PCA Podcasts

In this engaging episode, join host Jordan Heckelmann as he sits down with key members of the STEM team at the upper school. Featuring life science teacher Jesse Graustein, math educator Bekah Shoemaker, and chemistry expert Ethan Littlefield, the discussion delves into the growth and accomplishments of students over the past year. Each educator shares inspiring stories of students overcoming chal...

Join Jordan Heckelmann as he converses with pivotal members of the Upper School team at PCA, who, though not always in classroom roles, have a profound impact on student growth and leadership development. In this insightful episode, meet Ellen Sporko, the Leadership Development Coordinator; Amy St. John, the indispensable Administrative Assistant; and Brianna Young, the enthusiastic Academic Advis...

Join Jordan Hecklemann from PCA's Upper School in this insightful episode as he engages with a panel of dedicated faculty members reflecting on the remarkable growth observed during the 2024 school year. The conversation kicks off with introductions from Steve Foley, Ray Gamble, Joy Eisner, and Adam Abood, each sharing the unique courses they taught and the challenges they faced. Dive into inspiri...

In this enlightening episode, join Harley Tuttle, the dedicated preschool director at Portsmouth Christian Academy Preschool, affectionately known as PCAP, as she explores the incredible stories of growth and development witnessed in preschoolers. Accompanied by the fantastic PCAP faculty and staff, Harley delves into the world of three-year-old students making the significant transition from home...

This episode takes us into the heart of PCAP's Pollywogs class, guided by the experienced teacher Ms. Beth, who shares her reflections on her students' remarkable journey of growth throughout the year. With almost two decades at PCA, Ms. Beth witnesses firsthand the profound development in her students, particularly in their social-emotional skills. Under Ms. Beth’s care, the children showed amazi...

In this episode, join Miss Betsy Hickey as she takes us on a heartfelt journey through her teaching career, from her time as a kindergarten teacher to her current role in preschool education. With a passion for social-emotional and academic growth, Miss Betsy shares her insights on the incredible development that occurs within a single school year, especially focusing on the foundational skills of...

In this heartwarming episode, Ms. Sue, a dedicated aide at the preschool since it opened its doors 25 years ago, shares her insights on teaching faith in the classroom. This year has been a milestone in witnessing visible growth in the children's understanding of worship and their identity in God's eyes. The episode highlights the diverse starting points of faith among the students. While some chi...

Welcome, PCA community! In this episode, we dive into an intriguing conversation with Nate Paul, whom many of you might know as the mastermind behind PCA’s engaging social media presence. Nate, often behind the lens, joins us today to share his journey and the artistry involved in capturing the essence of our school. Beyond his love for God, Nate shares his passions in life - his beloved wife, Han...

Welcome PCA families! In this insightful four-week series, we delve into the academic growth witnessed at PCA over the past year, highlighting our mission to nurture students in a world often focused solely on performance. In the first episode, we focus on the encouraging academic advances made by our students, as captured through detailed NEWA assessments. Our discussion includes how we've worked...

In this episode of Mondays with Mike, we pay tribute to the remarkable Class of 2025 as they prepare to graduate from PCA. Host Mike reflects on the unique attributes of this senior class, highlighting their spiritual, academic, and personal growth. Each year, Mike conducts exit interviews and surveys with the graduating class to understand their experiences and perceptions about their education j...

Join us in a special Memorial Day episode as we connect with two inspiring PCA graduates, Ivan Sturgis and Connor Hickey, as they share their remarkable journeys in leadership and service. Both belonging to the class of 2024, Ivan and Connor have embarked on distinguished paths, contributing to their communities and country in significant ways. Ivan Sturgis, now a rising sophomore at Boston Univer...

Join us for an inspiring episode as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of PCA's graduating class of 2025, lovingly referred to as the 'Faithful 40.' As the school year comes to a close, we reflect on the incredible growth these students have demonstrated in their faith, knowledge, and skills. Discover the unique qualities that set the Class of 2025 apart. From taking on challenging courses t...

Join us for a captivating episode as we get an exclusive inside look at the Fine Arts Week at Portsmouth Christian Academy. With the much-anticipated debut of "Music Man" in the school's gymatorium, the atmosphere is electric. In this episode, we sit down with three talented sixth graders—Signe, Emily, and Kaylee—who share their inspiring journey as part of the Elementary Honors Choir. These young...

Join us as we dive into the vibrant world of PCA's musical week, featuring a behind-the-scenes look at their upcoming production of 'Music Man.' In this episode, we welcome four talented cast members who are part of a dynamic ensemble of over 30 performers. They share their experiences, from mastering challenging roles to managing the demands of a busy rehearsal schedule. Discover how Anna Tolley...

Welcome to a special episode of "Mondays with Mike" dedicated to Teacher Appreciation Week. Join us as we hear heartfelt messages of gratitude from students, celebrating the incredible educators at PCA who are making a positive impact in their lives. In this episode, students from various grades express their appreciation for teachers who have gone above and beyond in shaping their educational exp...

Join Mike as he returns to PCA's podcast, sharing gratitude for the support and prayers he received during his recent recovery from surgery. As 'Mondays with Mike' surpasses 5,000 downloads, it speaks volumes about the community's interest in the stories of students, teachers, and God's work at PCA. Reflecting on the recent Easter celebrations, Mike highlights the timeless message of hope and rene...

Welcome to this special podcast episode as we start exploring the significance of the National Day of Prayer, set to happen in early May. Today, we have the privilege to hear from members of the Altar Prayer Club, an incredible group dedicating their efforts to deepen prayer lives and strengthen spiritual communities within their school. Join us as we delve into their inspiring journeys, witnessin...

This episode, the second part of the interview with Headmaster Emeritus Dennis Runey, takes you on an inspiring journey through the remarkable growth of Portsmouth Christian Academy. Starting from its early days with minimal infrastructure, the academy has transformed into a flourishing campus, serving as a lighthouse for Christian education in New England. The conversation delves into the challen...

In this special episode, join us as we sit down with Dennis Runey, a pivotal figure in the history of Portsmouth Christian Academy (PCA), to explore his personal journey and the evolutionary tale of PCA. Dennis, a retired army serviceman, recounts how his transition to New Hampshire led him to an unexpected path: shaping the future of Christian education on the Seacoast. Discover how Dennis's init...

Welcome to the PCA community as we kick off Kapok Tree Week! This engaging episode features a deep dive into the beloved preschool tradition of the "Kapok Tree" play, a captivating production based on Lynn Cherry's children's book. Join Mike as he sits down with Harley Tuttle, Sue Long, and Beth Slater, who share their experiences and insights on this cherished event. The episode unravels the orig...

Welcome PCA community to a special episode recorded just before the exciting 30th Annual PCA Auction! In today's episode, we sit down with two remarkable members of our dedicated auction team, Kirsten Schultz and Liz LaJoy, who share their heartfelt journeys and crucial roles in making the auction possible. Both Kirsten and Liz started as volunteers, deeply connected by their families' experiences...

Welcome to another exciting episode with the PCA community! This time, we dive into the world of PCA’s remarkable track team. Despite challenges and busy schedules, we haven’t forgotten about our dedicated athletes who make a mark both on and off the track. Join us for this special wrap-up of the winter track season and get a sneak peek into what the spring season holds. Meet some of the incredibl...

In this special winter break episode, join us as we celebrate the achievements and stories of the student-athletes at PCA. While many are enjoying their breaks in varied climates, both our men's and women's basketball teams are gearing up for the postseason, and we are excited to share their journey to home games and the dream of victory. Meet the real stars, beginning with the PCA swim team who r...

In this special episode, we dive deep into the heart and soul of PCA's theater program as they prepare for their upcoming performance at the festival. Join us as we capture the intimate moments and heartfelt conversations with the talented cast and crew behind the play "Reunion at the End of the World." Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the story explores the dynamics between two groups of young su...

Hello, PCA community. In this episode, we invite you on a heartwarming journey as a group of high school students, along with their chaperone Mr. Nick Watson, prepare for a mission trip to Puerto Rico. The episode kicks off with introductions from Mr. Watson and four enthusiastic students, each at different stages of their high school journey. They share their diverse backgrounds and experiences,...