We asked Park City’s four elementary school principals to share what PCEF means to their schools, and one overarching theme shines through: possibility. PCEF makes programs and innovation possible, thanks to generous donors. From Preschool to Afterschool and everything in between, PCEF funding allows schools to dream bigger and say “yes” more often to providing educational opportunities and experiences for students that extend beyond what a school budget alone can provide.
“When parents support PCEF, they’re not just giving to a fundraiser; they’re investing in their child’s growth, joy, and future. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps create a school where children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Together, we can ensure that our students have the very best opportunities to learn and shine.” - Parley’s Park Principal Kim Howe
Elevating the Student Experience
At McPolin Elementary, Principal Angie Dufner describes PCEF as “a true partner in education.” PCEF matters because it provides resources and opportunities that elevate our students’ education beyond what state and district funding alone can offer,” she says. “Their support ensures every child has access to enrichment, innovation, and experiences that make learning meaningful and memorable.”
She talks about how initiatives like Afterschool, Preschool, and Art make a difference, “PCEF has helped bring innovative programs and resources to our school that we would not otherwise be able to provide. One standout is the after-school enrichment programs, which give students opportunities to explore their passions and build confidence beyond the classroom.”
Preschoolers are also more prepared socially and academically to start elementary school. She explains, “They are familiar with routines, have stronger early literacy and math skills, and transition more smoothly into the school environment.”
She notes how art in the classroom is important in strengthening problem-solving skills, “Having a dedicated art teacher allows every child to experience creativity and self-expression as part of their education. In addition to strengthening problem-solving skills, art supports emotional growth, and makes learning more engaging.”
Principal Dufner says, “PCEF support directly impacts students’ day-to-day experiences, from innovative classroom grants to access to arts and enrichment. When parents support PCEF, they are investing in opportunities that inspire, engage, and prepare our children for the future.”
Respectful, Responsible, and Resilient Learners
At Jeremy Ranch Elementary, Principal Jacqie Spell sees PCEF as “essential to bringing learning to life for our Hawks.” She said, “Their support provides opportunities and programs that go beyond the basics—things like art, science, technology, classroom grants, and student wellness. These extras enrich our students’ experiences, spark curiosity, and create joyful learning moments every day.”
The PCEF-supported Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) stands out as a program that has shaped school culture. “With PCEF’s help, we created meaningful positive reinforcers for students, including a digital school store where Hawks can cash in their “Power Points.” Students earn these points by demonstrating our school expectations—being respectful, responsible, and resilient—and then use them to purchase small, fun items or special opportunities, like lunch with the principal or counselor.” She continued, “This program has built excitement around making positive choices, strengthened relationships between students and staff, and created a schoolwide culture of recognition and celebration.”
Incoming kindergarten students are showing up better prepared for the school year after attending Preschool, supported by PCEF. She noted “Children who attend PreK come in already familiar with school routines, classroom expectations, and how to be part of a learning community. They start the year more confident, independent, and ready to build friendships and engage in learning right away.”
As a former PCSD teacher, Principal Spell has seen firsthand the incredible opportunities PCEF provides through programs like Classroom Express Grants. Now, as the new principal at Jeremy Ranch, she’s excited to partner with PCEF in fresh ways. “Simply put, PCEF helps us give our Hawks the best possible start,” Principal Spell says. “When parents support PCEF, they’re directly investing in the people and programs that make school more engaging and enriching for our Hawks.”
Meeting Needs for Every Student
Trailside Elementary Principal Tricia Wilbourne shares that “PCEF is a critical piece to our school’s success.”
“My teachers know that their instructional needs will be met due to the efforts of PCEF,” she explains. “From classroom supplies to instructional materials, Trailside students are taken care of in generous ways to ensure their educational journey is successful.”
Principal Wilbourne highlights the Afterschool program as a difference-maker at Trailside. “PCEF helps fund our afterschool programs which are thoughtfully designed to ensure our students have a safe and enriching experience after school.”Our working families need to be assured that their child is being nurtured from the moment they enter our campus until the end of their day with us. PCEF makes this a reality due to the generous funding.”
She adds that Preschool has helped prepare the youngest learners for the school day, “Our preschool teachers are magical in terms of early intervention and early literacy skills. The extra two years we give a child is critical for school readiness.”
“Our district is a benchmark for others and by supporting PCEF, families can firmly say they contributed to making our schools the best in the state of Utah. Every industry is affected by the quality of public schools and by investing in our schools, we are changing the workforce, our community, and forming a sustainable future generation.”
Saying “Yes” to What Matters Most
At Parley’s Park Elementary, Principal Kim Howe explained what the daily impact of PCEF looks like.
“PCEF matters so much because it allows us to dream bigger for our students,” Howe shares. “Their support makes it possible to provide opportunities and resources that go beyond what traditional school funding can cover. For me personally, it means I can say ‘yes’ more often to programs that truly enrich our students’ learning and well-being.”
She’s seen firsthand how the investment in early learning has paid off, “Having access to PreK has made a noticeable difference in how ready our kindergarteners are to learn.” She notes the positive tone it sets for elementary school, “They come in with stronger social-emotional skills, more confidence, and a sense of what it means to be part of a classroom community.”
Two programs that stand out for her are: the Elementary Visual Arts (EVA) program and the Classroom and Express Grant-funded Conscious Discipline initiative.
“The Arts Program gives children consistent opportunities to connect creativity with academics, while Conscious Discipline provides tools to manage emotions, build resilience, and strengthen relationships,” she says. “Both stand out because they not only enrich what students are learning, but also shape who they are becoming—and they’ve made such a positive impact on the overall climate and culture of our school.”
She says that having an art teacher is “a gift,” that nurtures the whole child. “The creativity students bring to the art room spills over into problem-solving and confidence in other subjects.”
Across the four elementary schools, PCEF makes possibilities endless by supporting innovation, strengthening school culture, and shaping learning for our youngest learners. Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed by reaching their academic and lifelong potential.
Please consider supporting PCEF’s Annual Parent Appeal now through September 12th. Donate $360, or $2/day to Build the Foundation. Or, join Scholar Circle. By donating during Build the Foundation, you can also help your PTO/A win up to $5,000 per school, and boost your child’s chances to win a classroom party.
