Rooted & Rising: Stories From Across Our Schools

Send us Fan Mail By the mid-to-late 20th century, Catholic education in Montana had grown into a strong and recognizable system. Parishes were established.  Schools were thriving.  Religious sisters and dedicated educators formed generations of students. For a time, it felt stable. But beneath the surface, things were beginning to change. In this episode, we explore the moment when Catholic educat...

Send us Fan Mail As Catholic mission work spread east across Montana, the story took on a different shape. In this episode, we move into eastern Montana and the Billings region, where permanent missions did not take root until the 1880s, decades after St. Mary’s. By this time, Native nations had been forced onto reservations, and life had been profoundly disrupted. At places like St. Xavier Missio...

Send us Fan Mail The story of Catholic education in Montana begins long before classrooms, systems, or school buildings. It begins with people, and with a relationship. In this opening episode, we travel to the Bitterroot Valley in the early 1840s, where the first Catholic missionaries arrived at the invitation of the Salish people. Together, they founded St. Mary’s Mission in 1841, the first Cath...

Send us Fan Mail Description: Before there were schools… there were stories. Before there were systems… there were relationships. This series explores the story of Catholic education in Montana, not just how it was built, but how it began, how it changed, and why it still matters today. From the Bitterroot Valley in 1841, where the first mission was founded at the invitation of the Salish people…...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Rooted & Rising , Andrew McDonald sits down with Katie Day, K–8 librarian, to talk about how families can keep kids engaged, curious, and learning throughout the summer months. The conversation explores the importance of reading beyond the school year, what the “summer slide” really means, and how small, consistent habits can make a lasting difference. Katie...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Rooted & Rising , Andrew McDonald shares portions of the final meeting of the year for the Mission & Catholic Identity Committee, offering a reflective look into the heart of how mission guides the life of our schools. Through conversation and shared reflection, committee members look back on the year, naming meaningful moments, celebrating progress, and...

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 Tany...

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...

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...

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 tru...

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 cla...

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 renovatio...

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 requ...

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. Th...

Send us Fan Mail In this special solo episode of Rooted & Rising , Andrew McDonald shares a comprehensive community update, offering insight into where Billings Catholic Schools are right now and how mission continues to guide the path forward. Drawing from the April President's Report and systemwide reflections, Andrew discusses key developments including progress in the Facilities Maste...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Rooted & Rising , Andrew McDonald is joined by Krista Cunningham and students Katie Kotecki and Olivia Guenthner to talk about HOSA - Future Health Professionals, and their recent competition experience. The conversation explores how HOSA gives students the opportunity to apply classroom learning in real‑world contexts, build professional skills, and explore...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Rooted & Rising , Andrew McDonald sits down with Branden Martinez, teacher extraordinaire and director of the BCCHS drama program, following the school’s production of Fiddler on the Roof . Together, they reflect on the collaboration it take to put on a show of that caliber to the moments of growth that happen both on and off the stage. Branden shares how th...

Send us Fan Mail What truly sets Catholic education apart? In the first episode of Rooted & Rising , Andrew McDonald sits down with Krista Wahl and Sean Kahn to explore the heart of Catholic schools—why families choose them, how faith and academics work hand in hand, and what it means to form students for life, not just achievement. This conversation reflects on mission, culture, calling, and...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Rooted & Rising , Andrew McDonald sits down with Lacey Weidman & Geoff Melder to explore one foundational truth: literacy touches everything. The conversation looks at why strong literacy instruction matters far beyond language arts, shaping students’ confidence, critical thinking, and ability to engage meaningfully across all subjects. Geoff and Lacey s...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Rooted & Rising , Andrew McDonald sits down with Shane Fairbanks to explore how history comes alive when students are invited to experience it, not just read about it. Through hands‑on projects, immersive lessons, and creative approaches, Shane shares how experiential learning helps students build curiosity, deepen understanding, and make meaningful connecti...

Send us Fan Mail Rooted & Rising is a short, story‑driven podcast celebrating the people, practices, and moments that shape our Catholic school system. Each episode highlights everyday stories from classrooms, campuses, and communities: rooted in faith, formed by family spirit, and rising toward academic excellence. In this trailer, host Andrew McDonald shares the heart behind the podcast and...