Mission & Academics

About Mission & Academics

This podcast showcases the thinking, inspiration, goals, and dreams of Brookfield Academy teachers, staff, and parents as they guide young people on their educational journey - always striving for academic excellence and good character.

Publisher

Brookfield Academy

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

26 Sept 2021

Latest episode

17 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

37 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   17 Sept 2026

   Research, Remembrance, and the Meaning of Freedom

   In this episode Mission Moments, Brookfield Academy History Department Chair, Ms. Karen Ray, and junior Caroline Gale share experiences from their summer trip to Normandy as participants with the Albert H. Small Normandy Institute, a highly regarded program offered through George Washington University. Their work began months before summer, with extensive reading, writing, virtual discussions, and two major research projects completed outside the regular school day. The experience culminated in travel to Washington D.C., the National Archives, Normandy, and Paris. Together, Caroline and Ms. Ray studied D-Day, explored Canada's often overlooked contributions at Juno Beach, and researched the life of World War II veteran John Leslie Rockwell. At the Normandy American Cemetery, they honored Rockwell at his gravesite and later shared their research with his family, helping them learn more about the father and grandfather they had hardly known. The project reflects an important part of Brookfield Academy’s Mission: educating students in the skills, values, and heritage of responsible, constructive, free people. Through careful research and firsthand encounters with history, Caroline gained a deeper understanding of the courage, sacrifice, and responsibility required to preserve freedom. Her dedication, hard work, and willingness to share what she learned connected her to others across the nation and the world while bringing greater dimension to the story of an individual who gave his life for our country. The experience also strengthened Caroline’s confidence in her abilities as a student and researcher. While the project required significant effort beyond their usual school responsibilities, the two agree that the adventure, laughter, and building relationships with students and educators who share their love of history, made it worthwhile. Listen as Ms. Ray and Caroline reflect on honoring the past, growing through challenge, forming connections, and having plenty of fun along the way. If you enjoyed this podcast and would like more similar content, visit the Mission page of the Brookfield Academy website (https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/mission). If you would like to  learn more about Brookfield Academy, our many amazing teachers and programs, and how the school could be a fit for your family, please contact our Admissions Office (admissions@brookfieldacademy.org). More information can also be found at brookfieldacademy.org (https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/admissions/choose-brookfield-academy).

2. 

   12 Mar 2026

   Ancient Language, Modern Minds: Competition, Community, and the Classics

   In this episode of Mission Moments, host Linda Pryor welcomes Brookfield Academy freshman William Schoonenberg, who recently earned first place at the Wisconsin Junior Classical League Convention. William shares how students prepare for the wide-ranging competitions that make up the convention, from language and mythology to geography, history, and even graphic arts. He also gives listeners insight into Certamen, the fast-paced, quiz-bowl style competition that tests students' knowledge of the ancient world. Along the way, William provides a look into the vibrant community surrounding Latin studies and explains why the language is far from "dead." From recognizing Latin roots in English to seeing connections across history and culture. Beyond the academic competitions, William also shares how creativity and collaboration play a role, whether through art competitions inspired by mythology or teamwork with classmates and teachers as they prepare to compete. It is fun to note that William also did well on the coop ski team this year, making it to the state competition. The conversation highlights the curiousity, discipline, and humility that define many Brookfield Academy students. The conversation closes with William offering some advice to younger students who are beginning their journeys in Latin: seek guidance, share resources, and take advantage of the supportive BA communty. Good recommendations for Latin and all students at the school. If you would like to learn more about what opportunities your child might find at Brookfield Academy, please contact our Admissions team to schedule a visit.

3. 

   4 Feb 2026

   Practice Makes Progress: Building Independence in the Lower School Years

   How do students move from relying on adult direction to becoming confident, self-driven learners? In this episode of Mission Moments, host Mrs. Linda Pryor, Executive Director of the Center for Mission & Academics at Brookfield Academy, is joined by Ms. Tanya Schwartz, Head of the Lower School (grades 3-5), for a thoughtful conversation about building age-appropriate independence in young learners. Ms. Schwartz shares her background at BA - from Level 3 teacher to Head of Lower School - and reflects on how Lower School (grades 3-5) is intentionally designed to support students as they naturally seek greater independence and help them establish a solid foundation of strong study habits, self-awareness, and personal responsibilty. Listeners will hear practical examples of what independence looks like at this age and how to nurture it, including: Learning to reflect: "Who am I as a learner? What works for me? What doesn't?" Developing valuable work habits such as organization, time management, and creating an effective workspace. Building study skills like note-taking, highlighting, reviewing corrections, and more. Using choices to promote autonomy while retaining structure. The conversation explores the important role of parents in this process and how the BA Triangle, students, teachers, and parents working together to support student success, makes a difference. Ms. Schwartz emphasizes that growth is not linear and that mistakes are essential to learning and phrases like, "practice makes progress," "reset, reflect, and restart," and "learn from your mistakes" capture the Lower School's growth mindset and culture. If you like what you hear, we encourage you to follow the Mission Moments podcast and share with friends. Additional Parent Presentations with many great speakers are available in the MIssion section of the BA website. If you would like to learn more about Brookfield Academy's Lower School - or any Division - please contact our Admissions Office (https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/admissions/choose-brookfield-academy). You can email admissions@brookfieldacademy.org or call (262)783-3200. They will be happy to answer your questions and schedule a visit. If you've thought a BA education is out of reach, we encourage you to contact us. Many families are happy to see that it is more attainable than they expected.

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Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.