Rooted & Rising: Stories From Across Our Schools

Andrew McDonald

Campfire conversations celebrating the people, practices, and purpose that make our schools thrive.

  1. 3d ago

    11 - Support During Interesting Times

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Rooted & Rising, Andrew McDonald is joined by Alissa Miller and Tanya Stewart to explore the vital work of student support in grades 5–8. The conversation focuses on how schools intentionally meet students where they are during the pivotal middle‑school years: a time marked by academic growth, social development, and increasing independence. Alissa and Tanya share how targeted support, collaboration with teachers, and a focus on relationships help students build confidence, develop effective learning habits, and experience success in meaningful ways. Grounded in a Catholic understanding of the dignity of every learner, this episode highlights how support is not about labels, but about accompaniment, helping each student grow academically, personally, and spiritually. It’s a thoughtful look at how care, structure, and responsiveness combine to ensure that every student is given what they need to flourish.

    22 min

  2. May 20 ·  Bonus

    May President's Report

    Send us Fan Mail As the school year comes to a close, Andrew McDonald reflects on a year of growth, gratitude, and forward momentum across Billings Catholic Schools. In this episode, Andrew shares key updates from the President’s Report, including progress in long-range planning, a strategic investment in the Central Catholic campus with the potential acquisition of property across the street, and continued commitment to excellence in teaching and learning. He also looks ahead to the launch of a major campaign to renovate science labs and strengthen student opportunities for the future. Beyond system-level updates, this episode highlights the incredible work happening across all BCS campuses, from remarkable early literacy gains at the Early Childhood Center to strong academic growth, faith formation, and student achievement at Saint Francis and Billings Central Catholic High School. You’ll also hear about behind-the-scenes investments in technology, facilities, and financial sustainability that support the daily life and long-term strength of the system. As always, this episode is rooted in gratitude: for students, staff, families, and all who make the mission of Billings Catholic Schools possible!

    9 min

  3. May 20

    10 - Walk to Math

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Rooted & Rising, Andrew McDonald sits down with Suzanne Vaira & Jessi Swain to explore the Walk to Math model and how it supports student growth through targeted, responsive instruction. The conversation focuses on why meeting students where they are matters in mathematics, and how flexible grouping allows teachers to tailor instruction to student needs while building confidence and competence. Suzanne & Jessi share how Walk to Math promotes collaboration among teachers, fosters a growth mindset in students, and helps normalize the idea that learning looks different for everyone. Grounded in a commitment to equity and formation, this episode highlights how intentional structures in math instruction empower students to take risks, build skills, and experience success; one step at a time. It’s a thoughtful look at how strong systems and caring educators work together to help every learner grow.

    13 min
  4. On the Spot

    May 15 ·  Bonus

    On the Spot

    Send us Fan Mail In this special bonus episode, Andrew McDonald joins Roy Brown on Billings Catholic Radio’s On the Spot podcast for a conversation about the vision behind Rooted & Rising and the role storytelling plays in the life of Catholic schools. Together, they explore why creating space to share the everyday moments of school life matters, how storytelling strengthens connection and trust within a community, and what it means to lead with both clarity and transparency in Catholic education. Originally recorded for On the Spot, this conversation offers a broader look at the purpose of Rooted & Rising while reflecting on the mission, challenges, and opportunities shaping our schools today. If you like this episode, check out more On the Spot at: https://billingscatholicradio.podbean.com/

    30 min

  5. May 13

    09 - Looking Back & Moving On

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Rooted & Rising, Andrew McDonald sits down with a group of graduating seniors to reflect on their journey through Billings Catholic Schools as they prepare to take their next steps. The conversation looks back on growth, academic, personal, and spiritual, and forward to what lies ahead. Students share moments that shaped them, lessons learned beyond the classroom, and the role faith, community, and relationships played in their formation. They also reflect on what it means to feel prepared: not just for college or careers, but for life beyond high school. This episode offers an honest, hopeful glimpse into who these students are becoming and serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of a Catholic education rooted in purpose and relationship.

    21 min

  6. May 6

    08 - Faith, Curiosity, and the Future of Science

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Rooted & Rising, Andrew McDonald sits down with Mrs. Jenni Sogaard and her senior daughter for a conversation that bridges classroom innovation, student experience, and the future of learning. Jenni shares what’s new and exciting in her science classroom, the importance of science education in a Catholic school, and her enthusiasm for the upcoming renovation of science labs designed for 21st‑century learning. Brynn, her daughter, offers a student’s perspective, reflecting on her science education over four years and what it has meant to learn in an environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and wonder. Together, they explore how faith and science work hand‑in‑hand, how learning spaces matter, and why investing in both people and places is essential for forming students prepared to engage thoughtfully with the world.

    16 min

  7. Apr 29

    07 - To Each According To Need

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Rooted & Rising, Andrew McDonald is joined by Sandi Derrig and Nicole Warn to share the story of the Student Support and Extension work taking shape across K-4. Together, they reflect on what it truly means to meet students where they are: recognizing that learners come with different strengths, challenges, and needs, and that equity in education often requires intentional, personalized support. Sandi and Nicole discuss the first year of this work, including how intervention and extension are thoughtfully designed to help students grow academically, develop confidence, and take ownership of their learning. The conversation highlights collaboration with teachers, responsiveness to student needs, and the importance of viewing support not as a label, but as an opportunity. Grounded in the Catholic belief in the dignity of every learner, this episode reminds us that when schools commit to giving each student what they need, all students are better able to flourish. It’s a hopeful look at growth, reflection, and the ongoing commitment to serve every child well.

    18 min

  8. Apr 22

    06 - At the Front Door

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Rooted & Rising, Andrew McDonald sits down with Angie Gonzales and Mallory Harris, two members of our front office team, to talk about something that shapes every school experience from the very first moment: welcome. Often the first faces families, students, and visitors see, Angie and Mallory play a crucial role in setting the tone for each school day. They share how small interactions like greetings, conversations, and moments of care, help create an atmosphere of belonging, trust, and calm in the middle of daily chaos. The conversation reflects on why a welcoming presence matters so deeply in a Catholic school community, how frontline roles are forms of quiet ministry, and how culture is built not through big gestures, but through consistency, kindness, and attention to people. It’s a thoughtful reminder that in our schools, welcome doesn’t just happen, it’s practiced every day.

    14 min
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Campfire conversations celebrating the people, practices, and purpose that make our schools thrive.

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