In the Middle With You

This week on In the Middle With You, Tammy Kuku and Gaia Altshuler continue our conversation on capability and dive deeper into what it looks like for middle school students to become increasingly capable and confident. We explore the value of taking healthy risks, doing hard and uncomfortable things, and learning through reflection. We also give you a behind-the-scenes look at how we’re intentionally building capability in our students at Oaks Christian and why giving students opportunities to struggle, try, reflect, and try again is such an important part of their growth. Join us for another week of insight, encouragement, and practical tools as we talk about what’s happening in the life of your middle school student.

Hosted by:

Gaia Altshuler - Social Emotional Counselor

Tammy Kuku - Vice Principal

Editing and Engineering by:

Tyler Erickson - Academic Dean

This week on In The Middle With You, Gaia Altshuler and Tammy Kuku invite you into a two-part series on capability. What does it really mean for our kids to be capable? Why is capability such an important part of raising healthy, confident middle schoolers? We’re unpacking the connection between capability and confidence, and exploring how giving our teens opportunities to try, struggle, problem-solve, and grow can shape the way they see themselves. With so many voices, opinions, and messages surrounding parenting today, our hope is that this conversation feels both tangible and encouraging as you navigate the middle school years. Join us as we talk about practical ways we can help our kids build confidence by discovering what they are truly capable of.

Hosted by:

Gaia Altshuler - Social Emotional Counselor

Tammy Kuku - Vice Principal

Editing and Engineering by:

Tyler Erickson - Academic Dean

This week on In the Middle With You, we’re excited to welcome Hayden Roush, our new Dean of Student Life, to the podcast! Hayden is here to share everything parents need to know about our upcoming student retreats.

Retreats are one of Oaks Christian’s most favorite events of the year, and we want you to feel informed, prepared, and excited so you can share that excitement with your student! Tune in for all the details, helpful information, and what to expect as we look ahead to these meaningful experiences. Plus, stay up to date with all the latest Student Life updates!

We can’t wait to share this special part of the Oaks Christian experience with you!

Hosted by:

Gaia Altshuler - Social Emotional Counselor

Tammy Kuku - Vice Principal

Editing and Engineering by:

Tyler Erickson - Academic Dean

If you’ve ever looked at your middle schooler and thought, “Wait… who is this kid?!” you are definitely not alone. Middle school comes with A LOT of change: big emotions, shifting friendships, growing independence, unexpected attitudes, and moments that can leave parents wondering where their sweet, familiar kid went.In this episode of In the Middle With You, we’re talking about the ups, downs, and everything in between that comes with the middle school years. We’ll unpack why your child might seem so different right now, what’s actually happening beneath the surface, and share practical ways to navigate these years without losing connection in the process.Join us for a real, encouraging conversation filled with practicals, perspective, and a few updates along the way. You’re not alone in the middle, we’re in it with you!

Hosted by:

Gaia Altshuler - Social Emotional Counselor

Tammy Kuku - Vice Principal

Editing and Engineering by:

Tyler Erickson - Academic Dean

Have you ever found yourself wondering, "Is this normal? Should I be concerned? Is this just part of middle school?" Join Tammy Kuku and Gaia Altshuler for week two of our three-part series created especially for middle school parents. In this episode, we dive into the social and emotional norms of adolescence, exploring the changes students commonly experience in their emotions, friendships, identity, and growing independence. Our hope is that this conversation will help you better understand what's happening beneath the surface, while encouraging, validating, and equipping you to confidently support your middle schooler through these formative years.

Hosted by:

Gaia Altshuler - Social Emotional Counselor

Tammy Kuku - Vice Principal

Editing and Engineering by:

Tyler Erickson - Academic Dean

Have you ever found yourself wondering, "Is this typical? Is this normal? Is this developmentally appropriate?" You're not alone! Join Tammy Kuku and Gaia Altshuler as they kick off a three-week series designed specifically with middle school parents in mind. In this first episode, we explore the behavioral norms that are common during the middle school years, helping you better understand what your child may be experiencing. Our hope is that this series will encourage you, validate what you're seeing at home, and equip you with practical insight as you navigate this unique and important season of parenting.

Hosted by:

Gaia Altshuler - Social Emotional Counselor

Tammy Kuku - Vice Principal

Editing and Engineering by:

Tyler Erickson - Academic Dean

Join Tammy Kuku and Gaia Altshuler for a new episode of In the Middle With You as we introduce two foundational tools that will help shape the culture of our school this year: our Culture Playbook and the DISC Profile. In this episode, we provide an overview of what these frameworks are, why they matter, and how they'll influence the way students grow in character, relationships, and self-awareness throughout the year. Our hope is to give you, as parents, a window into what your students are learning and experiencing so you can continue those conversations at home. As always, we begin each episode with updates from around our school community!

Hosted by:

Gaia Altshuler - Social Emotional Counselor

Tammy Kuku - Vice Principal

Editing and Engineering by:

Tyler Erickson - Academic Dean

Join hosts Tammy Kuku and Gaia Altshuler for the first episode of In the Middle With You as we kick off a brand-new school year! In this episode, we'll cover important first-day-of-school logistics, share the heart and purpose behind the podcast, and introduce the Student Life team that will be walking alongside your family this year. Whether you're new to middle school or a returning family, we hope you'll tune in for practical information, encouragement, and a glimpse into what makes our school community so special. Be sure to subscribe and keep listening, new episodes drop every Wednesday morning!

Hosted by:

Gaia Altshuler - Social Emotional Counselor

Tammy Kuku - Vice Principal

Editing and Engineering by:

Tyler Erickson - Academic Dean

In our final episode of the year on In the Middle With You, we’re taking a moment to reflect, share gratitude, and walk down memory lane together. Thank you for listening, supporting, and being part of this community throughout the school year, we are so grateful for you!

As we prepare for next year, we’d love your feedback. Please take a moment to visit the Parent Axis pages and complete our survey so we can continue supporting you well in the year ahead.

Hosted by:

Gaia Altshuler - Social Emotional Counselor

Tammy Kuku - Vice Principal

Editing and Engineering by:

Tyler Erickson - Educational Technologist

As the year ends, Tammy Kuku and Gaia Altshuler take a moment to share the reminder that how we finish the year is just as important as how we start. The episode includes tangible ideas you can implement in your home and family over the last few weeks of school.

Hosted by:

Gaia Altshuler - Social Emotional Counselor

Tammy Kuku - Vice Principal

Editing and Engineering by:

Tyler Erickson - Educational Technologist