From the Horse's Mouth

In this episode of From the Horse’s Mouth, host Jay Barron is joined by three current PD faculty and staff members to reflect on their unique experiences of 9/11 as we recognize the 25th anniversary. Their three perspectives – a PD teacher, a Class of '04 alum, and a CMPD officer – provide valuable context and personal analysis of that monumental day and how it impacted everyone in different ways, which still reverberate in today's society. 

On the latest episode of From the Horse's Mouth, we get the inside scoop about PD memories and college life from three young alumni! Host Jay Barron sits down to hear about these alumni's experiences, including their transitions to college, their journeys to choosing majors and study abroad destinations, and more. You won't want to miss this one as the group reminisces on PD memories and gives advice to current students!

Providence Day prides itself on a global perspective, and as a result, our community is made up of families from all over the world. This week on From the Horse's Mouth, host Jay Barron brings together a group of PD mothers who moved to Charlotte from other countries and are raising their children with a spirit of cultural appreciation, alongside our global curriculum. The episode includes heartfelt stories, funny anecdotes, and eye-opening reflections about how it is "a gift to belong to more than one place." You won't want to miss this exploration of identity, culture, and community!

In this episode of From the Horse’s Mouth, host Jay Barron is joined by four Upper School students who interned with the Echo Foundation to study and share with the community about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its effects on humanity. The group covers the pros and cons of the technology, how they tackled writing curriculum together, and what their internship experience was like. Tune in to learn how internship experiences can benefit our students and how they tackle ethical and societal topics like AI!

As seniors finalize their applications and make college commitments, our host, Jay Barron, sits down with a group that has a close connection to the process – two PD parents, Devin Kerrigan and Priya Pillai, and PD's Director of College Guidance, Jack Whelan. The conversation touches on all aspects of the college selection process, from the value of campus tours to how to handle rejections and embrace all paths. Devin and Priya share firsthand lessons they've learned with their kids, and Jack provides tips and resources to ease anxiety and make the process more enjoyable for students and parents alike. Whether you're a high school sophomore, a prepared parent of a third grader, or dealing with application season now, there's lots to learn in this new episode of From the Horse's Mouth!

Click here to learn more about our College Guidance program at PD: https://www.providenceday.org/upper-school/college-guidance

In this very special episode, Jay Barron passes the mic to Lower School Administrative Assistant (and unofficial mayor of PD) Dee Smith! Known for knowing everyone on campus, Dee sits down with Shavonn Perkins (Second Grade Teacher), Amanda Matthews (Third Grade Teacher's Assistant), and Reagan Pacheco (Lower School French Teacher) for a hilarious and heartfelt conversation about life in and out of the classroom.

From laugh-out-loud student stories and unforgettable teaching mishaps to quiet moments of doubt and unexpected paths to purpose, this episode is full of honesty, warmth, and wisdom. You’ll also hear what these educators are up to outside of school, what they’d bring to a deserted island, and some surprising “two truths and a lie.”

It’s a celebration of friendship, joy, and the people who help make PD feel like home.

Season 6 kicks off with a look inside Auerbach Hall, Providence Day’s brand-new Lower School facility! Host Jay Barron talks with Erin Harper (Head of Lower School), Andrea DePhillips (Third Grade Teacher), and Avery Northrop ’05 (Second Grade Teacher) about the design process behind the 45,000-square-foot, three-story building that brings second through fifth grade under one roof. From the role of color theory in shaping learning spaces to the benefits of having students and teachers together at the heart of campus, they reflect on what it means for collaboration, community, and the future of Lower School learning.

As commencement approaches, three seniors — Kendall Amiri, Harry O'Neil, and Sanaya Lee — join host Jay Barron to open up about their time at PD, navigating the college admissions process, and the advice they’d give to those following in their footsteps. Tune in for favorite memories, lessons learned, and what they’ll carry long after graduation. Congratulations to the Class of '25 — we're so proud of you!

In this episode of From the Horse’s Mouth, host Jay Barron is joined by history teacher Mike Lindquist and seniors Liza Grimes '25 and Reagan Wright '25 for a timely conversation on media in the 21st century. Together, they explore the history of news—from traditional journalism to social media—and what it means to be a responsible, informed media consumer. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on navigating media today...and what it means for the future!

In this episode of From the Horse's Mouth, host Jay Barron sits down with three students new to Providence Day: freshman Brooks Freeman, sophomore Ginny Anne Dumont, and junior Ibby Kahn. Together, they discuss what it’s like to adapt to a new school, from balancing academics, sports, and social life to getting involved and finding their place at PD. Hear their take on PD's unique quirks, the differences in size and culture compared to their previous schools, and their advice for other new students. Tune in for a fun and honest conversation about change, growth, and making the most of new opportunities!