#59 Why STMA Isn't A Good Choice As A "Reform" School
St. Thomas More Academy Podcast
Release Date: 01/10/2026
#59 Why STMA Isn't A Good Choice As A "Reform" School
St. Thomas More Academy Podcast
First, we apologize that episode 58 had some sort of technical glitch that wasn't discovered until we tried to upload this episode. Which is why we also thought THIS episode was #58, when in reality it is #59. In this episode, Deacon Brad, Dr. Noland, Mrs. Jackson, and Mr. McCants discuss why it can be a challenge to achieve the best outcomes of the school for a student if there is not mission alignement. As we often say, if a student really isn't about what we are about, the placement likely will not go well. Are there unique exceptions to that rule? Yes, but that falls under selection...
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#58 Human Formation of Students
St. Thomas More Academy Podcast
Deacon Brad, Dr. Noland, Mrs. Jackson, and Mr. McCants discuss a series of topics related to the human formation of students in this conversation. We will be on a two week break, but look forward to new episodes in the New Year. Merry Christmas to all!
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#57 Thoughts On Being A Student Athlete (Part 2)
St. Thomas More Academy Podcast
Deacon Brad, Jake Noland, Kelly Jackson, and Charles McCants sit down for part 2 on being a student athlete, but this time some of the negatives and challenges that can come with participating in sports.
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#56 Fr. Leo Dornan (STMA 2014), Seminarian Ben Dornan (STMA 2024), and Seminarian Jorge Sotelo
St. Thomas More Academy Podcast
Deacon Brad Watkins, Charles McCants, and Rob Kirkendall were joined on this special episode by alumni brothers Fr. Leo Dornan, CO and Seminarian Ben Dornan, as well as Seminarian Jorge Sotelo for a conversation following their visit for morning Mass.
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#55 What's The Problem With Side Conversations?
St. Thomas More Academy Podcast
In this episode we discuss the ideal classroom and challenges to the learning environment as well as brief conversation about what it really means to get a low grade on a test or quiz.
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#54 The Argument For Doing Hard Things
St. Thomas More Academy Podcast
This week Deacon Brad, Dr. Noland, and Mr. McCants have a conversation about why believe in the importance of doing hard things - especially children being allowed and encouraged to do hard things, even if it sometimes means they fail or fall short of the goal.
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#53 Newman's Kindly Light by Robert Kirkendall
St. Thomas More Academy Podcast
In this episode, Mr. Kirkendall shares a talk he delivered to the student body, "Newman's Kindly Light," about the personal story behind St. John Henry Newman's composition of his famous hymn, "Lead Kindly Light." On November 1st, Pope Leo XIV will declare Newman a Doctor of the Church and co-patron of Catholic education. This is an exciting time to celebrate and learn more about Newman's teachings, but Mr. Kirkendall also hopes to show the depth and authenticity of Newman's personal discipleship to Christ, and his humble, life-long process of converting more deeply to the...
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#52 Thoughts On Being A Student Athlete (Part 1)
St. Thomas More Academy Podcast
Deacon Brad, Jake Noland, Kelly Jackson, and Charles McCants sit down to discuss STMA's athletics program and the many positives that can come with participating in sports for student athletes.
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#51 Good Outcomes
St. Thomas More Academy Podcast
Deacon Brad, Kelly Jackson, and Charles McCants discuss some of the good outcomes we are seeing at STMA, and on an ongoing basis.
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#50 Aligning with Standards
St. Thomas More Academy Podcast
Following on last week's episode, this week Deacon Brad, Mrs. Jackson, and Mr. McCants talk about aligning with standards, and specifically how "Formation Notices" are a piece of the work we do at the school.
info_outlineFirst, we apologize that episode 58 had some sort of technical glitch that wasn't discovered until we tried to upload this episode. Which is why we also thought THIS episode was #58, when in reality it is #59.
In this episode, Deacon Brad, Dr. Noland, Mrs. Jackson, and Mr. McCants discuss why it can be a challenge to achieve the best outcomes of the school for a student if there is not mission alignement. As we often say, if a student really isn't about what we are about, the placement likely will not go well. Are there unique exceptions to that rule? Yes, but that falls under selection bias. In most cases, a student who is not interested in the faith, learning, or preparing for college, will, at best, not fully profit from our formation, and at worst, will become a negative presence in the school body. Imagine a coworker or teamate who is constantly negative, grumbling, and complaining. It can create a toxic environment. It's no different in a school.
This is why we try our best to admit students who fit with our community and are at least mostly aligned with our mission. It makes their experience better, and generally makes the school a happier place.