This week on In the Middle With You, we’re joined by a very special guest: Jade Molina! In honor of Thanksgiving, we dive deep into all things gratitude: how it strengthens our physical health, supports our mental well-being, and nurtures our spiritual life. Jade brings wisdom and practical insights you won’t want to miss. And be sure to stick around until the end; a few of our amazing students share what they’re grateful for this season, adding the perfect heartwarming touch to our Thanksgiving episode. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us! We’ll see you again after the holiday break for another episode of In the Middle With You.

Hosted by:

Gaia Altshuler - Social Emotional Counselor

Tammy Kuku - Vice Principal

Editing and Engineering by:

Tyler Erickson - Educational Technologist

This week, we’re kicking things off with a few exciting announcements so you don’t miss any of the holiday happenings at Oaks Christian! Then, we dive into the mid-semester shift — that time of year when visits to our offices tend to pick up. Gaia and Tammy unpack what might be behind that, share ways you can support your child at home, and explain what we’re doing here at school to help every student thrive.

We all need a little refresh now and then, and that’s exactly what this episode is all about. Tune in and take a deep breath — we’re in the middle with you!

Hosted by:

Gaia Altshuler - Social Emotional Counselor

Tammy Kuku - Vice Principal

Editing and Engineering by:

Tyler Erickson - Educational Technologist

This week, we’re diving into the start of the holiday season and everything that comes with it! Between school events, family gatherings, and a calendar that’s bursting at the seams, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Tammy and Gaia talk about how to navigate the busyness with intention—offering practical tips to help you manage your child’s emotions and set your family up for success this season. Special highlight: Gaia’s parents make a surprise guest appearance! They share their firsthand perspective as parents who have weathered the middle school years and remind us that all the energy and effort you’re investing right now truly matters.

Hosted by:

Gaia Altshuler - Social Emotional Counselor

Tammy Kuku - Vice Principal

Editing and Engineering by:

Tyler Erickson - Educational Technologist

This week we’re joined by special guests Holly Exler and Jen Voss, two incredible Oaks Christian staff members whose unique expertise helps our community thrive. Together, we dive into how to set the brain up for success—covering everything from the essential nutrition our brains need to practical study tips that boost focus and productivity.

Whether you’re a parent looking to support your child’s learning or just curious about brain health, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways you can start using right away in your parenting journey!

Hosted by:

Gaia Altshuler - Social Emotional Counselor

Tammy Kuku - Vice Principal

Editing and Engineering by:

Tyler Erickson - Educational Technologist

This week, hosts Tammy Kuku and Gaia Altshuler unpack how cultural pressures and expectations can fuel perfectionism and impact your child's emotional health. They explore how to shift from perfection to healthy striving, finding our true identity in Christ, and share simple tools to help your child embrace growth over perfection.

Hosted by:

Gaia Altshuler - Social Emotional Counselor

Tammy Kuku - Vice Principal

Editing and Engineering by:

Tyler Erickson - Educational Technologist

In this episode, we’re taking a moment to reflect on all we’ve accomplished in Quarter 1 of the school year! Join us for an insightful conversation with our very own Kim Newman, Learning Specialist, as we dive into all things academic. Together, we explore key questions like: What do grades really represent? How can we use them as a tool for growth? And how can parents best celebrate and support their child on their academic journey?

As we wrap up the first quarter, it’s the perfect time for an academic check-in — and this episode will give you both perspective and practical takeaways to carry into the rest of the year!

Hosted by:

Gaia Altshuler - Social Emotional Counselor

Tammy Kuku - Vice Principal

Editing and Engineering by:

Tyler Erickson - Educational Technologist

This week on In The Middle With You, Tammy and Gaia keep it short and sweet with a special Fall Break message. We pause to echo the importance of connection and family time, and we hope you find space for both during the time ahead. Enjoy the break, soak in the extra time, and we look forward to seeing you back on Monday!

Hosted by:

Gaia Altshuler - Social Emotional Counselor

Tammy Kuku - Vice Principal

Editing and Engineering by:

Tyler Erickson - Educational Technologist

In this week’s episode of In The Middle With You, Tammy and Gaia bring you the latest community updates before diving into a fun and insightful conversation about the surprising similarities between the zoo and the world wide web. Together, they explore how today’s digital world impacts your middle schooler’s daily life and share practical tools to help parents guide their kids in managing technology with balance and confidence.

Hosted by:

Gaia Altshuler - Social Emotional Counselor

Tammy Kuku - Vice Principal

Editing and Engineering by:

Tyler Erickson - Educational Technologist

This week, Tammy and Gaia sit down to talk all things retreats! From important logistics to helping your child navigate worry and nervousness, we cover what you need to know to prepare for the upcoming retreats. Our hope is that these insights give you the tools to start building excitement and confidence for camp with your student. Plus, we’ve included the latest community updates so you can stay connected with everything happening here at Oaks!

Hosted by:

Gaia Altshuler - Social Emotional Counselor

Tammy Kuku - Vice Principal

Editing and Engineering by:

Tyler Erickson - Educational Technologist

Join Tammy Kuku, Gaia Altshuler, and our special guests on this week’s episode as we dive into all things retreats! You’ll get a behind-the-scenes perspective from students who have been part of our community since 6th grade. With fun as the theme, this episode is full of stories, insights, and excitement. Tune in to learn more about retreats, and bring that energy back to your students!

Hosted by:

Gaia Altshuler - Social Emotional Counselor

Tammy Kuku - Vice Principal

Editing and Engineering by:

Tyler Erickson - Educational Technologist