Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Rooted & Rising, Andrew McDonald sits down with Mrs. Jenni Sogaard and her senior daughter for a conversation that bridges classroom innovation, student experience, and the future of learning.

Jenni shares what’s new and exciting in her science classroom, the importance of science education in a Catholic school, and her enthusiasm for the upcoming renovation of science labs designed for 21st‑century learning. Brynn, her daughter, offers a student’s perspective, reflecting on her science education over four years and what it has meant to learn in an environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and wonder.

Together, they explore how faith and science work hand‑in‑hand, how learning spaces matter, and why investing in both people and places is essential for forming students prepared to engage thoughtfully with the world.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Rooted & Rising, Andrew McDonald is joined by Sandi Derrig and Nicole Warn to share the story of the Student Support and Extension work taking shape across K-4.

Together, they reflect on what it truly means to meet students where they are: recognizing that learners come with different strengths, challenges, and needs, and that equity in education often requires intentional, personalized support. Sandi and Nicole discuss the first year of this work, including how intervention and extension are thoughtfully designed to help students grow academically, develop confidence, and take ownership of their learning.

The conversation highlights collaboration with teachers, responsiveness to student needs, and the importance of viewing support not as a label, but as an opportunity. Grounded in the Catholic belief in the dignity of every learner, this episode reminds us that when schools commit to giving each student what they need, all students are better able to flourish.

It’s a hopeful look at growth, reflection, and the ongoing commitment to serve every child well.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Rooted & Rising, Andrew McDonald sits down with Angie Gonzales and Mallory Harris, two members of our front office team, to talk about something that shapes every school experience from the very first moment: welcome.

Often the first faces families, students, and visitors see, Angie and Mallory play a crucial role in setting the tone for each school day. They share how small interactions like greetings, conversations, and moments of care, help create an atmosphere of belonging, trust, and calm in the middle of daily chaos.

The conversation reflects on why a welcoming presence matters so deeply in a Catholic school community, how frontline roles are forms of quiet ministry, and how culture is built not through big gestures, but through consistency, kindness, and attention to people.

It’s a thoughtful reminder that in our schools, welcome doesn’t just happen, it’s practiced every day.