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In this episode of Rooted & Rising, Andrew McDonald sits down with Angie Gonzales and Mallory Harris, two members of our front office team, to talk about something that shapes every school experience from the very first moment: welcome.

Often the first faces families, students, and visitors see, Angie and Mallory play a crucial role in setting the tone for each school day. They share how small interactions like greetings, conversations, and moments of care, help create an atmosphere of belonging, trust, and calm in the middle of daily chaos.

The conversation reflects on why a welcoming presence matters so deeply in a Catholic school community, how frontline roles are forms of quiet ministry, and how culture is built not through big gestures, but through consistency, kindness, and attention to people.

It’s a thoughtful reminder that in our schools, welcome doesn’t just happen, it’s practiced every day.

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In this special solo episode of Rooted & Rising, Andrew McDonald shares a comprehensive community update, offering insight into where Billings Catholic Schools are right now and how mission continues to guide the path forward.

Drawing from the April President's Report and systemwide reflections, Andrew discusses key developments including progress in the Facilities Master Planning process, staff transitions and hiring priorities, enrollment trends, academic growth, and investments in safety, technology, and stewardship. He also highlights the vibrant life of our schools, from Early Childhood through high school, where faith, family spirit, and academic excellence are lived out daily through classrooms, service, arts, athletics, and community engagement.

This episode is a transparent look at the work happening across the system: celebrating encouragements, acknowledging challenges, and reinforcing confidence in the direction ahead.

It’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and remain connected to the mission that unites our schools.

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In this episode of Rooted & Rising, Andrew McDonald is joined by Krista Cunningham and students Katie Kotecki and Olivia Guenthner to talk about HOSA - Future Health Professionals, and their recent competition experience.

The conversation explores how HOSA gives students the opportunity to apply classroom learning in real‑world contexts, build professional skills, and explore potential callings in healthcare. Katie and Olivia share what preparation and competition were like, what surprised them along the way, and how the experience helped them grow in confidence, focus, and teamwork.

Krista reflects on the role HOSA plays in forming students not only academically, but personally, helping them connect knowledge, service, and leadership in meaningful ways.

Together, the episode highlights how opportunities like HOSA prepare students to serve others with competence, compassion, and purpose: now and in the future.