind of Christian school PCA is called to be. He previews upcoming episodes (next week: what strong teaching and learning should look; week three: a review of family survey feedback and leadership’s response; final Monday before open house: what students and families should expect) and notes that Nate Paul, who helps produce the podcast, will join him for these conversations. Each episode will include a short written summary. The episode articulates PCA’s educational convictions: whole-person formation (mind, body, spirit, relationships), academic rigor paired with character formation, and a distinct commitment to Christian identity — helping students know they are made in the image of God, follow Jesus, pursue truth with biblical integrity, and use their gifts for God’s glory and the good of others. Mike highlights a school-wide emphasis on writing as a tool for thinking, reasoning, revising, and communicating more clearly. Mike acknowledges the candid feedback from last spring’s family survey: praise for Christian formation, caring teachers and coaches, strong relationships, and meaningful opportunities — alongside concerns about academic strength and consistency, course delivery, communication, classroom expectations, and leadership follow-through. He outlines leadership’s responsibility and concrete next steps already underway: clarifying the philosophy of education, strengthening curricular coherence year to year, providing clearer expectations and stronger coaching for teachers, closer attention to classroom patterns, and appropriate follow-through when commitments fall short. The episode calls families to partner with the school through constructive communication and prayer, asks students to take increasing responsibility for learning and character, and invites the whole community to trust the Lord as they work together. Mike closes with a prayer for teachers, students, families, and the coming year, and expresses gratitude and anticipation for another school year at PCA.

  4. Jun 1

    Rooted, Formed, Sent: PCA's Week of Milestones

    Hello, PCA families and friends. In this episode we reflect on one remarkable week at Portsmouth Christian Academy: Baccalaureate for our seniors, an eighth-grade milestone, commencement for the Class of 2026, and our inaugural Academic Showcase. These events are presented as windows into the same story — students rooted at PCA, formed over time, and sent to their next faithful steps. We profile the Class of 2026 (45 seniors): 92 college acceptances, more than $780,000 in merit scholarships to the schools they plan to attend, 143 earned college credits, and nearly 12,000 hours of service during their upper school years. Beyond the statistics, we discuss the variety of next steps students are taking — engineering, robotics, medicine, ministry, trades, gap years, and more — and how PCA’s goal is to help each student grow toward their God-given potential. Turning to the Class of 2030 (48 eighth graders), we highlight their strong academic profile — a 93.3 course average (third quarter), 91st percentile growth, 98th percentile achievement in math, and high reading growth and achievement — alongside broad participation: 77% in athletics and 100% engagement in fine arts. We explain why this milestone marks readiness for the greater academic and personal stretch of upper school. The episode also recaps highlights from PCA’s first Academic Showcase: students across grades explaining and defending their work, demonstrating curiosity and public courage. Examples include Mrs. Chamberlain’s biology students studying Oriental Bittersweet on campus, a senior’s independent research on microplastics, chemistry and anatomy projects (titration curves, solubility tests, dual-enrollment muscle plans), and compelling fine arts capstones presented by student leaders. We summarize conversations from the showcase about curricular direction — new and refreshed upper-school courses in science and health, AP Seminar to develop source evaluation and argumentation, revamped history courses, and strengthened mathematics pathways — framing these changes around a coherent, long-term vision of formation rather than transient metrics. The central message is formation over time: academic rigor paired with character, service, creativity, and faith. We focus on students learning to explain how they know what they know (especially important in an age of AI), to listen, refine, lead, and serve. Student leaders (including Linnie, Chloe, and Gage) and faculty (including Mrs. Chamberlain) model and amplify that growth. We close with the immediate calendar and a charge to the community: Baccalaureate tonight, eighth-grade recognition on Thursday, commencement Friday, and gratitude for families and faculty who walk with students in daily faithfulness. Rooted here, formed here, sent from here — once an eagle, always an eagle.

  5. May 25

    Remembering with Gratitude: A Memorial Day Message to PCA Families

    In this solo message to PCA families, Mike reflects on Memorial Day, asking listeners to pause and remember the men and women who died in service to the nation. The host distinguishes Memorial Day from Veterans Day, frames remembrance in a Christian context, and urges gratitude, humility, and prayer as proper responses to the sacrifices that made our freedoms possible. The episode connects personal and national memory to the study of history, describing the host's reading of David McCullough's 1776 and encouraging a clear, balanced approach to the nation’s founding: honoring courage and sacrifice while honestly naming flaws. The speaker emphasizes that God’s story belongs in how we tell our national story and that parents and educators have a responsibility to help children understand what they inherit. Turning to the school year, the message celebrates late‑May as a time when student growth becomes visible — increased confidence, clearer thinking, creativity, leadership, service, and perseverance. The host explains that Christian education aims to help students see all of life before God, not merely to add Bible verses to lessons, and highlights concrete contexts where formation occurs: classrooms, labs, rehearsals, fields, and service projects. The episode also looks ahead to graduation for the class of 2026 and invites families to attend an upcoming Academic Showcase. Described as more than a science fair, the showcase presents student work and learning as a public demonstration of formation: selected upper‑school students will explain what they tried, what challenged them, and what they learned. Faculty will also share curriculum examples in math, science, and history. Throughout, Mike ties the Memorial Day theme to stewardship of what’s been entrusted to the next generation: asking not only whether students will be successful, but whether they will be faithful, truthful, humble, and service‑oriented. The message closes with encouragement to remember with gratitude, to notice the growth in students, and to enjoy a meaningful Memorial Day with family and friends.

  6. May 18

    From Genesis to the Stage: PCA’s Joseph Comes Alive

    In this episode we recap PCA’s spring musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, with director and creative lead Miss Melissa Weisberg and three members of the cast and crew: Isaac (who plays Joseph), Chloe (one of three narrators), and Lucy Arico (dance captain). The conversation covers why the show matters to the PCA community, how the production was adapted to begin on campus, and the creative team behind it, including music and choreography support from Mrs. Conant, Mrs. Sporko, and Mrs. Vino. The episode explores practical production details: the large cast of 58, the show’s unique sung-through format with virtually no spoken dialogue, splitting the narrator role across three singers to cover the full vocal range, and the wide variety of choreography and musical styles—from disco-inspired numbers like “Go, Go, Go, Joseph” to Elvis-style “Song of the King.” Guests describe intensive rehearsals, vocal and physical challenges, and the running schedule that included multiple dress runs. Beyond logistics, the episode highlights personal and spiritual takeaways. Isaac shares how performing with his brother deepened relationships and how the story’s themes—perseverance, forgiveness, trusting God through hardship—resonate with students and staff. Miss Weisberg reflects on Joseph’s faith in the Genesis account and emphasizes the production’s message: “you meant this for evil, but God meant this for good.” The conversation also notes campus spiritual activity this year, including a freshmen Bible study and upcoming staff devotions focused on Genesis. Listeners can expect an inside look at student leadership, growth, and teamwork—how ensemble members step into lead roles, how student choreographers are mentored, and how a school-wide musical can become a vehicle for community, faith, and creative expression. The episode closes with encouragement to engage with students about seeing God in suffering and to revisit the Genesis account behind Joseph’s story.

  7. May 11

    Everyday Heroes: Celebrating PCA Teachers' Quiet Faithfulness

    Good afternoon, PCA families. In this episode the Head of School offers a heartfelt message of gratitude following Teacher Appreciation Week, reflecting on the deep relational work of Christian education and how a faithful school community shows up for students and staff. Topics covered include Teacher Appreciation Week activities—meals, notes, volunteers, and the welcoming culture our teachers create—and how those ordinary acts reveal the steady presence and partnership that shape the school. The speaker emphasizes that teaching is more than content delivery; it’s long-term formation of mind, heart, body, and soul. We hear about the opening of the new Eagles Nest Playground for kindergarten–fifth grade, with joyful reactions from students and teachers guiding play and learning. The episode also honors longtime kindergarten teacher Ruth Brown as she prepares to retire after 33 years of service, and it highlights other faculty examples of creativity, leadership, and care across divisions. The host addresses both joyful and difficult moments from the year: concerts, games, and performances alongside the ongoing support the community has given a student and family facing serious illness. These stories illustrate what a Christian school community looks like—people praying, carrying burdens together, and loving faithfully in uncertainty. Key points: the slow, patient work of Christian formation; the profound, often unseen influence of teachers who show up day after day; concrete examples of faculty devotion and creative teaching; and the vital role parents and volunteers play in partnership with the school. The episode features a message from the Head of School and includes tributes to retiring and longtime staff, snapshots of campus life, and encouragement for the year ahead. Listeners can expect gratitude, reflection on vocation, and an invitation to continue partnering in the work of forming young people. Closing remarks express thanks to teachers, parents, and students, and look forward to upcoming end-of-year events with a blessing for the community.

  8. Apr 19

    Eighth Grade on the Ground: PCA’s Washington, D.C. Journey

    In this episode, host Mike Runey talks with Portsmouth Christian Academy U.S. History teacher Mr. Pierre-Luc Rivard and two eighth graders, Lily and Abhi, as the class of 2030 prepares to arrive in Washington, D.C. for their annual educational trip. The conversation explores how months of classroom study come alive when students visit the places where American history was made. Guests and itinerary highlights include access to the U.S. Senate gallery (arranged with Senator Maggie Hassan), visits to the National Archives to see founding documents, the Capitol, Holocaust Museum, Korean and Vietnam memorials, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, Arlington National Cemetery with a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown, the Spy Museum, and the Air and Space Museum. Key themes are the transition from learning about events in class to encountering them in person, the emotional impact of memorials and museums (especially the Holocaust Museum), and the way physical spaces—monuments, architecture, and artifacts—help students connect more deeply to the Constitution, founding documents, and wartime sacrifice. Mr. Rivard emphasizes civic formation: history as training for leadership, decision-making, and gratitude. The episode also touches on the upcoming American 250th (semi-quincentennial), reflections on faith and the visible role of God and Christian heritage in U.S. history, and how the trip reinforces the freedoms that allow open religious practice. Lily and Abhi describe what they most look forward to (the National Archives, seeing Congress in action, and the Holocaust Museum) and what representing PCA means to them—showing respectful, Christ-like behavior and being curious, engaged visitors. The hosts encourage parents to ask students about what they learn and how they see God at work in history. Overall, listeners can expect a thoughtful preview of a formative middle school experience: a mix of logistics and sneak-peek highlights, heartfelt student reflections, teacher perspectives on learning and leadership, and a call to connect family conversations to students’ on-the-ground discoveries in the nation’s capital.

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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