4 APR 2024 · If you're looking for something positive to listen to today, this episode is for you. Host Linda Pryor talks with Raghav Vijayapal and Krish Sharma, two BA Upper School students who have started non-profit organizations.  Service is a part of student life at all Levels of BA. The school's youngest students participate in service projects such as making toys for dogs in shelters, collecting and delivering food to the local food pantry, and cleaning up around campus. Middle School students become involved in planning and executing service projects. Upper School students spearhead their own initiatives, demonstrating their leadership and organizational skills.  Linda speaks with two students who are excellent examples of taking initiative, using their talents, and making a positive impact in the community. In an upcoming episode, Linda will talk with a third student, Bella Smith, who also has started a non-profit organization.  Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this podcast, please review, subscribe, and consider mentioning the Mission Moments podcast to a friend. For questions about this podcast please email the host, Linda Pryor, Executive Director of the Center for Mission & Academics at Brookfield Academy, at linda.pryor@brookfieldacademy.org. To learn more about Brookfield Academy and what the school can offer your child, visit https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/ or contact our https://calendly.com/d/dwj-fty-2qf for a personal tour.

8 FEB 2024 · In this episode, host Linda Pryor, interviews BA Upper School teacher, Ms. Karen Ray who recently was named the High School Teacher of the Year by the Wisconsin VFW. Ms. Ray earned this recognition based on her exemplary performance across four distinct criteria: Citizenship, Innovation, Resources, and Passion for Teaching. During their conversation, it becomes clear why Ms. Ray was deserving of this award. She has developed strong ties to the community, including many Veterans, and shares her experiences with her students. She and Linda talk about her Veteran Interview Project. Through this effort, she has recorded the stories of more than 1,500 Veterans. If you love history, you'll enjoy this conversation and be inspired by this impressive teacher. *In the episode, Ms. Ray mistakenly indicated that the VFW was founded post-WWII. In actuality, it was founded in 1899. The Voice of Democracy competition sponsored by the VFW started in 1947. If you like what you hear, please review and subscribe to the Mission Moments podcast. If you'd like to learn more about Brookfield Academy and what the school can offer your child, visit https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/. If you have questions about this podcast please email the host, Linda Pryor, Executive Director of the Center for Mission & Academics at Brookfield Academy, at linda.pryor@brookfieldacademy.org.

30 NOV 2023 · In this episode, Linda Pryor is joined by Dr. Daniel Coupland, Dean of Masters in Classical Education and Professor of Education at Hillsdale College. The two have an engaging discussion about the key components and value of a classical teaching of reading and grammar. His broad background in linguistics, as a classroom teacher, as well as his role educating teachers provides for an interesting conversation about both broad concepts and practical ideas for parents and grandparents. Dr. Coupland has won numerous awards and written several books. His book titled, Tried & True: A Primer on Sound Pedegogy, is used by educators across the nation. One reviewer said this about the book, “Dan Coupland provides essential answers to crucial questions teachers face every day in their classrooms. Drawing on his years of experience as a teacher and as a teacher of teachers, he presents a resource rich in wisdom for all in the field, whether a new teacher or an experienced educator.” If you like what you hear, please review and subscribe to the Mission Moments podcast. If you'd like to learn more about Brookfield Academy and what the school can offer your child, visit https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/. If you have questions about this podcast please email the host, Linda Pryor, Executive Director of the Center for Mission & Academics at Brookfield Academy, at linda.pryor@brookfieldacademy.org.

5 OCT 2023 · Linda Pryor, Executive Director of the Center for Mission & Academics at Brookfield Academy, begins Season 5 of her podcast with an amazing guest, Dr. Wilfred McClay. Dr. McClay wrote Land of Hope: An Invitation to the Great American Story and the book was recently added to the Middle School History curriculum at BA. The conversation provides a glimpse into this fascinating scholar and why the book has recieved such positive reviews. Here is one such review: “We’ve long needed a readable text that truly tells the American story, neither hiding the serious injustices in our history nor soft-pedaling our nation’s extraordinary achievements. Such a text cannot be a mere compilation of facts, and it certainly could not be written by someone lacking a deep understanding and appreciation of America’s constitutional ideals and institutions. Bringing his impressive skills as a political theorist, historian, and writer to bear, Wilfred McClay has supplied the need.”― Robert P. George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence, Princeton University Listeners will get a sense of the extent of consideration BA administrators and teachers put into selecting texts for the curriculum at all Levels of the school. Brookfield Academy was recently ranked the #1 Private School in Wisconsin by Niche for the 4th year in a row. The book is availabe from https://www.amazon.com/Land-Hope-Invitation-Great-American/dp/1641771399 or a bookseller near you. You can learn more about the Center for Mission & Academics at Brookfield Academy, here: https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/mission If you'd like to learn more about Brookfield Academy and what the school can offer your child, please contact our Admissions Office at admissions@brookfieldacdemy.org or visit our website at https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/admissions/choose-brookfield-academy.

6 APR 2023 · This episode is somewhat different from others this season, as host Linda Pryor talks with guest Jorge Galicia, an emigre from Venezuela. Still a young man, Mr. Galicia, shares stories from his experience with the dramatic economic and social change that have occurred in Venezuela during his lifefiime. His story is fascinating, especially when one considers stories from his youth that seem similar to what a middle class student in America might experience and how within a few years the experience of his family - and most Venezuelan citizens - changed completely. You can learn more about Jorge Galicia at The Fund for American Studies webiste: https://tfas.org/staff/jorge-galicia/ You can learn more about the Center for Mission & Academics at Brookfield Academy, here: https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/mission/the-center-for-mission--academics If you'd like to learn more about Brookfield Academy and what the school can offer your child, please contact our Admissions Office at admissions@brookfieldacdemy.org or visit our website at https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/admissions/choose-brookfield-academy.

16 FEB 2023 · Brookfield Academy has always offered students a "classical" education. An important part of that is Latin. In this episode, Linda Pryor talks with Dr. Ron Roessler, a BA parent and coach of the school's Certamen teams. Dr. Roessler describes his personal interest in Latin and how this program has captured the interest of many - there are more than 40 students on the Certamen team - students at BA. He also shares some insight on why it is so important to study Latin. For more information on Brookfield Academy visit https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/. The Center for Mission & Academics at Brookfield Academy hosts seminars and other events on a range of topics. To see recent programs and learn more about the Center for Mission & Academics at BA, visit https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/mission or contact the Center's Executive Director Linda Pryor at linda.pryor@brookfieldacademy.org.

9 FEB 2023 · In this episode, host Linda Pryor, talks with Brookfield Academy Athletic Director, Jon Kahle. Mr. Kahle has been at BA for 14 years and talks about advancements in the athletic programs including increases in athletic participation, increased opportunities for female students, the addition of the Fitness Center, and more. They discuss that the focus on character building through athletics, developing student athletes, and helping many students develop lifelong habits for health and fitness have likely contributed to the success of the school's teams in competition. For more information on BA's athletic program, visit: https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/athletics/participate-at-brookfield-academy If you'd like to learn more about what BA can offer your child, visit https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/admissions/choose-brookfield-academy or contact our Admissions team directly at admissions@brookfieldacademy.org. If you're interested in hearing more podcasts from the Center for Mission & Academics, visit https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/mission-and-academics-podcast or find us and subscribe wherever you find your favorite podcasts. You can contact the host directly at Linda.Pryor@brookfieldacademy.org.

19 JAN 2023 · In this episode, host Linda Pryor talks with Mr. Peter Grossman, Director of Development. Peter has a long history with Brookfield Academy. His father was one of the early board members for the school and he attended Brookfield Academy from Level B through his graduation in 1989. In addition to his current role with the school, he has served as a teacher, coach, and athletic director. His children also attend the school. During their conversation, Peter shares many memories of his time at BA and discusses how tradition has contributed to the excellence. If you like what you hear on this podcast, please consider listening to other episodes and telling your friends. If you'd like to learn more about Brookfield Academy, visit our website https://www.brookfieldacademy.org.

12 JAN 2023 · In this episode, host Linda Pryor talks with Upper School Mathematics Department Chair, Mr. David Reiner. Mr. Reiner has been a teacher at BA for many years and is well-liked by students, faculty, and BA parents. He currently teaches AP Calculus AB & BC. Mr. Reiner talks about tradition, not only meaning "looking back" but also traditional ideas of teaching. The ideas of structure in class, established goals for each class, and high expectations for students. While these may seem "traditional" they continue to prove successful and have helped BA students achieve academic excellence - especially in math and science - throughout the school's history. They discuss the understanding that students aren't expected to do well and "know everything" from the very beginning. There are lessons in the process especially when students have individual attention from skilled educators. If you like what you hear, please rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast. To learn more about Brookfield Academy, visit https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/. For more about the Center for Mission & Academics at Brookfield Academy and their programs, speakers, and blog, visit: https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/mission.

7 DEC 2022 · In this episode, Upper School teacher Ms. Karen Ray talks about attributes of excellence and how she and colleagues encourage excellence in their students and each other. Ms. Ray teaches Mideast Studies, Western Civilization 2 and Western Civilization 2 Honors. She is also the advisor for Rho Kappa, a national Social Studies Honor Society for juniors and seniors. To learn more about Brookfield Academy Upper School visit: https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/academics/four-divisions-one-school/upper-school. For the last three years, Brookfield Academy has been ranked the #1 Private School in Wisconsin by Niche. If you'd like to learn more about what BA can offer your child, visit https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/admissions/choose-brookfield-academy or email our Admissions team directly at admissions@brookfieldacademy.org. For more about Linda Pryor the Executive Director of Brookfield Academy's Center for Mission & Academics visit: https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/mission/the-center-for-mission--academics or email her at Linda.Pryor@brookfieldacademy.org.