PCA Podcasts

PCA’s Head of School connects each week with parents about education at our school and how we continue to fulfill our mission of inspiring students to maximize their God-given potential.

PCA Podcasts is a education podcast hosted by Mike Runey, with 100 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Mike Runey hosts PCA Podcasts, a education show with 100 episodes published.

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  Episode #184

  Beyond the Title: Students Leading at PCA

  Sep 28, 202618 min

  In this episode we explore what leadership truly means at PCA — beyond titles like prefect or Student Life Council member — and how students are entrusted with real responsibility for their peers and the school culture. Host interviews Mrs. Ellen Sporko (Director of Leadership), Student Life Council member Anatoly (Anna), and prefect Noah Hastie to hear firsthand what stewardship, long-term projects, and culture-building look like in practice. The conversation covers where Anna and Noah serve (senior class culture, small-group leadership, spiritual life events such as CU at the Pole, Brookwoods, and broader student programming), challenges they didn’t expect (negativity, personal humility, self-accountability), and the growth they’ve experienced — from seeing leadership as a title to owning relationships, vision, and execution. Mrs. Sporko describes PCA’s approach: giving students grassroots responsibility from vision through handoff, mentoring them through an academic Leadership in Action course and encouraging service-rooted leadership. Key moments include stories of mentors who shaped these students (teachers, parents, and trip leaders), examples of culture change (greater unity, joy, and buy-in at events), and practical lessons: listen well, lead with love, accept correction, repair mistakes, and prioritize people over tasks. The episode closes with encouragement to keep praying for and supporting student leaders as they continue to grow and steward their communities, and a reminder that PCA’s goal is to prepare students to lead faithfully beyond campus.

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  Episode #183

  Entrusted: PCA Students Shaping School Culture Through Leadership

  Sep 28, 202621 min

  In this episode we explore what leadership really means at PCA — not as a title but as real responsibility for people and culture. Mike interviews Mrs. Ellen Sporko, PCA’s director of leadership, alongside student leaders Anna (Student Life Council, senior-class lead and small group leader) and Noah (upper school spiritual life prefect). Together they unpack how students are given authority over service areas, long-term projects, and the daily shaping of school culture. The conversation covers concrete examples and events the leaders help run — Senior Sunrise, Brookwood, See You at the Pole and worship nights — and explains school structures like the Prefect Council and the Leadership in Action course that provide training, mentorship, and practical experience. Mrs. Sporko describes the twofold responsibility of student leaders: stewardship/shepherding of peers and ownership of student culture. Anna and Noah share personal challenges and growth moments: learning to work through negativity, building unity in their class, holding themselves accountable, and developing humility. They credit mentors and influences such as parents, teacher-leaders like Nick Watson, mission trip experiences (Puerto Rico), and ongoing adult support for helping them move from a title to an identity of service. Key takeaways include leadership as a culture-shaping vocation rooted in love for others, the importance of hands-on responsibility from vision to handoff, the role of mentorship and community support, and the commitment to continued growth rather than instant perfection. The episode closes with encouragement to pray for and support student leaders as they learn to make decisions, receive correction, repair mistakes, and lead for the long haul.

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  Episode #180

  Growing Beyond Grades: What Real School Growth Looks Like

  Sep 21, 20266 min

  In this episode Mike Runey, Head of School, reflects on what true growth in school looks like — not merely aging, grades, or completed assignments, but growth in knowledge, confidence, judgment, and faith. The host shares a recent moment in Lower School Chapel, where students displayed joy, engagement, and meaningful interaction with teachers, illustrating the heart of Christian education. Topics covered include the balance of challenge and support in the classroom, examples from the upper school where 9th and 10th graders are tackling demanding new history courses, and how teachers provide guidance, feedback, and encouragement so students can meet higher expectations. The episode also recounts insights from an ACSI Exemplary school gathering attended by representatives from 46 schools, emphasizing that strong Christian schools face similar questions and can learn from one another. Key points include what great learning should increasingly look like at PCA: students who are known, challenged, and supported; clear teaching; meaningful work; useful feedback; and growth in skills and character — wisdom, humility, courage, curiosity, and love — all with Christ at the center. The host invites parents to participate by asking different questions at home, such as, “What are you learning that is making you think?” or “What can you do now that you couldn’t do a few weeks ago?” The episode closes with a commitment to continuous improvement — building on strengths, addressing areas needing consistency, listening to teachers and families, and paying close attention to student growth — all for the good of the students, the school’s mission, and the glory of God.

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  Episode #177

  Known, Challenged, Contributing: PCA’s Vision for Your Child

  Sep 13, 202614 min

  In this episode Mike Runey, Head of School at Portsmouth Christian Academy, reflects on brief but meaningful conversations with parents and how those moments point to the heart of PCA’s educational philosophy. Using the three guiding words—Known, Challenged, Contributing—Mike explains what learning and formation should feel like for students from Pre-K through graduation. Mike opens by describing parents’ responses on opening day and shows how teachers and staff build trust so children feel welcomed and loved. He then lays out PCA’s central conviction that Jesus Christ is Lord over all learning, which means education here is holistic: spiritual formation, academics, athletics, the arts, and leadership are integrated rather than treated as separate programs. The episode unpacks each of the three core commitments. "Known" describes how faculty and coaches attend to each child’s dignity, strengths, and needs—helping students grow socially, emotionally, and academically. "Challenged" emphasizes meaningful, appropriate academic rigor that develops reasoning, communication, perseverance, and mastery in ways tailored to individual learners. "Contributing" highlights how students learn they have valuable gifts to offer—through leadership, service, creative work, quiet support, and teamwork—growing into responsibilities that suit their stage of development. Mike also explains why the Educational Philosophy remains a working draft: to be both descriptive and aspirational, reflecting the PCA families already value while identifying areas for greater coherence and consistency. He summarizes next steps—faculty review, leadership and board engagement, a PDF family brief available with the episode, and a three-question feedback form linked in the episode email—and sets a goal to publish the final philosophy by February. Listeners will learn what to expect from PCA: a Christ-centered, coherent school experience that seeks to know each child well, challenge them appropriately, and help them discover ways to contribute. The episode closes with an invitation for family feedback and a reminder of the school’s desire to partner with parents in forming students who think biblically, act wisely, and serve faithfully.

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  Episode #176

  Remembering 9/11: Passing Truth, Grief, and Hope to a New Generation

  Sep 7, 202611 min

  In this episode Mike Runey, the head of Portsmouth Christian Academy, reflects on the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, exploring why events we remember deeply are often history to our students and how faithful memory should be passed on. He shares personal perspective as a former Army officer and military family member, and connects national grief to the local PCA community. Topics covered include: the lasting impact of 9/11 on the country and military families; the personal story of Tom McGuinnis — a Navy veteran, airline pilot, PCA parent who died on American Airlines Flight 11 — and how his life beyond his death should be remembered; and the responsibility of Christian education to hand memory to the next generation with honesty and care. The episode outlines a four-part approach PCA will use in school remembrance activities: remember, understand, lament, and respond. It explains age-appropriate ways teachers will help students learn what happened, who was involved, the consequences that followed, and how to grieve and reflect without sensationalizing trauma. Scriptural anchors referenced include Psalm 46, Romans 12:21, and the example of Jesus grief and hope. Key points and actionable responses emphasized are: preserve truthful memory rather than fear or bitterness; honor courage and sacrifice; care for and protect the vulnerable; refuse scapegoating and hatred; serve and love our neighbors; pray even for enemies; and root hope in the crucified and risen Christ. The episode also describes PCAs plans for a deliberate, compassionate campus observance on the anniversary and invites the community to join in remembering faithfully. This is a message from PCA leadership to the school community. Listeners can expect a reflective, pastoral tone aimed at guiding families, teachers, and students through remembrance that is truthful, compassionate, and Christ-centered.

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