PRESS ROOM
On February 6, the Eccles Theater at Park City High School buzzed with conversation as parents, guardians, students, and community members gathered for a special screening of Screenagers, a documentary diving into the effects of excessive screen time, from social media to video games. Hosted by PCEF and coordinated by Larissa Fomuke, the event community together to reflect on digital habits and explore how parents can better support the next generation in navigating the ever-present world of technology. Following the movie, the Ingrid Whitley, President and CEO of PCEF moderated a panel discussion with local education experts.
In March of 2024, the district signed a two-year agreement with the U.S. Education Department’s Office of Civil Rights to resolve an investigation that found more than 180 incidents of harassment and discrimination at three local schools. The We All Belong kindness awards celebrate those students whose actions are modeling kindness to their school communities.The honors are handed out monthly at each of the district’s seven schools. At the end of the school year, a larger award, a $1,000 scholarship for a student and $2500 cash for an educator will be awarded.
CEO of Park City Community Foundation Joel Zarrow and PCSD's Caleb Fine (pictured). The Park City School District, in partnership with the Park City Community Foundation, has launched the "We All Belong Kindness Awards" to promote kindness among students and educators. The initiative aims to foster a culture of kindness beyond compliance. Monthly awards are given at the school level, with end-of-year grand champions receiving $1,000 scholarships for students and $2,500 stipends for educators.
Each PCSD school will select one student per month to receive an award. Grade-level teachers will choose the winners based on criteria outlined in the “We All Belong” initiative. The first round of student winners will be announced in February, with educator awards and grand prizes to follow at the end of the school year. The overall student winner will receive a scholarship, a teacher or faculty member will also be awarded for fostering the kindness culture in the district through this initiative.
Rebeca an Educator at Ecker Hill Middle School, involved with Latinos in Action at Ecker Hill Middle School, a PCEF board member, and community advocate.
The Park City Education Foundation is hosting a free film night featuring “Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age” at the Eccles Center Thursday.
PCEF, along with the PCCF and PCSD, are supporting the new 'We All Belong Kindness Awards' to promote kindness and community recognition. The Community Foundation is providing the funding through a gift to PCEF.
February's PCSD Newsletter includes: We All Belong Campaign, Kindness Awards, A Letter from the NEW Superintendent, PCSD's Wellness Plan, and more.
English and Spanish versions of the newsletter available at the link.
PCEF funds Real World Learning, one of its Eight Signature Initiatives. PCEF donors have provided over $350,000 in new equipment throughout the new CTE building at PCHS. Equipment including, kitchen smallwares for Culinary Arts - thermometers, zesters, pasta makers, and sifters – to name a few – ensuring success in the kitchen, and a future filled with possibility in the culinary industry.
Welcome and congratulations to PCEF Board Member Lyndsay Huntsman, PCSD's new Superintendent!
Lyndsay stated, "As I begin my journey as your superintendent, I’m committed to longevity — not only in the success of our schools, but also in the relationships and trust we build together. My vision is to develop a stable and enduring presence within the district, where long-term collaboration, consistent leadership, and a shared dedication to equity and excellence become the foundation of our collective growth."
PCEF, along with the PCCF and PCSD, are supporting the new 'We All Belong Kindness Awards' to promote kindness and community recognition. The Community Foundation is providing the funding through a gift to PCEF.
“It’s crucial for us to foster an environment where every student not only feels included but valued," said Ingrid Whitley, Park City Education Foundation President and CEO.
The Park City School District announced the launch of the We All Belong Kindness Award in partnership with the Park City Community Foundation and the Park City Education Foundation. The Community Foundation is providing the funding through a gift to PCEF.
“As an organization deeply committed to equity and inclusion, supporting this award was a natural fit,” said Ingrid Whitley, the president and CEO of the Park City Education Foundation. “It’s crucial for us to foster an environment where every student not only feels included but valued.”
PCEF, along with the PCCF and PCSD, have announced the new 'We All Belong Kindness Awards' to promote kindness and community recognition. The Community Foundation is providing the funding through a gift to PCEF.
“It’s crucial for us to foster an environment where every student not only feels included but valued," said Ingrid Whitley, Park City Education Foundation President and CEO.
PCEF donors have funded $350,000 of CTE equipment in the new CTE building and classrooms at PCHS, investing in Real World Learning.
Ingrid Whitley, President and CEO of PCEF, highlighted the importance of the district’s investment in CTE programs. “The Anatomage table is an incredible example of the state-of-the-art learning tools available to our students,” Whitley said. “What’s even more impressive are the myriad tools and equipment across many CTE subjects that ensure student learning is at a professional level—from airplane simulators to dozens of anatomical parts to the top-of-the-line professional kitchen. These facilities, and the best teachers around, are ensuring our students have pathways to college or career—careers that are available right here in Park City.”
Park City High School students Garrett Moreno, left, and Taylor Bergman worked on developing critical thinking-based history games through the Park City Centers for Advanced Professional Studies, or PCCAPS, program.
PCCAPS is supported by PCEF donors through a Classroom Grant.
Alec Lebwohl, a sophomore, and Shiva Minter, a junior at Park City High School are members of the Speech & Debate team. They came to tell the Park City Council of their love for Main Street, their hopes for its future, and that frankly, they see it slipping. Something must be done. They endorsed the broad vision of the Main Street committee formed through discussions since last May that culminated in the Main Street Area Plan.
They both serve on Park City High School’s student council. Minter is the junior class president, and Lebwohl is the sophomore class president.
PCEF supports Speech & Debate with a Classroom Grant.
PCEF President and CEO Ingrid Whitley and Vice President of Advancement Jen Billow provide an update on programs offered by the foundation including new Preschool spaces at Jeremy Ranch and McPolin Elementary schools which opened this year.
Preschool is supported by PCEF donor funding and is one of PCEF's Eight Signature Initiatives.
Two Park City High School Park City Centers for Advanced Professional Studies (PCCAPS) program students helped develop interactive history games for middle and high schoolers. The games not only teach kids about history, but how to think for themselves.
Taylor Bergman and Garrett Moreno were selected to help Victoria Sanders and her Wyoming-based company Elephanta Education by developing and testing history games for middle and high school classrooms. Bergman, a junior, said the mission was simple: create games for students, by students.
PCCAPS is supported by PCEF donors through a Classroom Grant.
Park City Education Foundation will hold a free screening of the film “Screenagers” — a documentary exploring struggles over social media, video games, academics and internet addiction that offers solutions to help kids find balance — at the Eccles Center on Feb. 6 from 5-7 p.m.
Anyone is invited, including parents, kids and community members.
DID YOU KNOW?
More than 2,000 Park City students have gone through the preschool program since it started in 2010!
WHERE PCEF DONATIONS ARE SPENT
→ $125,000 Invested into PCSD Preschool Each Year
Supporting PCEF means:
► High-quality early childhood education at PCSD.
► It is affordable & accessible.
► Preschool can expand to meet demand...
► Capacity increases from 156 to more than 288 next year!
► PCEF4Kids.org
Enrique Sanchez is a “Dreamer.” By the end of this story, you'll see that what he embodies is the traditional definition of a dreamer—not one who lives in a world of imagination and fantasy, but a visionary. DACA, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, has protected approximately 835,000 immigrants who have been brought to the U.S. as minors and remain undocumented, and who also are known as Dreamers, a term that stems from the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, legislation that would give immigrant youth legal status and a path to citizenship.
Enrique is a graduate of Park City High School, and was President of Latinos in Action (LIA). LIA is supported by PCEF donors as a Classroom Grant.
The Park City School District has announced that preschool registration for the 2024-25 school year will open on Monday, January 6, at 9am. Families in the Park City community can apply to secure a spot in one of the district’s early learning programs.
Preschool is one of PCEF's eight Signature Initiatives. The Park City School District Preschool started in 2010, with PCEF donors providing the seed funding. Since then over 2,000 students have gone through the preschool program.
December's PCSD Newsletter includes: We All Belong Campaign, A Letter from the Interim Superintendent, AP PCHS Platinum & Access Award, PCHS Performing Arts Showcase, Serving Up Smiles, PCSD's Wellness Plan, and more.
English and Spanish versions of the newsletter available at the link.
Over 7,000 locals donated over $5.1 million to Wasatch Back nonprofits. The goal was to raise $5 million and engage at least 7,300 donors. One of these goals was met; the event raised over $5.1 million with 7,042 donors.
The Park City Community Foundation’s 2024 Live PC Give PC event surpassed its $5 million goal, raising more than $5.1 million from 7,042 donors. The fundraiser will support 138 nonprofit organizations in the Park City area. Mountain Trails Foundation, Summit Land Conservancy, and Park City Education Foundation topped the leaderboard for donor count.
By the end of the 24 hours, Live PC Give PC exceeded the dollar goal by raising $5,145,757 from 7,042 donors for 138 organizations. Park City Education Foundation topped the Education board, sponsored by J.P. Morgan and Chase Co.
Park City School District will host open houses at two elementary schools in November to showcase its preschool programs, including new offerings at Parley’s Park and Trailside Elementary Schools, for the 2025-26 academic year. The events will be held at McPolin Elementary School on Nov. 20 and Jeremy Ranch Elementary School on Nov. 21. Both locations will offer sessions in English from 6-7 p.m. and Spanish from 7-8 p.m.
Park Record's 'Best of Park City 2024" Awards took place on November 14th at The Pendry. The most enthusiastic group in an enthusiastic evening was the one with the blowup “service flamingo” — the Park City Education Foundation, celebrating their win for Best Fundraising Event, Running with Ed.
The foundation funds various programs, including the Lucky Ones Coffee Camper, which provides educators with warm beverages and pastries in the fall. The foundation also supports the Utah Wellness Coordinator at Treasure Mountain and the cell phone pouch program, which has significantly reduced suspensions and conflicts.
Bright Futures recently celebrated the 10-year milestone of their founding and helping first-generation students make their way through their higher-education journey. “The statistic nationwide is that only 11% of first generation students make it through college,” said PCEF VP of Advancement Jennifer Billow. “We wanted to change that statistic in Park City, and especially because so much of our first-gen families are the families that are really making this town run.”
The Bright Futures program has evolved to focus not just on getting kids into college, but also on supporting them through graduation. Bright Futures is on of 8 PCEF Signature Initiatives.
Park City School District on Tuesday invited families to attend open houses in which attendees can learn more its preschool programs for the 2025-26 school year.
Registration for the program opens Jan. 6, 2025 at 8 a.m.
The Día de Los Muertos event has become a tradition hosted at the high school for more than a decade. The evening’s activities included face painting, coloring stations for kids and several photo backdrops to capture the moment. Students from Parley’s Park Elementary School performed a dance called “Danza de los Viejitos” which is a traditional folk dance from Michoacán, Mexico.
PCEF supports Latinos in Action with a classroom grant.
At McPolin Elementary, Café Con Amigos is more than just a morning meet-up over coffee; it’s a vital gathering where parents, educators, and community members come together to support students’ educational journeys. Held approximately every other month, these morning coffee meetings provide a welcoming space for Spanish-speaking families to join together to learn about school procedures, technology, attendance, and other topics crucial to their children’s success.
PCEF supports Café Con Amigos with a classroom grant.
Both Parley’s Park and Trailside Preschools will increase their classroom capacity from two to four, allowing for more families to benefit from high-quality early education in Park City. The expansion will also introduce a significant change to the current programming, with the three-year-old program moving from two half-day sessions per week to a full five-day option, providing greater access and consistency for young learners. Additionally, families of three-year-olds will now have the option to register for the after-school program, extending support and convenience for working families.
Preschool is one of 8 Signature Initiatives supported by PCEF donors.
November's PCSD Newsletter includes: We All Belong Campaign, A Letter from the Interim Superintendent, Preschool Expansion, Meritorius Budget Award, First-Gen Student's Path to Heathcare Career, Academic All State athletes, and Cafe Con Amigos.
English and Spanish versions of the newsletter available at the link.
The Park City Education Foundation and former board member and educator Tommy Tanzer celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Bright Futures program this October. Unlike their parents, over the last 10 years, 170 Park City High School students have had the opportunity to attend college.
Bright Futures is one of 8 Signature Initiatives supported by PCEF donors.
Jessica Loya, a Park City High School 2024 graduate and Bright Futures student, thrives on knowing and achieving her goals. Her hard work has earned her ten scholarships, including the Call to Action Foundation Scholarship and the Utah Sterling Scholar award, which fully funded her four years at the University of Utah.
PCEF funds Bright Futures - one of our eight Signature Initiatives.
First generation student Brian Rea plans to attend the University of Utah after graduation for two years before transferring to a specialized medical program. His ultimate goal is to participate in medical school. He credits the CTE facilities at PCHS for giving hime a solid foundation as he pursues his dream of becoming a doctor.
Bright Futures is one of 8 Signature Initiatives supported by PCEF donors.
The Park City School District’s preschool program will expand again this spring. There will be full-day options for 3-year-olds. Registration for the expanded preschool program on January 1, 2025.
PCEF donors provide over $125,000 in funding yearly to ensure Park City School District can provide affordable, high-quality preschool for 3—and 4-year-olds.
Bright Futures supporter Tommy Tanzer and Jen Billow, Vice President of Advancement at PCEF, talk about the 10th anniversary celebration and the program's successes.
The BF program supports first-generation college students through high school, college and beyond, ensuring they can pursue their educational and career goals.
Phase two of PCSD's Preschool, which expands preschool classrooms at Parley’s Park Elementary and Trailside Elementary, is set to open for the 2025-26 school year. The expansion will also introduce a significant change to the current programming: The 3-year-old program will move from two half-day sessions per week to a full five-day option. Additionally, families with 3-year-old children will now have the option to register for the after-school program. Registration for the expanded preschool program on January 1, 2025.
PCEF donors provide over $125,000 in funding yearly to ensure Park City School District can provide affordable, high-quality preschool for 3—and 4-year-olds.
Both Parley’s Park and Trailside preschools will increase their classroom capacity from two to four, allowing more families to benefit from early education in Park City. Park City School District will open registration for the expanded preschool program on January 1, 2025. The program offers a variety of options for three- and four-year-olds.
PCEF donors provide over $125,000 in funding yearly to ensure Park City School District can provide affordable, high-quality preschool for 3—and 4-year-olds.
Statewide data show Park City School District students perform better than average in almost all annually measured academic categories. The overall achievement in Park City is rated “commendable” because a higher-than-average percentage of students scored proficient or above in statewide English, math and science assessments. 82% of PCHS students go on to attend universities, colleges or trade and vocational schools.
The Park City School District implemented a no-cellphone policy in August. The district reports there's early evidence it could be fostering a kinder school environment. PCEF proudly funded the Cell Phone Pilot Program supplying TMJH with Yondr cell phone pouches to support the innovative cell phone policy at the start fo the 2024/25 PCSD school year.
Because of generous PCEF donors, funding of $350,000 was infused into the newly expanded building for necessary equipment for classroom labs. 74% of Park City School District students in grades 6-12 are enrolled in at least one CTE course, according to the district.
October's PCSD Newsletter includes: We All Belong Campaign, A Letter from the Interim Superintendent, EPA Electric Bus Grant, Leading the TMJH Mustangs, New CTE Expansion, Student Services Dean, PCHS Students as AP Scholars, Emergency Response Training as PCHS Students.
English and Spanish versions of the newsletter available at the link.
PCEF is able to provide funding to amazing projects like this one, thanks to generous donors.
Interim Superintendent Caleb Fine opened the remarks of the new PCHS CTE building expansion by expressing pride in the collaborative effort that brought the project to fruition and emphasized the importance of the Park City community's role, from the failed initial bond measure to the successful passage of the 2021 bond.
"This new CTE wing represents the incredible potential we can unlock when we work together," Fine said. “I’m excited to see how our students will thrive here, with hands-on learning experiences that prepare them to be the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.”
Things like this are made possible thanks to generous PCEF donors!
“I’m excited to see how students will thrive here with hands-on learning experiences that prepare them to be the leaders and innovators of tomorrow,. Thank you to everyone involved - our educators, administrators, architects, builders and of course our entire Park City community. Together, we built something extraordinary.” - Park City School District Interim Superintendent Caleb Fine
“Many families don’t know Utah is the lowest funded public education system in the country,” said Ingrid Whitley, president and CEO of the foundation. “On top of that, $170 million of Park City’s state education tax dollars leave to fund other state education needs.”
PCSD is Piloting a Cell Phone Pilot Program this year at Treasure Mountain Junior High. The program is funded by PCEF donors, and is one of the first of its kind in Utah. Similar rules and policies against cell phones are now being implemented around the state and country.
