Monday with Mike: Firm Foundations – 1st Quarter Wrap-Up
Joyful Monday, PCA!
What a beautiful fall we are having in New England! I don’t know about you, but the Northern Lights, the full moon, the comet, the glory of the trees in their splendor, the warmth of the day and cool (now frost) of the night, all reminds me of our Great God who loves us and cares for us. I hope this is a season of encouragement for you, too. “All the heavens declare His glory!” Psalm 19 is a GREAT reflection on what we are all experiencing.
Key Takeaways: Here are four this week–
1. Celebrating Legacy: Grandparents Day highlights the invaluable influence of grandparents, fostering deep, intergenerational connections that shape our students’ character, growth, and faith.
2. Academic Growth and Recognition: Our commitment to student growth is evident in two ways. First, with 400 students showing excellent year-over-year growth that collectively puts them in the top 10% of schools in the US, both public and private. Second, two PCA teachers were honored at the state level for their excellence.
3. Balanced Technology Approach: The ‘bell-to-bell’ mobile-free policy and intentional tech use are designed to support real-life engagement, learning, and responsible digital practices as you children grow. Our approach is slower and much more deliberate than the culture at large, informed by practice, research, and your childrens’ best as we partner with you
4. Parental Involvement: The personalized parent feedback questionnaire you received last week is an essential tool for refining each child’s growth experience, ensuring a tailored and excellent educational environment. Please be sure to complete it!
Summary of Podcast
Laying a firm foundation. Welcome to another episode of “Mondays with Mike.” As we conclude the first quarter of the school year at Portsmouth Christian Academy, Mike takes the opportunity to reflect on the journey so far and outline the exciting path ahead. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of key areas that are shaping the PCA community: Grandparents Day, academic excellence, and the thoughtful integration of technology and AI.
Join Mike as he delves into the significance of Grandparents Day, highlighting the invaluable role grandparents and surrogate figures play in shaping the lives of students. This celebration is more than just an event; it’s a tribute to the timeless wisdom and love that grandparents impart, enriching the PCA community across generations.
In the realm of academics, Mike shares exciting updates on the school’s commitment to fostering academic excellence. Recent standardized test results reveal remarkable growth, showcasing the perseverance and dedication of both students and parents. The emphasis on character and individual growth over grades is a cornerstone of PCA’s philosophy, encouraging students to embrace a growth mindset.
Furthermore, the episode addresses the critical role of technology in education. Mike discusses the importance of balancing screen time and the thoughtful use of technology to enhance learning experiences. He emphasizes the importance of real-life interactions and the development of deeper learning habits, while also highlighting the potential of AI as a supportive tool in education.
Throughout the episode, Mike extends gratitude to the PCA community for their feedback and involvement, underscoring the collaborative effort in creating an enriching educational environment. As the first quarter draws to a close, he invites parents to reflect on their child’s growth journey and the collective achievements of the PCA family.
Tune in to this episode of “Mondays with Mike” for a comprehensive overview of PCA’s foundational first quarter and the exciting future that lies ahead. Your participation and feedback are vital as we continue to nurture the God-given potential of every student.
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