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 Principal

Editing and Engineering by:

Tyler Erickson - Educational Technologist

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

Editing and Engineering by:

Tyler Erickson - Educational Technologist

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 can’t wait to be back with you in 2026!

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, 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 clarity and confidence. We hope this episode encourages you, grounds you, and inspires you to slow down, pay attention, and increase your awareness of the thin places around you this season.

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, 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 peaceful in the holiday rush, this conversation offers practical ways to end the semester well and enjoy the season along the way. Tune in for encouragement, simple tools, and a reminder that a little rhythm can go a long way.

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, 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