In this episode of Rooted & Rising, Andrew McDonald is joined by Alissa Miller and Tanya Stewart to explore the vital work of student support in grades 5–8.

The conversation focuses on how schools intentionally meet students where they are during the pivotal middle‑school years: a time marked by academic growth, social development, and increasing independence. Alissa and Tanya share how targeted support, collaboration with teachers, and a focus on relationships help students build confidence, develop effective learning habits, and experience success in meaningful ways.

Grounded in a Catholic understanding of the dignity of every learner, this episode highlights how support is not about labels, but about accompaniment, helping each student grow academically, personally, and spiritually.

It’s a thoughtful look at how care, structure, and responsiveness combine to ensure that every student is given what they need to flourish.

As the school year comes to a close, Andrew McDonald reflects on a year of growth, gratitude, and forward momentum across Billings Catholic Schools.

In this episode, Andrew shares key updates from the President’s Report, including progress in long-range planning, a strategic investment in the Central Catholic campus with the potential acquisition of property across the street, and continued commitment to excellence in teaching and learning. He also looks ahead to the launch of a major campaign to renovate science labs and strengthen student opportunities for the future.

Beyond system-level updates, this episode highlights the incredible work happening across all BCS campuses, from remarkable early literacy gains at the Early Childhood Center to strong academic growth, faith formation, and student achievement at Saint Francis and Billings Central Catholic High School.

You’ll also hear about behind-the-scenes investments in technology, facilities, and financial sustainability that support the daily life and long-term strength of the system.

As always, this episode is rooted in gratitude: for students, staff, families, and all who make the mission of Billings Catholic Schools possible!

In this episode of Rooted & Rising, Andrew McDonald sits down with Suzanne Vaira & Jessi Swain to explore the Walk to Math model and how it supports student growth through targeted, responsive instruction.

The conversation focuses on why meeting students where they are matters in mathematics, and how flexible grouping allows teachers to tailor instruction to student needs while building confidence and competence. Suzanne & Jessi share how Walk to Math promotes collaboration among teachers, fosters a growth mindset in students, and helps normalize the idea that learning looks different for everyone.

Grounded in a commitment to equity and formation, this episode highlights how intentional structures in math instruction empower students to take risks, build skills, and experience success; one step at a time.

It’s a thoughtful look at how strong systems and caring educators work together to help every learner grow.

In this special bonus episode, Andrew McDonald joins Roy Brown on Billings Catholic Radio’s On the Spot podcast for a conversation about the vision behind Rooted & Rising and the role storytelling plays in the life of Catholic schools.

Together, they explore why creating space to share the everyday moments of school life matters, how storytelling strengthens connection and trust within a community, and what it means to lead with both clarity and transparency in Catholic education.

Originally recorded for On the Spot, this conversation offers a broader look at the purpose of Rooted & Rising while reflecting on the mission, challenges, and opportunities shaping our schools today.

If you like this episode, check out more On the Spot at: https://billingscatholicradio.podbean.com/

In this episode of Rooted & Rising, Andrew McDonald sits down with a group of graduating seniors to reflect on their journey through Billings Catholic Schools as they prepare to take their next steps.

The conversation looks back on growth, academic, personal, and spiritual, and forward to what lies ahead. Students share moments that shaped them, lessons learned beyond the classroom, and the role faith, community, and relationships played in their formation. They also reflect on what it means to feel prepared: not just for college or careers, but for life beyond high school.

This episode offers an honest, hopeful glimpse into who these students are becoming and serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of a Catholic education rooted in purpose and relationship.

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.

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.

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.

In this special solo episode of Rooted & Rising, Andrew McDonald shares a comprehensive community update, offering insight into where Billings Catholic Schools are right now and how mission continues to guide the path forward.

Drawing from the April President's Report and systemwide reflections, Andrew discusses key developments including progress in the Facilities Master Planning process, staff transitions and hiring priorities, enrollment trends, academic growth, and investments in safety, technology, and stewardship. He also highlights the vibrant life of our schools, from Early Childhood through high school, where faith, family spirit, and academic excellence are lived out daily through classrooms, service, arts, athletics, and community engagement.

This episode is a transparent look at the work happening across the system: celebrating encouragements, acknowledging challenges, and reinforcing confidence in the direction ahead.

It’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and remain connected to the mission that unites our schools.

In this episode of Rooted & Rising, Andrew McDonald is joined by Krista Cunningham and students Katie Kotecki and Olivia Guenthner to talk about HOSA - Future Health Professionals, and their recent competition experience.

The conversation explores how HOSA gives students the opportunity to apply classroom learning in real‑world contexts, build professional skills, and explore potential callings in healthcare. Katie and Olivia share what preparation and competition were like, what surprised them along the way, and how the experience helped them grow in confidence, focus, and teamwork.

Krista reflects on the role HOSA plays in forming students not only academically, but personally, helping them connect knowledge, service, and leadership in meaningful ways.

Together, the episode highlights how opportunities like HOSA prepare students to serve others with competence, compassion, and purpose: now and in the future.

In this episode of Rooted & Rising, Andrew McDonald sits down with Shane Fairbanks to explore how history comes alive when students are invited to experience it, not just read about it.

Through hands‑on projects, immersive lessons, and creative approaches, Shane shares how experiential learning helps students build curiosity, deepen understanding, and make meaningful connections to the past. The conversation highlights how engaging instruction fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and a genuine love of learning.

Together, they reflect on why hands‑on learning matters in a Catholic school setting where students are encouraged to see themselves as part of a larger story shaped by faith, culture, and human experience.

It’s a joyful reminder that when learning is interactive and purposeful, it becomes more than content, it becomes formation.

In this episode of Rooted & Rising, Andrew McDonald sits down with Lacey Weidman & Geoff Melder to explore one foundational truth: literacy touches everything.

The conversation looks at why strong literacy instruction matters far beyond language arts, shaping students’ confidence, critical thinking, and ability to engage meaningfully across all subjects. Geoff and Lacey share how intentional literacy practices help meet students where they are, support diverse learning needs, and build a shared foundation for success across grade levels.

Together, they reflect on how literacy helps students not only read and write well, but also understand, express, and grow into who they are becoming.

This episode offers a thoughtful look at the power of literacy when it is treated not as a single program, but as a shared commitment across a school system.

What truly sets Catholic education apart?

In the first episode of Rooted & Rising, Andrew McDonald sits down with Krista Wahl and Sean Kahn to explore the heart of Catholic schools—why families choose them, how faith and academics work hand in hand, and what it means to form students for life, not just achievement.

This conversation reflects on mission, culture, calling, and why the work of Catholic education feels deeply personal to those who serve in it every day.

In this episode of Rooted & Rising, Andrew McDonald sits down with Branden Martinez, teacher extraordinaire and director of the BCCHS drama program, following the school’s production of Fiddler on the Roof.

Together, they reflect on the collaboration it take to put on a show of that caliber to the moments of growth that happen both on and off the stage. Branden shares how theater creates space for students to build confidence, discipline, and empathy, while also discovering their voices and their gifts.

The conversation explores why the arts matter in a Catholic school setting, how storytelling helps students wrestle with big themes like tradition, community, and identity, and why experiences like Fiddler on the Roof leave a lasting impact long after the final curtain call.

It’s a joyful, behind‑the‑scenes look at creativity, teamwork, and formation—proof that sometimes the most meaningful learning happens under the stage lights.

Rooted & Rising is a short, story‑driven podcast celebrating the people, practices, and moments that shape our Catholic school system. Each episode highlights everyday stories from classrooms, campuses, and communities: rooted in faith, formed by family spirit, and rising toward academic excellence.

In this trailer, host Andrew McDonald shares the heart behind the podcast and what listeners can expect each week. Episodes are designed to be thoughtful, accessible, and meaningful, inviting parents, educators, students, and friends of our schools to pause, reflect, and notice the good work happening all around us.