The Cougar Cast

Contra Costa Christian Schools

5.0 (3)
Education
Updated Monthly

The official podcast of Contra Costa Christian Schools.

Apr 17

Teacher's Lounge: Unveiling the Heart of Our 4th and 5th Grade Classrooms (Part 2)

In Part 2, Principal Daniel Araujo shares that he visited Mrs. Greer’s and Mrs. Van Den Bosch’s fourth- and fifth-grade classrooms to collect student questions for the podcast, then surprises them with the questions. The teachers answer about favorite fast food orders, worst sickness experiences, relationship advice and reveal their favorite student answer! They close by sharing hopes for students once they leave the 4th and 5th grade classrooms so they can ultimately make an impact in the world for Christ. 00:00 Student Questions Setup 00:46 Fast Food Favorites 02:50 Worst Sickness Stories 04:05 Relationship Advice 06:08 Favorite Student Question! 07:25 Hopes for Students 10:08 Closing Reflections
Apr 17

Teacher's Lounge: Unveiling the Heart of Our 4th and 5th Grade Classrooms (Part 1)

In Part 1, Principal Daniel Araujo hosts the Cougar Cast from the “Teacher's Lounge with fourth grade teacher Lindsay Greer and fifth grade teacher Sarah Van Den Bosch to help families get to know the people behind the classroom. Mrs. Greer shares her path from missionary work and teaching in Mexico to homeschooling, then teaching at Christian schools in Chicago and California, discovering she enjoys teaching older students. Mrs. Van Den Bosch, from a family of teachers, describes moving to California in 1999 to teach at CCC, starting in first grade before transitioning to fifth. They discuss family life and hobbies outside school, then highlight how social studies comes alive through hands-on projects and field trips in fourth grade California history and the fifth grade American Revolution Walkthrough culminating in a student costume production. 00:00 Welcome to Cougar Cast 01:00 Meet the Teachers 01:33 Greer Teaching Journey 03:13 Van Den Bosch Origin Story 05:17 Life Beyond School 05:52 Van Den Bosch Family and Hobbies 08:09 Greer Family and Recharge 09:31 Fourth Grade California History 12:15 Fifth Grade Revolution Walkthrough
Mar 19

Understanding Accreditation with Julius Siebenga, Juliana Basil and Daniel Araujo

In this episode of Cougar Cast, hosts Daniel Araujo, Juliana Basil, and Julius Siebenga discuss the significance of school accreditation. The episode provides insight into the accreditation process overseen by Christian Schools International (CSI), including its impact on school improvement, governance, and community culture. Additionally, the hosts share how family participation and feedback play crucial roles in continuous improvement. The episode also features a fun 'Would You Rather' segment, adding a light-hearted touch to the informative discussion. 00:00 Introduction to Cougar Cast 00:26 Understanding School Accreditation 03:10 Benefits of Accreditation 07:16 Fun Segment: Would You Rather 10:21 Accreditation Process Deep Dive 12:08 Family Involvement and Conclusion
Feb 27

Juliana Basil talks Chapel and Spiritual Life with Dave Price and Tim Osterhout

In this episode, principal Juliana Basil hosts a discussion with special guests Dave Price and Tim Osterhout, who share their experiences and insights into fostering spiritual growth and worship within middle and high school settings. Dave, a long-time youth and senior pastor now teaching Bible and geometry, and Tim, the high school worship director, explore their collaboration in integrating worship and chapel activities. They discuss the impact of youth camp experiences, the importance of contemporary worship, and their goals for students' spiritual development. The episode ends with reflections on the profound changes witnessed in students' lives and the value of teaching worship and technical skills as part of holistic education. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions 01:06 Connecting Worship and Chapel 03:32 Mount Rushmore of Worship Songs 05:19 Camp Memories and Spiritual Growth 07:29 Goals for Spiritual Development 11:10 Closing
Jan 23

Preschool Education with Lyvette Loyola and Daniel Araujo

Join host Daniel Araujo of Contra Costa Christian Schools as he dives into the Preschool program with Preschool Director, Miss Lyvette Loyola. They discuss the importance of early childhood education, the journey of preschool development, and the integration of faith-based learning. The episode covers significant aspects of the preschool curriculum, such as extended learning projects (ELPs) and kindergarten readiness. Listeners will also enjoy a fun 'This or That' segment where Miss Loyola reveals her preferences. Tune in for an in-depth look at what makes the CCCS preschool program special. 00:00 Introduction to the Cougar Cast 00:33 Meet the Preschool Director 01:21 Journey into Early Childhood Education 03:17 Preschool Curriculum and Learning Through Play 07:26 Kindergarten Readiness and Individualized Learning 14:15 Fun Segment: This or That17:38 Extended Learning Projects (ELPs) 22:57 Why Choose Our Preschool Program? 25:11 Conclusion and Farewell
12/12/2025

Daniel Araujo and the Kindergarten Team: Audrey Bacosa and Tiara Hardisty

Inside Kindergarten: Teaching Insights and Readiness MythsJoin Principal Daniel Araujo as he introduces and interviews kindergarten teachers Tiara Hardisty and Audrey Bacosa. They share their unique journeys into teaching, discuss the joys and challenges of working with kindergartners, and bust common myths about kindergarten readiness. The teachers emphasize the importance of social-emotional development and provide strategies for parents preparing their children for school. The episode also features a fun game segment, adding a playful touch to the insightful discussion. 00:00 Welcome to Cougar Cast: Meet the Kindergarten Teachers 00:35 Teacher Introductions: Tiara Hardisty's Journey 01:29 Teacher Introductions: Audrey Bacosa's Journey 02:37 Understanding Kindergarten 12:52 Fun and Games: This or That 17:22 CCCS Kindergarten 25:08 Closing
11/13/2025

Juliana Basil on Christian Education

In this episode of the CougarCast, hosts Daniel Araujo and Juliana Basil, principals at Contra Costa Christian Schools, share a conversation about Juliana's unique upbringing and her journey into Christian education. They discuss the significance of integrating faith with learning experiences and the importance of student engagement in the classroom. Juliana also participates in a fun 'This or That' game, revealing personal preferences, and concludes with a reflection on her leadership role and aspirations for the school's educational environment. 00:00 Introduction to the Cougar Cast00:26 Getting to Know Juliana Basil04:15 Fun Game: This or That05:54 Juliana's Journey in Christian Education07:03 Defining Christian Education09:36 Educational Leadership Path10:49 Vision for Classrooms at CCCS12:49 Conclusion and Farewell
11/13/2025

Andrea Terwilliger on the CCCS Association

Understanding School Governance and Parent Involvement at CCCSIn this episode of the Cougar Cast, Julius Siebenga delves into the governance of Contra Costa Christian Schools (CCCS) and how parents and stakeholders can participate in this process. He is joined by Andrea, the board president, who shares insights on her family's long-term involvement with the school and the responsibilities of the board. Andrea discusses what it takes to be a board member and explains the roles and responsibilities of the school association. The episode also covers practical aspects of governance, including the application process for joining the association and the strategic and operational duties of the board. Additionally, the episode features a fun segment called 'Rapid Fire,' where Andrea distinguishes between boardroom and break room responsibilities. The discussion concludes with encouragement for parents to get involved and underscores the impact such roles can have on personal faith and community influence. 00:00 Introduction to the Cougar Cast00:54 Special Guest: Board President Andrea01:33 Andrea's Journey with CCCS04:10 Role and Responsibilities of the Board07:50 Rapid Fire: Boardroom vs. Break Room11:41 Understanding the School Association12:45 Becoming an Association Member14:38 Annual Meeting and Strategic Planning15:23 Encouragement to Join the Association16:59 Conclusion and Farewell
11/01/2025

Welcome to The Cougar Cast!

Introducing Cougar Cast: Stories of Faith, Learning, and Community! In the inaugural episode of The Cougar Cast, the Principals and Head of Contra Costa Christian Schools (CCCS) - Daniel Araujo, Juliana Basil, and Julius Siebenga - discuss the inspiration behind starting the podcast. The episode aims to foster transparency and community engagement, highlighting the unique spirit and opportunities offered at CCCS. The leaders share personal anecdotes and hopes for the podcast, envisioning it as a platform to celebrate the school's legacy, share updates, and build deeper connections within the school community. 00:00 Introduction to the Cougar Cast00:40 Why Start a Podcast?02:38 What Makes CCCS Special?06:32 Hopes for the Podcast09:01 What to Expect in Future Episodes10:46 Closing and Blessings

9 Episodes

5

out of 5

3 Ratings

The official podcast of Contra Costa Christian Schools.

Creator

Contra Costa Christian Schools
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

9
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Contra Costa Christian Schools
Show Website

The Cougar Cast