PCA Podcasts

Host Mike Runey opens this episode announcing Grandparents Day and celebrates the close of the first quarter. He takes viewers on a tour of PCA students who share their special names for grandparents and the simple joys they enjoy together — from card games and mac and cheese to mowing lawns and attending hockey games. Children express thanks for grandparents’ love, care, support, and presence, an...

Mike reports exceptional results: students are performing in the top 5% nationwide, with all cohorts reaching national Blue Ribbon levels (85th percentiles or above). Math growth is especially strong, and new students from 24–25 showed remarkable gains. Reading and language growth were also notable. The episode emphasizes PCA’s definition of excellence as sustained growth rooted in faith and disci...

It is Homecoming Week at PCA, and the campus is alive with color, cheers, and cowboy hats. In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Head of School Mike Runey sits down with Upper School leaders—Student Body President Kyla Collins, Vice President Anna Odom, Athletic Prefect Marion Spur, and Cross-Country Captain Christian Barnes—to share what this week means for our community. From Senior Sunrise to p...

Mid-quarter at PCA, fourth grade students join the show to share hands-on learning in science and music. The episode features students introducing themselves, describing their daily routines, and explaining class projects and activities. Students built solar ovens from shoeboxes to test insulation and heat retention, planning to measure temperatures and even make s'mores as part of the experiment....

This episode gives a clear update on PCA's campus safety efforts, introducing Steve Howe (Director of Operations) and Laurie Underwood (Director of IT and Educational Technology) and explaining the ongoing transition after Gene Watson stepped back for medical reasons. Steve describes PCA's layered security approach: Eagle Watch volunteers who observe the perimeter and buildings, a trained response...

In this episode we hear from two PCA seniors — Marian, the athletic prefect, and Chloe, the fine arts prefect — along with Mr. Jordan Hecklemann, as they prepare to lead the upper school during their leadership retreat and the student-led Brookwoods Day. The conversation covers their leadership roles (captain devotions, pep rallies, worship team development), the Leadership in Action course, and t...

This episode highlights a recent middle school retreat at Portsmouth Christian Academy led by Principal Lois Blatchley and Assistant Principal David White, with chaplain David Moore supporting the community. The retreat focused on uniting sixth through eighth graders early in the year and introducing a theme of compassionate community.   Listeners hear about worship, team-building activities like...

On this Labor Day Monday, I share my recent conversation with PCA Athletic Director Derek Summers and several coaches to kick off the fall athletics season. Derek, who has led the program since 2012, outlines the program’s core goals: get kids active, provide participation opportunities, teach each role on a team, and compete while growing in skill and faith. Coaches share updates and hopes for th...

Welcome to the 25-26 school year! Our Monday's with Mike's podcast goal is to share a long-view perspective on how God is at work at PCA in students, faculty, staff, coaches, and mentors. Enrollment director Stephen Levitt joins to share why families choose PCA. The top reasons are Christian faith formation, strong academics integrated with faith and purpose, and a close-knit community where child...

Join Mike Runey as he shares a short Ready Week update as staff and faculty return and final preparations are made for your arrival. The school is busy getting everything ready for the start of the 2025–26 school year and is excited to welcome students and families next week. Key communications to watch for include the weekly Peak of the Week (issued Thursday afternoons) and emails from your child...

Welcome to another episode of "Mondays with Mike," a podcast from PCA where host Mike Runey engages in inspiring conversations about the transformative power of education and community. In this episode, Mike is joined by Nate Paul, a chief storyteller from PCA's advancement team, to discuss the newly unveiled academic vision for the upcoming school year. Aimed at fostering the holistic development...

Welcome back, PCA families! In this week's engaging episode, we dive into the evolving world of artificial intelligence in education. This is the third installment of our four-part series focusing on the future of learning at our school. Our discussion is led by Dr. Connie Lawrence, Dean Emeritus at PCA, an innovative educator and seasoned researcher, celebrated for her insights into child develop...

Welcome back to Mondays with Mike, a podcast aimed at fostering wisdom and partnership within the PCA community, including our students, faculty, staff, and parents. In this episode, we delve deep into the power of reading in the digital age. With the surging influence of AI, how do we preserve the proven tradition of reading that has shaped thoughtful and well-rounded individuals through generati...

Welcome to another episode of "Mondays with Mike," where we embark on a journey to elevate our perspective as we prepare the next generation with wisdom, faith, and courage. Mike Runey, a seasoned leader with a deep military background, initiates a thought-provoking four-part series that challenges us to look deeper into the future, much like he did in his former role anticipating global security...

Welcome to a special episode of Mondays with Mike, where we dive into the rich tapestry of American history as our nation steps into its 250th year. As we reflect on Independence Day and the remarkable journey that has brought us to this historical milestone, we explore the profound idea that history is more than just names and dates - it is a form of discipleship and an opportunity to pass on our...

Welcome to an insightful episode of "Mondays with Mike," where Mike Runey, head of school at Portsmouth Christian Academy (PCA), wraps up a significant four-part series. In this episode, Mike discusses the comprehensive feedback received from the Spring Parents Survey, student surveys, and staff and faculty surveys, which reflect the perspectives of the broad PCA community. With over 300 parents r...

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...