In the Middle With You

Technology plays a significant role in the lives of our teens, and navigating its benefits and challenges is an important part of parenting in today’s world. Join Tammy Kuku and Gaia Altshuler on In the Middle With You as they welcome our Dean of Student Life for an important conversation about technology in the life of your teen. Together, we explore both the helpful and challenging sides of technology and share how we approach tech at Oaks Christian. Our hope is that this episode sparks meaningful conversations at home and encourages families to be intentional about how technology fi...

Homecoming week is here! Join Tammy Kuku and Gaia Altshuler on In the Middle With You as they share everything you need to know to make the most of Homecoming Week at Oaks Christian. From getting involved to showing your school spirit, we’re highlighting all the ways students and families can join in the fun and celebrate what makes our school community so special. Special guest Tara Morrow joins us to share her perspective on building a strong, connected school community. Tune in, get excited, and don’t miss a moment of the Homecoming fun at Oaks Christian!

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 in...

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 mi...

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...

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 naviga...

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.

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.

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...

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! <...

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 Emot...

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

As we head into the final stretch of the school year, we want to make sure you feel prepared, supported, and ready to finish strong. In this episode of In the Middle With You, we're walking alongside you through everything you need to know to wrap up the year. Open up your calendar and get ready to add all the necessary dates!

Hosted by:

Gaia Altshuler - Social Emotional Counselor

Tammy Kuku - Vice Principal

Editing and Engineering by:

Tyler Erickson - Educational Technologist

This week, Tammy and Gaia are joined by Oaks Christian High School student Vyan, who shares how he has personally lived out our school’s mission statement: “Minds for Leadership, Hearts for Service.” From inspiration to action, Vyan talks about the initiative he has created and how our middle school students will have the opportunity to be part of it as well. Plus, as always, we’ll share a few important community updates as we head into Spring Break.

Hosted by:

Gaia Altshuler - Social Emotional Counselor

Tammy Kuku - Vice Principa...

Tammy and Gaia are joining you today for a thoughtful conversation about the value of community and the role we each play when those around us experience hardship and grief. In this episode, we invite you into the same conversations we’ve been having with our students: reflecting on how we care for one another, show up with compassion, and walk alongside others during difficult seasons. As we head into spring break, we hope this conversation encourages you to lean into the strength and support that community can offer.

Hosted by:

Gaia Altshuler...

Tammy and Gaia talk to brand new Oaks Christian Lions to hear what has them excited about next year!

Hosted by:

Gaia Altshuler - Social Emotional Counselor

Tammy Kuku - Vice Principal

Editing and Engineering by:

Tyler Erickson - Educational Technologist

Tammy and Gaia are joined by Mr. and Mrs. McDonough for a special episode of In the Middle With You! As we celebrate our Welcome to the Pride event and prepare to welcome new Lions to campus next school year, this conversation highlights the heart of the Oaks Christian community through the perspective of two of our parents. The McDonough's share what makes this community so special, the relationships, the shared values, and the joy of being part of something bigger than ourselves. Whether you are a current Oaks Christian family or just beginning your journey with us, this...

This week on In the Middle With You, we open the conversation around one of the most powerful tools parents have: their words. The way we speak to our children shapes far more than just a moment, it influences who they believe they are becoming. In this episode, we explore the powerful role your words play in the life of your child and how intentional language can shape their head, heart, hands, and habits. From the way kids think about themselves, to how they feel, act, and develop daily patterns, the words they hear from parents leave a lasting...

It’s the final academic push of the year, and around campus our students know what that means: it’s time to “lock in.” In this week’s episode of In the Middle With You, Tammy and Gaia sit down with EJ Edinburgh, one of our academic tutors, to talk about how students can finish the year strong. EJ shares practical strategies to help middle schoolers stay focused, manage their workload, and build study habits that set them up for success as the year wraps up. Caregivers will also gain insight into how our academic support team is working with stude...

In this new episode of In the Middle With You, Tammy and Gaia sit down with Mr. Mo, our Spiritual Life Director, to talk about one of the most meaningful rhythms in the life of Oaks Christian School: 40 Days of Prayer. This recurring tradition has become a cornerstone of our community, shaping the spiritual life of our students, faculty, and families. Mr. Mo shares the heart behind 40 Days of Prayer, how it impacts middle schoolers in tangible ways, and why intentional, communal prayer matters so much during this season. You’ll hear stories of growth, encouragement, and the ways st...

This week on In the Middle With You, Tammy and Gaia dive into a question so many parents are asking: what is going on with middle school behavior?! We unpack what’s actually happening in the middle school brain, how kids are learning to navigate an increasingly complex social world, and how to tell the difference between mean moments and truly harmful patterns. We know how hard it can be to watch your child wade through the social waters of middle school, and our hope is that this episode leaves you feeling more informed, grounded, and supported. Have a gr...

This week, In the Middle With You is honored to welcome a very special guest: Dr. Connie Horton, Vice Chancellor of the RISE Institute at Pepperdine University.

Dr. Horton joins us to break down the building blocks of resiliency and why nurturing resilience in children now is one of the greatest gifts we can give them—setting the foundation for healthy, grounded young adults in the future. This conversation is insightful, hopeful, and deeply practical for parents navigating the middle years. Don’t miss this meaningful episode! And mark your calendars—Dr. Horton will also be joining us in...

Week 3 of our Friendship Series is here and we’re continuing to center the voices that matter most—our students. In today’s episode, we invite parents to get curious about their child’s inner world, especially when it comes to friendships. We lean into a topic that can feel tender, but we do so with a hope-filled lens—because growth often starts with curiosity, not control. You’ll hear real perspectives, meaningful insights, and gentle encouragement to stay connected even when the conversations are hard. And don’t miss all the exciting things happening in our community over the next few w...

This week on In the Middle With You, we continue our friendship series with a twist—sharing unfiltered feedback directly from middle school students. We break down key themes from the data we gathered to give parents real insight into what friendships are actually like at this age. Our goal is to offer tangible takeaways that help strengthen parent–child relationships as kids navigate one of the biggest areas of growth in middle school. Don’t miss this important conversation.

Hosted by:

Gaia Altshuler - Social Emotional Counselor

Tammy Kuku - Vice P...

In the Middle With You is back for a new semester! Hosts Gaia Altshuler and Tammy Kuku share exciting updates and kick off the highly anticipated Friendship Series. This week, they explore the character traits that make a good friend and invite listeners to shift the question from “Why doesn’t anyone want to be my friend?” to the more meaningful “Am I being a good friend?” A thoughtful, encouraging conversation to start the season strong.

Hosted by:

Gaia Altshuler - Social Emotional Counselor

Tammy Kuku - Vice Principal

Editi...

As we wrap up an incredible semester, we want to say a heartfelt thank you for journeying with us. In this episode, we share a few of our favorite moments from the past months: those highlights that reminded us why we love walking alongside our middle school community.

We also look ahead to what’s coming in the new semester and offer a few reflections to help you step into the break with peace, intention, and joy. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a season filled with rest, connection, and meaningful time with your family. We ca...

This week on In the Middle With You, Gaia and Tammy dive into the beautiful and meaningful concept of a “thin place:" those moments or spaces where the distance between the everyday and the sacred feels just a little closer. We explore what a thin place is, why this idea matters so much during the busyness of December, and how we’re intentionally cultivating thin places at Oaks Christian to support our students’ spiritual, emotional, and relational growth. We also share important end-of-semester announcements to help you and your student finish strong and step into the holiday season with clarit...

This week on In the Middle With You, we’re talking about something that becomes surprisingly powerful as we step into December: routine. With school events, holiday plans, concerts, sports, travel, and end-of-year pressures piling up, our schedules are busier than ever—and that’s exactly why simple, predictable rhythms matter so much. We share how these gentle, flexible routines don’t restrict the holiday experience, they protect it, helping families enjoy more connection, more calm, and more joy as the year comes to a close.

Whether you’re navigating a packed calendar or trying to keep your home...

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 th...

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 tak...

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 a...

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:

Gai...

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...

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 Engine...

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

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:

Tyle...

This week, Tammy and Gaia are joined by Middle School Director of Spiritual Life, Jade Molina to discuss the spiritual norms at the middle school.

Hosts:

Gaia Altshuler - Social Emotional Counselor

Tammy Kuku - Vice Principal

Editing and Engineering by:

Tyler Erickson - Educational Technologist

Tammy and Gaia talk through emotional norms at the middle school.

Hosts:

Gaia Altshuler - Social Emotional Counselor

Tammy Kuku - Vice Principal

Editing and Engineering by:

Tyler Erickson - Educational Technologist