Rooted & Rising: Stories From Across Our Schools
Campfire conversations celebrating the people, practices, and purpose that make our schools thrive.
Episodes
22 episodes
Faith on the Frontier: Episode 4 - Renewal and Recommittment
As Catholic schools across Montana faced declining enrollment, rising costs, and the loss of traditional support structures, many wondered whether the system could survive. This episode explores the renewal that followed, driven by families, ed...
Faith on the Frontier: Episode 3 - The Brink
By the mid-to-late 20th century, Catholic education in Montana had grown into a strong and recognizable system.Parishes were established. Schools were thriving. Religious sisters and dedicated educators formed generatio...
Faith on the Frontier: Episode 2 - A Changing Landscape
As Catholic mission work spread east across Montana, the story took on a different shape.In this episode, we move into eastern Montana and the Billings region, where permanent missions did not take root until the 1880s, decades after St....
Faith on the Frontier: Episode 1 - Where the Story Begins
The story of Catholic education in Montana begins long before classrooms, systems, or school buildings. It begins with people, and with a relationship.In this opening episode, we travel to the Bitterroot Valley in the early 1840s, where ...
Faith on the Frontier: A New Miniseries Premiering June 24
Description:Before there were schools… there were stories.Before there were systems… there were relationships.This series explores the story of Catholic education in Montana, not just how it was built, but how it beg...
13 - Summer Reading
In this episode of Rooted & Rising, Andrew McDonald sits down with Katie Day, K–8 librarian, to talk about how families can keep kids engaged, curious, and learning throughout the summer months.The conversation explores the ...
12 - Mission & Catholic Identity
In this episode of Rooted & Rising, Andrew McDonald shares portions of the final meeting of the year for the Mission & Catholic Identity Committee, offering a reflective look into the heart of how mission guides the life of our...
11 - Support During Interesting Times
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 ...
May President's Report
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 progres...
10 - Walk to Math
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 conversatio...
On the Spot
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 Cath...
09 - Looking Back & Moving On
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 b...
08 - Faith, Curiosity, and the Future of Science
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 ...
07 - To Each According To Need
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...
06 - At the Front Door
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: wel...
April - President's Report
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.<...
05 - Called to Care
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...
We Start With An Idea
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 le...
Rising Readers
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 mat...
It's Like Wow!
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 acad...