Mondays with Mike: Exemplars of Excellence #2

Welcome back to another Mondays with Mike. In this edition, we continue into the heart of excellence at Portsmouth Christian Academy (PCA), and there’s no better place to go after our teachers (last week) than with our students.

Click above to hear Mike’s 10-minute message on topics relevant for you and your family.

In the 10 minute podcast (linked above), I describe how we see excellence first through our students in PCAP and the Lower School (K-5).

As a refresher, Excellence at PCA is more than just scores and awards; it’s about embodying a growth mindset, a commitment to continuous improvement as we look towards God and those around us. Today, let’s explore how some of our students have demonstrated excellence through growth in three crucial ways: gaining courage and confidence, demonstrating and modeling Christian character at a high level individually and collectively, and pressing the envelope on what we think is possible academically.

Here is a short summary of the stories I share in the recording linked above.

LW is a newfound enthusiast for overcoming challenges. Initially hesitant with fine motor tasks, LW recently surprised everyone by eagerly crafting a “tall tower” for the letter ‘T.’ A testament to his newfound confidence and fine motor skills, he now embraces challenges with resilience.

JK, another preschooler, is mastering the art of greetings. Once reserved with the staff (but not with friends), JK now confidently wishes “Good Morning” to all he encounters, from drop-off to the classroom, showcasing the intentional efforts of his teachers in nurturing positive social skills that bless others, even those older than him.

The adjustments are profound, and on top of the academic feedback parents are receiving from the PCAP teachers this week, these stories convey the power of growth.

EW, a fourth-grader, exemplifies Biblical Integrity. Her thoughtful contributions to Bible lessons and creative gifts, especially evident in her Christmas card artwork, reflect a commitment to glorify God. She not only embraces her identity in Christ but encourages her peers to do the same.

The fifth-grade class, collectively demonstrating leadership growth, has initiated positive changes, from revised soccer rules to the “Caught Being Kind” wall, fostering a culture of kindness and positive interactions.

NM, a fifth-grade math enthusiast, has accelerated through PCA’s math program, currently excelling in an independent Algebra course, showcasing remarkable dedication to academic excellence.

These examples are profound in the particular and the general. They honor God and His gifts to us while also show how we love our neighbors (soccer mates).

As a reminder, the State of the School address is THIS week on February 8th. I invite you to join us at 2:00 PM at the Upper School. This event will provide a deeper reflection on our journey so far and offer more specifics on where we’re heading.

Thank you for listening to/reading this episode of Mondays with Mike. You can access past episodes through our website or through Podbean.

Over the next several weeks I will continue to highlight exemplars of excellence over the 1st semester. May God bless you and your families abundantly. See you on campus soon!