Mondays with Mike: Navigating the Challenges

Believe it or not, we’re halfway through the first quarter! This week we have Mrs. Corso, our assistant lower school principal, and Mr. G, Graham Siemon, our middle school assistant principal.

What starts to happen at this time of year. The three discussed that around this time of the year is the time when we start to see interpersonal tension between students potentially develop. We want to let you know that we’re not totally surprised by this if it happens, and we’re also committed to working on it early and in partnership with you. I asked the assistant principals to share how we as a school, and they in the different divisions of the school, do this and how we can connect with you. Through all of this, your child’s spirit and character growth are at the center of our efforts. That is where we started, and it is good news.

Christian Character growth is at the core.

Mrs. Daphne Corso. Mrs. Corso has served as our Lower School Assistant Principal for fifteen years. A former teacher, current coach, and experienced leader, she is committed to healthy conflict resolution and equipping your kids with the best tools, restoring and fostering healthy, functional relationships for our students and working with parents.

Mr. Graham Siemon. Mr. Siemon is in his third year at PCA. Coming from a pastoral background, with experience in operations, worship, and youth ministry, he has the heart and skill to reach and mentor Middle School students. Strong and compassionate, Mr. G. is committed to helping your kids navigate the often challenging season of adolescence. 

Lower School. Mrs. Corso explained how character formation and interpersonal relationships are handled in the lower school. Through daily interactions, Bible studies, and problem-solving within and outside the classroom, they work on building character. The deepest opportunity comes when a child makes a mistake, allowing staff to walk them through the process of accepting their mistake, acknowledging it, feeling compassion, and apologizing. This process helps them understand the impact of their actions and grow from the experience.

Middle School. Mr. Siemon shared that middle school can often be a tough age due to changing hormones, bodies, and identities. Character formation often occurs during moments when students need to take a break or visit his office. He emphasizes asking questions to help students understand their actions and insecurities. The middle school also uses a Christian Middle School curriculum in their chapels to address identity, joy, happiness, grief, and other topics. This structure allows for worship, a message from a guest speaker, and small group discussions, fostering deep, rich conversations and character development.

Understanding Redemptive Discipline. We also discussed the concept of redemptive discipline, which involves helping students understand that everyone makes poor choices and can learn from them. In the lower school, this means acknowledging mistakes, seeking forgiveness, and having consequences that serve as a deterrent for future mistakes. In the middle school, it’s about intentional conversations and follow-through, setting expectations and logical consequences to guide students through their growth. Note: we also explain this in detail in our family handbook–a good resource found on your parent portal.

Navigating the Bullying Conversation. The conversation then shifted to the term “bullying.” Both Daphne and Graham emphasized the importance of using the term accurately. Bullying involves repeated, intentional harm or intimidation with a differential in power dynamic. Often, what is perceived as bullying may be unkind behavior or horseplay, below the threshold of “bullying” but still not healthy or good.

Our assistant principals share how they help your kids navigate this challenging space. Educating students on the impact of their actions and encouraging them to use their voice to express discomfort is crucial. When genuine bullying occurs, it is addressed seriously and appropriately.

Partnering for Student Success. In conclusion, moms and dads, we want to partner well with you always, and especially when your kids are navigating tough times relationally at school. Open, ongoing communication is key. If your child is struggling, please reach out. We may not always see what you see, and your insights are essential. Together, we can foster a safe, caring, and supportive environment for your child to thrive.