PCA Podcasts

Mike Runey

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

  1. 4d ago

    Growing Minds at PCA: Math, Writing, and Faith in the Lower School

    On this episode of Mondays with Mike, lower-school students and teacher Mrs. Brouse join the conversation to share what learning looks and feels like at PCA. Host Mike listens as fifth-graders and younger students describe academic milestones — from Ivan working on two-step equations with parentheses and Clara tackling two-digit by two-digit multiplication, to students typing multi-page personal narratives and mastering “super sentences.” The conversation highlights classroom strategies that support growth: productive struggle balanced with targeted help, the use of timers and teacher aides, peer support (shout-outs to students like Adeline), and concrete routines to build independence — turning homework responsibility and longer-term projects into manageable steps as students move from third through fifth grade. Faith formation is woven throughout the episode. Students reflect on Bible stories such as Joseph, wrestle with big ideas like God’s omnipresence and omniscience, and describe how those truths bring both awe and comfort. Mrs. Browse connects spiritual formation to everyday moments — from morning meeting discussions to a student’s act of paying a classmate’s “browse bucks” fine — illustrating Christ-centered character development alongside academic progress. Guests include elementary students (Ivan, Clara, Eagan, and Kennedy) and teacher Mrs. Brouse; discussion topics include math and writing growth, classroom practices that foster independence and resilience, faith lessons that shape perspective, and goals like improving public speaking. Expect candid student voices, practical teaching examples, and a clear picture of how PCA builds whole-child growth academically, relationally, and spiritually.

  2. Oct 26

    PCAP Butterflies--What Learning Looks Like with our Amazing 4 Year Olds

    What does learning feel like when you’re four? Mike visits PCA’s Butterfly classroom and then sits down with teacher Betsy Hickey to listen more closely. From learning to separate from Mom and Dad, form letters, move, play, share, and make friends, to beginning to understand who God is, this episode offers a joyful glimpse into how much growth is taking place in these earliest formative years.

  3. Oct 19

    Middle School Voices: Colin & Olivia on Learning, Faith, and Community at PCA

    On this episode of Mondays with Mike, host Mike sits down with two PCA middle school students — Colin, a seventh-grader from Newark, and Olivia, an eighth-grader from Dover — to listen rather than lecture. The conversation explores what they are learning right now, the struggles that make them think more deeply, and how teachers and classmates help them grow. Topics covered include academic challenges and breakthroughs: Olivia describes wrestling with Civil War timelines and how understanding causes and contexts helped the pieces fall into place; Colin shares how seventh-grade math (negative numbers and new rules) pushed him to seek different explanations and one-on-one help. Both students discuss how English and essay-writing have become strengths through persistent practice and teacher support. The episode highlights concrete ways teachers meet students where they are: Miss James’s step-by-step math feedback and redo opportunities, teachers sharing PowerPoint notes for students who learn better by rereading, and English teachers (Ms. Minnelli, Ms. Hassel, and others) who scaffold grammar and writing. The students talk about using planners, practicing speaking, and the value of one‑on‑one conversations to clarify misunderstandings and build confidence. Faith and community are central themes. The students describe meaningful moments in Bible class and chapel — including a prayer walk led by Mr. Rivard — and credit teachers like Miss Weisberg for making Scripture feel like an engaging story rather than a chore. They reflect on PCA’s welcoming culture, summer camp experiences that eased transitions, and the ways peers and staff encourage spiritual growth. Practical takeaways include student requests for more middle-school-wide events and class adventures, and a message to parents to recognize the heavy workload and the need for steady pacing and understanding as students balance academics, activities, and growth. The conversation emphasizes that development at this age is incremental — a series of small moments and supports that add up over time. Listeners can expect an honest, student-led look at life in PCA’s middle school: the challenges, the supports, the faith-infused community, and the everyday ways teachers and peers help young people become more confident learners and followers of Christ.

  4. Oct 12

    Reunited & Remade: Seeing God’s Work Across the Years

    Hello PCA families and students. In this episode Mike reflects on returning from a 35th West Point reunion and the powerful perspective reunions provide: a longer view of how God shapes lives through relationships and formative years. Topics covered include the role of classmates, teachers, coaches, and leaders in spiritual and personal formation; how ordinary and extraordinary moments alike contribute to growth; and the similarities between the formation at West Point and the intentional Christian formation pursued at PCA. The episode celebrates school life and community moments — from homecoming to the Truman Way 5K, Dig Pink/Spike Blue, and student leadership and service — emphasizing how these events and everyday interactions matter for long-term growth. Key points include PCA’s goals for students (pursuing excellence, deep learning, faithful use of gifts, perseverance, and growing in Christ), the intergenerational nature of formation (older students mentoring younger ones, teachers and coaches investing in students), and the conviction that God uses people and ordinary seasons to prepare students for future callings. Mike addresses parents and students directly, urging gratitude for the privilege of partnership in formation, quoting Philippians 1:6 as a reminder that God completes the good work begun in us, and offering a call to listen more closely to students and teachers as they share honest stories of learning, struggle, belonging, and growth. Finally, there is a pastoral charge to be faithful with the years and relationships God has entrusted to the community, a note of joy in being back on campus, and anticipation for hearing more student and teacher voices in the weeks ahead.

  5. Oct 5

    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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

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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

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