Mondays with Mike: Exemplars of Excellence #3

Thanks for exploring our continuation in highlighting examples of excellence at our school. This week we continue to provide student examples at the Middle and Upper School, as well as among our Fine Arts students.

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

To reaffirm, Excellence (one of our core values) starts with a growth mindset and stepping into a confident trust that God grows us and uses others (teachers and coaches) to help us in that process over months and years. Growth is the first form of excellence that leads to other forms, seen in: achievement, beauty, and virtue. Today, we continue to explore how some of our students have demonstrated excellence through growth that leads further examples of excellence. Listen at the link above, or read below for a summary.

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

Academic Progress: In the academic realm, let’s consider the journey of our sixth-grade students. Through their teachers’ skilled coaching as well as their tireless efforts, they have demonstrated remarkable growth and success in time management. The have also seen impressive growth in reading comprehension. At the Upper School, consider A.M. He demonstrated excellent levels of intelligence as seen on test scores; with coaching, he demonstrated remarkable growth. The result is that not only are his grades beginning to reflect the intelligence we already saw, but he is also gaining confidence and joy in the process.

Athletic Excellence: Take the case of A.L., a shining star in our varsity running teams. Her commitment to Cross Country and Winter Track not only earned her prestigious awards but also served as a testament to her unwavering dedication. Despite facing formidable competition, A.L. consistently excelled, setting an example for her peers through her hard work and perseverance, and qualified to compete at the highest levels, far ahead of expectations.

Leadership and Personal Growth: In the Upper School, the story A.M, as well that of K.M and C.H. illustrate the transformative power of mentorship and self-motivation. Despite facing academic challenges, A.M. showed resilience and grit, seeking help proactively and ultimately experiencing a significant improvement in both grades and self-confidence. Meanwhile, C.H. and K.M. embraced leadership roles with grace, steering major events like the 8th Grade Experience days with creativity and adaptability, fostering stronger bonds within our school community.

Artistic Brilliance: Lastly, let’s explore the vibrant realm of our Fine Arts program, where students like E.A., S.H., A.T., and G.W. shine brightly. From earning top honors in prestigious competitions to captivating audiences with their musical and visual talents, these students embody the creative spirit nurtured within our school. Through their dedication and artistic expression, they remind us of the profound impact of passion and perseverance in achieving excellence.

These examples not only highlight the individual achievements of our students but also underscore the collective culture of growth, support, and inspiration that helps to define our school community that seeks to reflect God while we also bless others.

In case you missed it, the link to this year’s State of School presentation (about 45 minutes) is HERE or click the picture below.

Next week I will conclude my four-week, mid-year focus on Excellence. Going forward, I am trying to choose between two subjects (each taking 3-4 weeks to explore). What do you think I should do?

One option is a series I am tentatively calling, “PCA Recommends.” This series would explore topics such as mobile devices (social, learning impacts), technology (positive and negative aspects), what we are seeing in terms of culture (music” and its impact on your kids (positive and negative). This is meant to share with you insights that would encourage and empower you more as parents at home in ways that would also help your child and our school overall.

Another option is to do a series on “Building and restoring community.” My experience as a military leader, a disciple-maker, and head of school has taught how challenging building and sustaining community is among people of all backgrounds. In a run-up to our annual auction (our biggest community event of the year), I would cover what it takes for form a community (and how we seek to do that here at PCA), what is hoped for and expected in a community, and how to restore community when there is hurt or fractures.

Which one would you prefer? Or is there a topic you would really want me to delve into that would also help a broader audience? Please offer feedback through the feedback button on your parent portal.

May God bless you and your families abundantly. See you on campus soon!