News

Congratulations to the most recent recipients of the Best of Awards!

Park City's Best | Kids, Family & Pets
Best Preschool/Daycare
***PCSD Preschool at Jeremy Ranch Elementary***

Park City's Best | Kids, Family & Pets
Best After School Educational Program
***Camp Hawk Afterschool Program***

Park City's Best | In the Community
Best Teacher
***Lisa Rasch, Preschool at Jeremy Ranch Elementary School***

PCEF's generous donors support Preschool, Afterschool, and our PCSD amazing educators.

The Park City School District is bolstering its elementary programs in the fall with four licensed art teachers and two new social workers, aiming to improve the arts experience and provide more support for struggling students. PCEF supports Elementary Visual Arts at all elementary schools, and is providing funding for an Elementary Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) to allow for each of the four elementary schools to have a designated social worker on campus.

In 1996, Jim Doilney and PCEF created the Excellent Educator Awards to honor the educators in the Park City School District. Jim was inspired by his mother, who was a teacher. Since 2019, he has been joined by the Louis family to continue this endeavor, as Hank Louis was a former educator. Every year, educators in each school determine PCEF’s Excellent Educators. This year, six Park City teachers have been honored by their peers and students as the “best of the best!”

Ahead of her recent retirement, PCEF's VP of Advancement, Jen Billow, reflected on PCEF's evolution, the community partnerships that have shaped its work, and the impact those investments continue to have on Park City students. “Teachers and students are our North Star,” she said. From volunteer to nonprofit leader, Jen shares her journey with volunteers, donors, educators, and community members whose support has helped PCEF grow its impact for Park City students.

PCHS graduate and now student at Cal Poly, Hudson Schmidt, built Homebound around a simple question familiar to many Park City families: What happens when someone you love is out of reach and overdue? Hudson traces much of his path into computer science back to high school, where he took every computer science class offered by teacher Kelly Henderson and served as her teaching assistant for two years. He also participated in PC CAPS, a program he said helped shape his direction. “Without Ms. Henderson or without PCCAPS, I don’t know if I would be where I am today," Hudson said.

PCEF's generous donors support PCCAPS.

“I have really taken advantage of the fact that Park City High School has so many fun and engaging classes,” Rylan reflects. “And I took advantage of my PCCAPS client offering me a job. I’ve been given the opportunity to do lots of really cool research in high school. Don’t wait for these opportunities to come to you.”

PCEF's generous donors support PCCAPS and real world learning throughout Park City schools, including the MakerSpace, labs and equipment, and TSA conferences.

PCEF's President and CEO Ingrid Whitley's letter to the editor recapping the success of the expanded Bright Futures program in the 2025-26 school year.

Changes to Park City's Bright Futures program last year have more than tripled the number of first-generation high school seniors receiving support on their path to college. PCEF donors support Bright Futures.

PCEF-supported Bright Futures and Dream Big helped PCHS graduate Jose navigate academics, scholarships and the college application process. He will study at the University of Utah in the fall, majoring in medical laboratory sciences.

Running with Ed raised has raised more than $270,000 for Classroom Grants for the 2026-27 school year. Through PCEF's mission of funding educator-powered initiatives, the foundation channels community generosity straight into the classrooms. PCEF's impact spans from expanding equitable preschool access to fueling cutting-edge, real-world learning. It reaches all the way to Bright Futures, a hugely successful program that helps all first-generation students access college and supports them all the way through college graduation. PCEF does this work because they believe a community thrives when its educators are empowered, its classrooms are fully equipped, and every child is given the chance to reach their full, lifelong potential.

Few public expenditures offer a greater return on investment for our community than early childhood education. Recent Upwards data shows a 325% return on investment from the Park City and Summit County childcare scholarships within our community. In the early 2010s, the school district and the Park City Education Foundation foresaw the need for a strong early‑childhood public education offering. In 2011-12 the first preschool cohort within the district began at one school, McPolin Elementary, with only half‑days a few days a week. In the 14 school years since, PCEF has invested nearly $1.5 million, and the school district has invested more than $6 million to expand preschool to each elementary school, offering a full-day option for families with 3 and 4 year olds. Next school year, we have the largest preschool cohort in our district’s history, with 222 students enrolled.

The annual Running with Ed fundraiser produced 800 runners, 100 volunteers, $272,000 for Park City schools, a new four-foot traveling trophy awarded to the top costume team "The GOAT". This “Greatest of All Time” trophy, sponsored by TownLift, was presented as part of the Best Costume Award. The first team to ever win it is the Ring Racers, a WWE-themed squad of luchadors, Macho Mans, and kids in championship belts.

Running with Ed took place May 16. Hosted by the PCEF, racer fees and sponsorships support Park City schools through classroom and other educational grants. So far, the event has raised over $272,000 this year, just shy of the $300,000 goal.

Running with Ed is May 16th and is PCEF's annual fundraiser to fundraise for grants throughout PCSD schools. PCEF's goal is to raise $300,000 for 2026-27 funding.

PCEF's Ingrid Whitley and Jen Billow provide an update on the foundation's programs. The two also highlight the upcoming "Running with Ed" event and preview the end of the school year. PCSD was recentlyranked as the #2 traditional public high school in Utah and the 5th-best high school overall in the state for 2025–2026, based on U.S. News & World Report, which placed it in the top 5 percent nationally.

Sydney Sato is part of the track and field team at Park City High, where her favorite event is the mile. She is also part of the cross country team, which she says is her main sport. Her love of distance running is part of why she enjoys the Running with Ed fundraiser, but she says there is a role for everyone.

“Every year, I get a group of my friends together to run it. It’s really fun, we get to dress up and come up with a theme, it’s a whole thing. It’s really nice because there’s something for everyone. I have friends who don’t like running, but they can do short legs or steering. I also have friends who are like crazy skiers or distance runners and there are sections for them, too.”

“The public schools in Park City are so good, and the public support is really good,” she said. “I’d like to think the Ed Foundation had a little part in that.” - Vice President of Advancement, Jen Billow. Jen is retiring on June 30 after 15 years of overseeing the nonprofit’s events and fundraising. Running with Ed 2026 is Jen's last big fundraising event. Jen has been with PCEF since 2011 – 15 years of tireless leadership dedicated to Park City's students, educators and schools. We are grateful for Jen's work and impact in shaping PCEF, and delivering on our mission to inspire Park City students to successfully reach their academic and lifelong potential.

The student-run snack store at the Park City Learning Center, organized by the Special Education Transition class, was made possible by a grant from PCEF. Teacher Jen Ward told TownLift the funding has been essential to getting the program off the ground this school year, stating that it wouldn’t be possible without the grant. Grant funds are used to purchase the store’s inventory, and the Transition students handle the business, from budgeting and procurement to stocking shelves, pricing items and running the register during designated hours.

PCHS has made U.S. News and World Report’s 2026 list of best schools by state. It ranked fifth behind three charter schools and Salt Lake City’s Skyline High School. The report recognized Park City for its advanced placement (AP) coursework and exams and the school’s 82% participation in AP classes with a 94% graduation rate.

Park City High School (Park City School District); Park City was named the #2 public high school in UT and #5 overall high school in Utah in the 2025-26 rankings in the U.S. News and World Report’s annual list of high school rankings.

PCHS educators Mary Purzycki and Debra Alcox were honored during PCEF’s 2026 Excellent Educator Awards. Each school’s Excellent Educator is selected by fellow teachers, staff, and administrators, who vote for the person they believe best exemplifies an excellent educator. The Sarah and Stephen Doilney Award is selected separately by the PCHS senior class and honors the teacher students consider the most influential in their PCSD career.

PCHS CTE teacher Mary Purzycki received the Excellent Educatory Award and math and health science teacher Debra Alcox received the Sarah and Stephen Doilney Award. Each of the six school’s staff votes for teachers deserving of the honor of Excellent Educator and a $3,500 award. The program also includes the $5,000 Sarah and Stephen Doilney Award, where students nominate Park City School District teachers who have positively impacted them.

PCEF sponsors this long standing program funded by the Louis and Doilney families.

This year, PCHS math and health science teacher Debra Alcox received the Sarah and Stephen Doilney Award (chosen by the students), and science and CTE teacher Mary Purzycki received the Excellent Educatory Award (chosen by the staff. The teachers just happen to be best friends. Each school’s staff votes for teachers deserving of the honor and a $3,500 award. The program also includes the $5,000 Sarah and Stephen Doilney Award, where students nominate Park City School District teachers who have positively impacted them.

PCEF sponsors this long standing program funded by the Louis and Doilney families.

Running with Ed is May 16 - join the party. PCEF's vice president of advancement Jen Billow said, “Our fundraising goal is $300,000, and that’s pretty big. We always have a stretch goal because the event happens at the end of the school year. So this is kind of the last chance we have to raise money for next year.”

Choose to run one or more of the 8 legs of the 28.6-mile course. Register or donate at runningwithed.com. Participation to compete for a Park City Mountain Grant (up to $5k) for your school's PTO counts when you register or donate!

The MPES Finding Nemo production was the vision of fourth-grade teacher Jena Schmidt, who also directed masterfully. It came to life with funding from a PCEF Classroom Grant (Classroom Grant funds are raised through the Ed Foundation’s Running with Ed, coming up on May 16) and a strong web of educators and parent volunteers who built sets, sewed costumes, bundled flowers, sold concessions and shepherded children.

Rebeca Gonzalez, a LIA teacher for seventh grade at EHMS, was selected as the 2025-26 Teacher of the Year, awarded during the annual conference at the University of Utah. PCEF supports LIA with a Classroom Grant.

PCHS students took home four first-place finishes at the state Technology Student Association (TSA) competition in March. The wins earn them a trip to the national competition in Washington this June. Students prepare everything from an aquaponics system to home design and solar-powered cars ahead of the competition. PCEF supports Real World Learning throughout the district.

Expanded course offerings will take the Park City School District’s aviation program to new heights next year. PCHS students will have the chance to build a small airplane in two aviation maintenance classes. PCEF supports Real World Learning and CTE classrooms.

The PCEF-supported Bright Futures program supports first-generation students from high school through college, offering guidance on financial aid, applications and campus resources. Six former Park City students and now Bright Futures program alumni returned to Park City on Saturday to celebrate their college graduation. Together with friends and family, the students gathered at Weedon Family Ranch where the event took place this year. Valeria Sandoval, Bright Futures college program manager and a first-generation college graduate herself, said the event reflected years of relationship-building with students.

PCSD staff plans to adopt Tango Flight’s curriculum, a nonprofit that combines classroom instruction with hands-on aircraft assembly in high schools. PCHS students will have the opportunity to build a small airplane in two of the aviation maintenance classrooms this fall. PCEF supports Real World Learning and CTE classrooms at the high school.

PCEF VP of Advancement Jen Billow, board member Allison Zarkos and volunteer fundraising chair Noah Singer talk about the annual Running with Ed event that brings the community together to support local schools. Run, skip, hop through this fun relay race to raise money for PCSD schools?

Early-bird registration for the 17th annual Running with Ed opens March 16 and will run through the end of the month, saving participants $50. Price jumps to $150 April 1. Added bonus, the first 50 paid registrations get: paid registrations get a free Chomp donut, a Skullcandy Ounce bluetooth speaker, and a pair of cute Comrad compression socks ($38 value).

Park City High School has been recognized by the Utah State Board of Education for providing the highest percentage of English learners in the state with access to college and career readiness coursework, according to school officials. This honor is thanks to incredibly dedicated teachers and programs like Dream Big and Bright Futures, and amazing CTE courses.

PCSD plans to unify visual arts the four elementary schools, moving to a consistent, standards-aligned model taught by licensed educators. The shift aims to ensure equal access to high-quality arts education for all students, regardless of school. PCEF has funded the the program for13 years through the Elementary Visual Arts (EVA) program in partnership with Kimball Art Center.

The February PCSD Newsletter includes stories about: RC League at each elementary school, the One Book One School program with an author visit, PCHS music program achieves historic success with All-State selections, and Preschool's placement and enrollment success. All programs supported thanks to generous PCEF donors.

English and Spanish versions of the newsletter available at the link.

PCSD will launch Aviation Maintenance at Park City High School next school year. “We’re hoping to address an underserved market of students,” said Trip Marshall, an instructor for PCHS. “There are a lot of kids who love to work on things and love aviation, but they aren’t necessarily interested in being a pilot. This will help bring in those types of students who want to make a good living by working on things or kids going into aerospace engineering so they can understand how aircraft work structurally.”

PCEF supports CTE programming at PCHS.

EHMS kicked off our annual One Book One School Program (OBOS). For 6 weeks during Advisory, students will be reading books together. This year each grade level is reading a different district-approved novel by author Jason Reynolds. PCEF supports this program.

The Park City School District (PCSD) music program is celebrating a record-breaking year, with 22 students selected to perform in the prestigious Utah Music Educators Association (UMEA) All-State ensembles. The selection represents a historic high for the district, which now boasts the largest contingent of any 4A high school, surpassing many larger 6A programs. PCEF donors support the music throughout the district.

PCSD has achieved 100% placement for PreK for in-district familiies. Providing a high-quality seat for every student in our neighborhood remains our top priority, and by matching our capacity with the needs of our residents, we ensure our schools remain the heartbeat of this community. PCEF supports PCSD Preschool.

Students use creativity and problem-solving in this hands-on engineering experience, students work collaboratively to design, build, test, and refine their own RC cars—applying real-world engineering practices while developing teamwork, perseverance, and critical thinking skills. RC League is a real-world learning program supported by PCEF.

PCEF VP Jen Billow and Kara Cody, the foundation's VP of programs discuss current preschool openings, after school programs and scholarships. They also talk about how the foundation has streamlined its eight signature initiatives, including personalized learning, real-world learning, elevating educators and closing the opportunity gap.

Park City Municipal has been selected as one of 16 cities nationwide to participate in the National League of Cities’ Prenatal-to-Three Impact Lab, a nine-month technical assistance and peer-learning cohort aimed at improving outcomes for infants, toddlers, and their families. The city plans to use the cohort to “refine what’s already working in Park City” and strengthen the scholarship program.

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

Ecker Hill kicked off One Book One School program to promote literacy and build community across grades and classrooms. PCEF and Ecker Hill’s School Community Council helped fund the program, and an anonymous donor doubled a grant from the foundation. Students will read district-approved novels by author Jason Reynolds. Lara Rude, the school’s library media specialist, said the publishing company provided a significant discount on the books, which allowed the school to provide a copy for every student to keep.

At Black Diamond Gymnastics & Sports Center, “learning by doing” is more than a philosophy; it’s a way of life. Whether on the beam, at the front desk, or in the community, growth happens when you take a leap and apply what you’ve learned in real life. That same principle drives PCCAPS — an initiative that pairs students with local businesses for hands-on, project-based learning. Each semester, Black Diamond hosts students who are ready to roll up their sleeves and tackle real-world challenges. PCEF donors help fund PCCAPS.

Registration for 3- and 4-year-olds begins Tuesday, January 6, 2026, through the district’s website. Parents will use the Eleyo system to request a preschool spot, with school placements announced by Monday, February 2, giving families time to arrange after-school care and transportation. Preschool is one of PCEF's Signature Initiatives.

EHMS Principal Isaiah Folau talks growing up in Park City and his newest role at the middle school. Isaiah believes there is tremendous talent and commitment to building future leaders in our community through education at all levels in Park City schools. "I believe the true power of change comes through education. It’s meaningful, hard, and very fulfilling. So, I serve with honor and gratitude," he says.

Students from Camp Hawk at Jeremy Ranch Elementary and Latinos in Action at Ecker Hill crafted holiday cards as part of Summit County Health’s Seniors Connections Campaign. The behavioral health initiative targets winter isolation among the county’s elderly population. PCEF funds after-school programs as one of its signature initiatives. The foundation provided initial seed money to launch the programs and continues supporting their expansion.

At Park City High School, CTE and PCCAPS are transforming the traditional high school experience. Students can earn certifications that lead directly to jobs, gain college credits before graduation, and build real-world experience through partnerships with local companies and community organizations. With support from PCEF, these programs provide students with a significant head start, whether they plan to enter the workforce immediately, pursue college, or are still exploring their options.

This fall, PCCAPS seniors Kendall Bankson and Parker Bogan jumped right in, designing a community-wide survey to help better understand what local families want from youth movement and sports programs. Guided by Black Diamond mentors, they learned through experimentation rather than instruction—testing ideas, refining them, and discovering what happens when there’s no textbook answer. PCEF supports PCCAPS thanks to generous donors.

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. “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

PCCAPS is seeking partners and projects for PCHS juniors and seniors. PCEF is proud to support PCCAPS' real-world learning opportunity. Businesses and professionals interested in partnering with PCCAPS can submit project ideas at the PCCAPS webpage or contact PCCAPS Manager Adrienne Woolley at awoolley@pcschools.us.

Registration for 3- and 4-year-olds begins Tuesday, January 6, 2026, through the district’s website at www.pcschools.us. Parents will use the Eleyo system to request a preschool spot, with school placements announced by Monday, February 2, giving families time to arrange after-school care and transportation. PCEF supports Preschool as one of our Signature Initiatives.

PCSD's Board of Education recognized Abigail Bailey as the recipient of the 2024–25 Park City Student Service Award for her 448 hours of volunteer work during her four years of high school. This honor was created by McGuire’s daughter, Katie, and is funded by the McGuire Family Foundation in partnership with PCEF. “It is incredible,” said foundation president Kim McGuire.

The Park City School District’s preschool program has had 40% growth in just one year, increasing enrollment from 153 to 215 students as the district transitions to a pre-K-12 system rather than sticking to the traditional K-12 model. PCEF and Vail Resorts support Preschool, and the investment in universal preschool to strengthen Park City's schools and community.

The Bright Futures program, supporting first-generation college students, has been successful, with recent college visits to USU and UVU. The Red Apple Gala raised nearly $600,000, making it their top fundraiser. And the foundation's wellness program, funded by the Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation, focuses on social and emotional support, reducing absenteeism. Yonder Pouches, funded by the ED Foundation, help reduce cell phone use during school hours.

Live PC Give PC gives the greater public a glimpse of to see how the nonprofit works, according to Jennifer Billow, PCEF’s VP of Advancement.

“This gives folks who don’t have kids or who are second-home owners a chance to get to know us,” she said. Live PC Give PC is actually the largest fundraiser for the Education Foundation’s Bright Futures program, “a comprehensive, multi-year program that equips first-generation students with the full spectrum of ‘college knowledge’ so they can get to — and through — post-high school education,” according to the program mission. PCEF also uses the Live PC Give PC platform to help raise funds for an array of school-related clubs and activities that aren’t the biggest sport or have their own 501 (c) 3..

Kristina credits PCCAPS with helping her bring UV Sense to life. “Even if you don’t want to be an entrepreneur, the program teaches you entrepreneurial lessons that are so valuable – grit, patience, and how to keep going when things go wrong. Before PCCAPS, my resume consisted of my sales associate job at Levi’s and being a lifeguard for a couple of summers. Once I joined PCCAPS, I had something real to talk about – and something real to show for it.” PCEF supports PCCAPS thanks to generous donors.

Latinos in Action that empowers youth and foster cultural connections and cultural connection. Park City High School students participate in events and service projects, while setting goals and making plans for a future of opportunities. Student Amairani Santiago shares, “The main purpose is just becoming more involved in the community, as well as breaking stereotypes. They want us to go to college–not get pregnant young–do well in school, and be a part of the community.”

LIA is supported by PCEF through a Classroom Grant. The students interviewed participate in Bright Futures, too!

Parent Allison Zarkos is on the PCEF’s Board of Directors, which helped fund the expansion with donors contributing $350,000 towards equipment throughout. “It's almost like a college,” she said. “I'm just super excited about all the opportunities that the kids have, whether they want to go into construction or culinary arts, there's something for everybody.”

Amy Nava's journey to college through the Bright Futures program continues into her Freshman year. It’s no surprise that Amy, a new Trailblazer and young woman determined to make the most of every opportunity and illuminate what lies beneath, plans to study radiology.

Elementary school principals share their support of PCEF during Build the Foundation.

The October PCSD Newsletter includes: the district debuts One Park City - Build the Foundation participation and Grant $ info, four Elementary School principals and why they value PCEF, Parley's PTO Fun Run, School Calendar survey results, PCHS's Phase II ribbon cutting and open house, a visit from Amazon Prime's TNF, and more.

English and Spanish versions of the newsletter available at the link.

During PCEF's Annual Parent Appeal to Build the Foundation for every student's success, every school won The UPS Store Park City Grant money for participation and donations.

Sam Thompson has spent three decades with the district. He's the founder of the RC Race and Engineering League, an after-school program where students build and race radio-controlled cars. It originally started at TMJH and has grown into a program at all four elementary schools, supported by the Park City Education Foundation through a Classroom Grant.

This week, while the United Nations is holding its 80th session of the General Assembly inviting the leaders of over 175 nations to meet in-person in New York City, the Park City High School’s Model U.N. Club is beginning its newest year as well. PCEF supports PCHS's Model U.N. Club through Live PC Give PC and the Kelly Thomas Travel Fund.

Bright Futures is a multi-year program meant to support Park City High School’s first-generation students. It helps them graduate high school, prepare for college and support them through post-secondary education. This school year, every first-generation student at Park City High can opt in during registration. About 210 students are participating in the program.

“PCEF matters so much because it allows us to dream bigger for our students,” said Parley’s Park Principal Kim Howe. “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.” PCEF funding provides experiences that traditional budgets can’t cover. Those programs are sustained in part by the Scholar Circle, a group of families and community members who contribute $1,000 annually to support local schools.

PCEF and CEO Ingrid Whitley, VP of Advancement Jen Billow and Park City High School Bright Futures Counselor Pepper Elliott provide updates on programs offered by the foundation.

Nearly 1,200 volunteers and 51 organizing partners, including 28 local nonprofits, joined Park City’s second annual 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance on Saturday

A Park City social studies teacher has just been named the 2026 Utah Teacher of the Year. This comes after the Park City School District honored her work earlier this year. Joanna Andres is Utah Teacher of the Year and is the recipient of PCEF 2025's Excellent Educator Award and the Sarah & Stephen Doilney Award.

“Joanna is a world-class AP teacher in the best district in the state who was just voted by our seniors, and this has never happened before, to win the staff award for best educator and the student (award) at the same time,” said Park City High School Principal Caleb Fine. “So she may have been surprised, but we were not.” Andres is the first person in the district’s history to be honored with the Utah Teacher of the Year award, according to Superintendent Lyndsay Huntsman. She is the recipient of PCEF 2025's Excellent Educator Award and the Sarah & Stephen Doilney Award.

The Utah State Board of Education has announced that Joanna Andres of Park City High School is Utah’s 2026 Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to Joanna, who was recognized as at the 2025 PCEF Excellent Educator Awards supported by PCEF, and funded by the Doilney and Louis families.

The Utah State Board of Education has announced that Joanna Andres of Park City High School is Utah’s 2026 Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to Joanna, who was recognized as at the 2025 PCEF Excellent Educator Awards supported by PCEF, and funded by the Doilney and Louis families.

Architecture and construction students from Park City High School recently spent a day at the SunRoc High Adventure Base Camp, where classroom lessons turned into hands-on service. The classes are supported by the Park City Education Foundation (PCEF). Most of the tools and equipment used for the field trip were funded through PCEF, making opportunities like this possible for students.

Park City High School’s Joanna Andres has been named one of five finalists for the 2026 Utah Teacher of the Year by the Utah State Board of Education.

Park City High School has been named the second-highest ranked traditional public high school in Utah and the fifth-best high school overall in the state, according to the U.S. News & World Report 2025–2026 Best High Schools rankings released this week.

PCHS Graduate Spotlight, Zach Eggleton and his journey from Park City to USC.

The May PCSD Newsletter includes: PCHS named #2 traditional high school in Utah, Utah Teacher of the Year Finalist, PCEF Supports Architecture & Construction, Build the Foundation, and a PCHS Graduate Spotlight.

English and Spanish versions of the newsletter available at the link.

Park City School District schools will begin the 2025/26 school year with $245,000 dollars in funding for PCEF Classroom Grants.

PCEF President and CEO Ingrid Whitley and VP of Advancement Jennifer Billow accept a grant award from the Promontory Foundation. The Promontory Foundation awarded a total of $330,000 to 35 different nonprofit organizations across the Wasatch Back during its annual Happiest Hour event this week.

Park City High School has been ranked the second-best traditional public high school in Utah and the fifth-best high school overall in the state, according to the U.S. News & World Report 2025–2026 Best High Schools rankings.

Utah’s public schools are funded through state income taxes, but Park City is one of the few districts that does not receive that money back. More than $170 million of local education tax dollars are redistributed out of the district each year due to state equalization formulas that allocate funds to rural and less affluent districts. PCEF bridges the gap by funding critical programming in every school thanks to generous donors. Build the Foundation is PCEF's Annual Parent Appeal – donate $360/$2 a day or what you can contribute. Participation is key to help win your school PTO/A grant money. Build the Foundation runs now through September 12th.

Social studies educator Joanna Andres is one of five finalists known as the “Fab Five” for Utah’s Teacher of the Year. Andres won Park City High School’s Sarah and Stephen Doilney Award in May. The Utah State Board of Education will announce the Teacher of the Year winner on Sept. 4.

Park City High School educator Joanna Andres is one of five teachers statewide selected as a finalist for the 2026 Utah Teacher of the Year award, the Utah State Board of Education announced. The 2026 Utah Teacher of the Year will be announced Sept. 4, 2025. The winner will go on to represent Utah in the National Teacher of the Year program.

Starting Fall 2025, all Park City School District students in grades 6–12 will be required to secure their cell phones in a Yondr pouch during the school day at Ecker Hill Middle School and Park City High School. With generous support from the PCEF's donors, this initiative is fully funded for students and families – raising $60k to expand the program to the high school this year.

A Park City School District social studies teacher Joanna Andres is one of the “Fab Five” finalists for the 2026 Utah Teacher of the Year.

Park City students are setting a new bar for academic achievement, posting the highest Advanced Placement (AP) exam success rate in district history with nearly nine out of ten test-takers earning college credit. “These results are more than a statistic; they represent effort, equity and belief in what our students can achieve,” said Rebekka Hall, Student Support and Testing Coordinator at Park City High School. “This is what happens when a whole community supports high expectations.”

“These results are more than a statistic; they represent effort, equity and belief in what our students can achieve,” Park City High School Testing Coordinator Rebekka Hall said in response to the AP test score results. “This is what happens when a whole community supports high expectations.”

Parley's Park and Trailside are inviting Preschool families to register and fill the remaining spots before school starts. The recent expansion added Preschool at both elementary schools, and now the youngest learners can attend PreK at all four campuses.

“They’re learning alongside the broader school community but in rooms, cafeterias, and playgrounds sized just for them,” said Jennifer Billow, PCEF's VP of Advancement.

PCEF has supported Preschool since the beginning. PCSD Preschool started in 2010, with PCEF donors providing the seed funding. Since then over 2,000 students have gone through the preschool program.

PCEF is funding the Yondr cell phone pouch program at EHMS and PCHS.

PCEF's President Ingrid Whitely said of the program, “The district came to us to ask for support in philanthropically funding this. There are about 2,000 students at both of the secondary schools, so with Ecker and the high school, and so the cost to cover this will be about $60,000 for the initial purchase.”

PCSD heard from students, parents and staff through community forums, open house events and a survey held in the spring that they wanted students to be in a safe, distraction-free environment while at school. Yondr cell phone pouches were introduced last year at TMJH and helped to cultivate a better learning environment. This year the program will expand to accommodate students at TMJH and PCHS. PCEF will support the program by funding the initiative – $30,000 or the $60,000 goal has been raised to date.

Park City's 2025 Graduation - 401 seniors crossed the stage, 85% plan to continue to higher education.

Congratulations to the Bright Futures Park City High School Class of 2025!

“The Park City Education Foundation (PCEF) is thrilled to continue its support of the Classroom Grants initiative, which provides funding directly to classroom teachers for opportunities to utilize new teaching tools, attend professional development, or support innovative approaches to their instruction,” said PCEF President Ingrid Whitley.

PCEF will fund $245,000 in Classroom Grants for the 2025/2026 school year.

Thanks to Park City Mountain and Vail Resort EpicPromise, more than 160 community members registered for the auction, sparking bidding wars that raised a combined $70,000 across the 12 chairs.

Christy Rothkopf, whose winning bid supported PCEF, came prepared with contingencies to secure a chair — and a backup for where to place it, depending on how well it would hold up to the weather. “I’m really here to support our community nonprofits, and I love the idea of coming away with a chair. I have my eyes pretty set on a few favorites,” she said.

PCEF collaborated with Scout Maziraz, artist and graduate of PCHS’s class of 2025. Maziraz’s art was also featured in the Canyons Village Gondola Art Stroll least ski season, celebrating Park City’s Olympic legacy. “It worked out pretty spontaneously, and was such an honor to have a student really involved with this. It’s all his vision and we’re so excited to have him as our partner,” said PCEF's CEO, Ingrid Whitley.

Across the country, music programs are often under-funded, but PCSD is working in partnership with PCEF to change that narrative locally. A new initiative launched last year has brought professional musicians directly into local classrooms, offering private and small-group lessons to nearly 300 string students in grades 6–12. For the second year, PCSD has been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants.

PCEF is proud to fund meaningful programs throughout our schools and every student journey! “They serve different purposes, but the goal is common between all of them, in that they'll share the goal of helping first-gen students.” -Graduate Gabe Villanueva says of Dream Big, Latinos in Action and Bright Futures programs

Park City Mountain will auction 41 retired Sunrise chairlift two-seaters to raise money to benefit 12 local no-profits. PCEF is lucky to be one of the chosen beneficiaries where all auction proceeds from the sale of our artist-inspired chair lift will benefit our mission.

Staff and students were honored with the district’s first Kindness Awards Tuesday, June 3. The Park City Community Foundation, PCEF and the PCSD started the awards this school year to celebrate kind, inclusive, and empathetic behavior throughout the district at each school.

Mr. Ed is retiring at the end of the school year, Running with Ed celebrated 16 years May 17th, and there a new Equity Advancement Cohort to celebrate diversity and equity initiatives.

“As a district, we believe this is more than an award. It’s a reminder of who we are and who we strive to be,” said Superintendent Lyndsay Huntsman. “It celebrates those who break barriers, build belonging and champion a culture where everyone belongs.” PCSD initiated the Kindness Awards this season supported by PCEF and the Park City Community Foundation.

The Kindness Awards launched this school year honors people who foster kindness and belonging across the district’s seven schools. Monthly winners were selected at each campus, and a committee reviewed those nominees to choose districtwide honorees.PCSD initiated the Kindness Awards this season supported by PCEF and the Park City Community Foundation.

The RC League program is now in its fourth year and offers fifth grade students the opportunity to design, build, and race RC cars in a hands-on, team-based environment. Over 100 students participated this year from the four schools. This program is made possible thanks to PCEF donors through a Classroom Grant.

Park City High School students are using new artificial intelligence-based pilot training software in aviation classes. The software simulates air traffic control. The software purchase was made possible through a PCEF Classroom Grant.

Park City students – a goal worth running toward every day of the year. PCEF donors help raise $250,000 for Park City students and classrooms.

PCEF provided a grant to purchase EV the kit from Switch Vehicles, a California-based company dedicated to providing hands-on engineering projects for students. Construction began in August under the supervision of CTE teacher Brad Gannon, who offers engineering classes to students. PCEF's generous donors support the PCCAPS program.

“We received the vehicle in August thanks to a grant from the Park City Education Foundation and Perkins V career-tech dollars,” teacher Brad Gannon said, standing beside the bare-metal frame. “It’s a 1,400-pound kit we can tear down and rebuild each semester, so every group gets the full experience.” PCEF's generous donors support the PCCAPS program.

The participants of the 16th annual Running with Ed fundraiser didn’t let the rain dampen their enthusiasm to support Park City teachers, students and schools on Saturday, May 17. PCEF didn’t make the goal of $325,000, the relay race fundraiser topped $240,000 with more donations still coming in for the next couple of weeks.

TMJH has stood for more than 40 years as a rite of passage for generations of students matriculating through the Park City School District, but the current cohort will be the last as the building is set to close at the end of the school year. This year's Running with Ed leg focused its exchange on the theme “Running Through Memory Lane," with a tribute to the school's culture of caring.

The streets and trails of Park City will be filled with color, costumes, and community spirit this Saturday, May 17, as Running with Ed—a relay race and major fundraiser for the Park City Education Foundation—returns for its 2025 edition, and the 16th year of the race.

PCSD's elementary debaters had five top-10 finishes at the Utah state debate championship. The elementary debate program operates under the district’s Program for Academically Creative Education and receives funding support from PCEF donors.

“Bright Futures was built on the belief that every first-gen student deserves the tools to thrive and to pursue their post-secondary goals,” said Ingrid Whitley, president and CEO of the foundation. “By embedding support into the school day, we’re honoring that mission while reaching more students than ever.” Since its launch in 2015, Bright Futures has served roughly 200 students, recording a 100 percent college-acceptance rate and a 64 percent college-graduation rate.

Expanded eligibility and in-school counseling aim to reach the 200-plus high schoolers previously left out of the support program. Since 2015, Bright Futures has served approximately 200 students with a 100 percent college-acceptance rate and a 64 percent college-graduation rate. The program currently counts 25 alumni with degrees, 66 students enrolled in college and 85 high-school participants.

Park City Education Foundation President and CEO Ingrid Whitley and Vice President of Advancement Jen Billow share updates on their Running With Ed event which hopes to raise $325,000 for classroom funding.

Seven PCSD teachers were selected as this year's Excellent Educator Award Winners. This long standing tradition is supported by PCEF, and funded by the Doilney and Louis families.

Ecker Hill Middle School — Andrea Solum, sixth grade English
Jeremy Ranch Elementary — Susan Boone, special education
McPolin Elementary —Joanna Hammel, all-school interventionist
Park City High School — Joanna Andres, social studies
Parley’s Park Elementary — Amy Bean, second grade
Trailside Elementary — Samantha (Sam) Johnson, special education teacher
Treasure Mountain Junior High — Sharon Maddux, film

The annual awards are funded by the Doilney and Louis families.

The May PCSD Newsletter includes: the We All Belong Campaign, the Excellent Educator Awards, Battle of the Books at EHMS, Special Education Success, Running with Ed is May 17th, and more.

English and Spanish versions of the newsletter available at the link.

Seven teachers across the Park City School District were honored with Excellent Educator Awards. Each school’s faculty, staff, and administrators vote on the honor, which comes with a $3,000 cash award funded by the Doilney and Louis families through PCEF. The PC Bands’ New Orleans‑style jazz ensemble led the surprise procession into every campus, where entire student bodies gathered to watch the reveal.

Regular‑rate registration for the PCEF's annual Running with Ed(ucation) relay has been extended through May 9th, giving residents an extra week to sign up for the May 17th “fun‑draiser” that supports classroom grants across the Park City School District.

Students in the 11th and 12th grades at the Park City High School have opportunities to experience what their fellow community members at the Intermountain Park City Hospital and the Park City Fire District do daily. The Park City Center for Advanced Professional Studies (PCCAPS) educates students toward readiness for career success in many industries, including medical, fire, and physical therapy. In doing so, a win-win-win study structure partnership is created.

PCEF donors help fund the PCCAPS program at the high schoool.

For the first time ever in the foundation’s Excellent Educator program, the AP Government and AP History instructor received both an Excellent Educator Award and the Sarah and Stephen Doilney The 2025 Excellent Educator Award recipients:

Ecker Hill Middle School — Andrea Solum, sixth grade English
Jeremy Ranch Elementary — Susan Boone, special education
McPolin Elementary —Joanna Hammel, all-school interventionist
Park City High School — Joanna Andres, social studies
Parley’s Park Elementary — Amy Bean, second grade
Trailside Elementary — Samantha (Sam) Johnson, special education teacher
Treasure Mountain Junior High — Sharon Maddux, film

The annual awards are funded by the Doilney and Louis families.

The Park City Education Foundation visited Park City schools Friday, April, 25, to hand out Excellent Educator awards. Joanna Andres made history as the first to win the staff 'Excellent Educator' and student-elected Sarah and Stephen Doilney award.

Park City Mountain and the Arts Council of Park City & Summit County will auction off 12 decommissioned ski lift chairs decorated by local artists. PCEF is one of the 12 nonprofits selected to work with the artist to decorate a chair. Proceeds from each auctioned chair will benefit its associated nonprofit.

Treasure Mountain Junior High School will celebrate its last year with Running with Ed, May 17th. PCEF's Running with Ed raises money for Classroom Grants to benefit all of Park City's students throughout every school.

“We like to say it’s a bunch of parties with a little running in between,” said Jennifer Billow, the PCEF’s Vice President of Advancement. “It’s just a fun way for people to support the Ed Foundation, and, in turn, support schools and teachers in the Park City School District.” The annual relay run is scheduled this year for May 17, and registration is now open. Running with Ed raises money to support Classroom Grants throughout every school.

PCEF supports PCHS Robotics with a Classroom Grant. The club’s all-girls rookie team — named Minerva for the Roman goddess of the arts, wisdom and war — reached the semifinals, securing a spot at the Premier Event.

The PCEF Excellent Educator Awards take place on April 25th. Established in 1996 by Jim Doilney in partnership with the Park City Education Foundation (PCEF), the Excellent Educator Awards recognize outstanding teachers and staff as selected by their peers at each school.

Running with Education will be held on Saturday, May 17th. RWE is a celebratory relay race fundraiser for PCEF, which raises money for Park City schools. It’s been voted one of Park City’s Best Fundraisers for 12 years running. When you register or donate, you help PCSD teachers, students and classrooms!

Park City Mountain, through Vail Resorts’ EpicPromise, has contributed nearly $500,000 to Park City public schools over the past 10 years, with donations supporting everything from early childhood education to school-based grants.

PCEF donors help fund the Bright Futures program - one of our eight Signature Initiatives.

Saturday evening, the Park City Education Foundation’s Bright Futures program hosted its third annual college grad celebration honoring 11 program alums and now-incoming Class of 2025 college graduates from schools across the state.

PCEF helps fund the annual Special Education Transition Fair with a Classroom Grant.

The recent event was supported by 18 agencies from the local and regional community. Notable participants included Utah Special Olympics, ScenicView Academy, Utah Independent Living Center, Vocational Rehab, Peace House, Adaptive Coalition of Park City, and other local organizations. One of the absolute highlights of the event was the adorable therapy dogs from Intermountain Therapy Animals! They brought so much joy, offering comfort with wagging tails and creating a warm, welcoming environment.

Superintendent Lyndsay Huntsman thanked PCEF for ongoing support and dedication to enhancing learning opportunities for students, not the important role in connecting classroom learning to the world beyond. The expansion includes: modern classroom wings, a collaborative forum, and expanded cafeteria and kitchen, and an updated gym.

PCEF supports the Aviation and Drone Program with a Classroom Grant.

"I saw the drone aviation class when I was signing up for classes (freshman year), and I thought it sounded cool," Senior student Alan Soberanis said. "They teach you how to fly different kinds of drones and help you study for your license test. I got my license about a month ago."

PCEF donors support the Music Department with a Classroom Grant.

"It's no secret that part of our success is the fact thais building has a huge culture of success all throughout," Band Director Zach Giddings said. "It is being part of a team with teachers like you who make it easy to motivate the kids to be excellent."

The April PCSD Newsletter includes: We All Belong Campaign, EHMS Ribbon Cutting, PCHS Drones, Get to know Administrators throughout the district, EHMS and TMJH band competitions, and more.

English and Spanish versions of the newsletter available at the link.

The Afterschool Program is more than childcare - it offers enrichment and fun activities by seamlessly coordinating with other local organizations. “We don't have a garden at home, so digging in the dirt and composting in the school’s greenhouse supported by Youth Education director, Erica Snyder, with Summit Community Gardens/EATS has been amazing,” Erin said. PCSD Afterschool is supported by PCEF donors. Thanks to the PCSD School Board, the Afterschool Program expanded this year to include 4-year-olds, and for the 2025/26 school year will offer programming for 3-year-olds.

PCEF donors help support students in Model UN.

PCHS students Grace Stevenson and Addie Leombruno gained confidence, leadership, and global awareness through Model UN. By representing countries and debating real-world issues, they’ve developed strong communication and critical thinking skills. Through Model UN, Addie and Grace have cultivated skills that won’t leave them even when they leave high school.

Your Running with Educations and donations create lasting impact by allowing for enhanced learning opportunities at the newly updated, Ecker Hill Middle School. PCEF is proud to support Classroom Grants throughout every corner of this school.

PCEF donors have supported PCHS Speech & Debate for 12 years.

“I think this team deserves a lot of recognition, and the coaches deserve a lot of recognition because it’s really hard to quantify just how much time and effort goes into it,” Bailey said. “The skills that we learn here today benefit the community as well because the people that are leaving this debate team, they want to benefit the community (in the future).” Abigail Bailey, State Champion - Congress

Everyone who participates in speech and debate has no hesitation to welcome newbies and help train them in various events.

PCEF donors support the district's Music Program through a Classroom Grant.

Ecker Hill Middle School’s band performed at the State Junior High Band Festival and earned straight superior ratings, the highest score possible. Out of 33 bands from across Utah who attended, Ecker Hill was one of only seven who achieved this top honor.

PCSD will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly completed expansion at Ecker Hill Middle School on March 27th from 4:30-5:30pm.

Trailside Elementary honored its Kindness Award winners this month, recognizing students who demonstrated compassion, respect, and care for their peers and school community.

The Kindness Awards kicked off in February and will be awarded monthly in partnership with the Park City School District, Park City Community Foundation, and PCEF.

Park City High School ProStart team showcases their culinary creations at the Utah ProStart Culinary State Competition on March 11 at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy. The team, led by instructor Kari Patterson, competed using only camp stoves to prepare their dishes, demonstrating skill, precision, and teamwork.

PCEF provides support to Culinary students by helping to fund kitchen equipment as part of its $350,000 investment into the new CTE building.

The March PCSD Newsletter includes: We All Belong Campaign, Kindness Awards, A Letter from the NEW Superintendent, Screenagers movie recap, PCHS Speech & Debate Excellence, Robotics at State, and more.

English and Spanish versions of the newsletter available at the link.

Through its 10-year partnership with the Park City Education Foundation, Park City Mountain and its nonprofit EpicPromise have donated nearly $500,000 to the foundation to help fund Preschool and education programs in the community.

Jen Billow, the foundation’s Vice President for Advancement, said with the most recent Vail Resorts EpicPromise donation, it has been able to increase Preschool enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year to allow for 100 additional students. “They're a big supporter of early childcare in general, so they've been supporting preschool for 10 years, including that $250,000 gift they made last year,” Billow said.

Park City has budgeted over half a million dollars annually as public service funds to partner with local nonprofits that provide essential services in the community. After the city approved the last wave of public service grants in 2023, the council requested an overhaul of the program to be more transparent and responsive to community needs. PCEF is one of 30 grant applicants and could receive $100,000 over the next two years.

Running with Ed is May 17th, register by the end of March and save!

“We're in early bird registration now, which would save you $50 a person if you register now, it's $100 versus starting April 1, it'll be $150,” PCEF's Vice President of Advancement, Jen Billow said. “It's our great eight-leg relay race around Park City. If you have teams of eight, everybody can run a leg. There's a leg as short as 1.3 miles. There are legs that are six miles. There are legs up the stairs of the UOP or you can take a chair lift, It’s costumes, it’s community. A great finish party. And it just, a great local community event.”

Upcoming events include a Second City comedy performance on March 20th and the Excellent Educator Awards on April 25th. Purchase tickets for Second City comedy on our website through March 13th.

The "Running with Ed" event, scheduled for May 17th, aims to raise $325,000, with early bird registration discounts. Register before the end of March and save. #RWE2025

Educator Trip Marshall explained that the aviation pathway at Park City High School includes a certification class to prepare students for the Part 107 license, a drone-building class, and the capstone project course where students work with real clients. PCEF is proud to support aviation with a Classroom Grant.

PCEF provides funding to Real World Learning, like the Aviation program at Park City High School.

The program includes a private pilot ground school, a flight simulator lab, and drone certification courses. Students can take Aviation 1 and 2 together, forming a yearlong private pilot ground school. Marshall, a flight instructor with 18 years of experience, ensures that students leave prepared for the next step in their aviation journey.

The Park City High School Robotics Club on Saturday hosted 17 other teams from around the state to test their engineering and collaboration skills in the last event before the state championship on Friday in Cedar City.

The robots, software, computers and parts cost about $5,000 each. PCEF donors support Robotics as part of our Real World Learning initiative - one of eight signature initiatives.

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.

“Many families don’t know Utah is the lowest-funded public education system in the country,” said PCEF President and CEO Ingrid Whitley. “On top of that, $170 million of Park City’s state education tax dollars leave to fund other state education needs.”

PCEF contributes more than $1.5 million annually to schools, funding programs that impact every PCSD student.

Park City Education Foundation President and CEO Ingrid Whitley and Vice President of Advancement Jen Billow give an update on programs offered by the foundation and preview their Red Apple Gala fundraiser on Oct. 5.

September's PCSD Newsletter includes: A Letter from the Superintendent, PCSD Board of Education Meeting Recap, USBE Test Scores, New Teacher Welcome, We All Belong Campaign, Move this World.

English and Spanish versions of the newsletter available at the link.

The Park City School District recently hosted grand opening ceremonies for new pre-K and community centers at JRES and MPES. These events, marked by lively tours and enthusiastic community participation, celebrated the fulfillment of vision set forth by the 2021 bond measure.

Ingrid Whitley, PCEF President and CEO, highlighted the centers' impact, stating, "These centers reflect a significant shift in how we view preschool, from a novel idea to an essential part of our educational approach. They are a testament to what we can achieve when the community supports such transformative initiatives."

Read the full article at the link, page 13.

The Yondr pouch will be used by TMJH for students’ phones this school year. The Cell Phone Pilot Program is funded by PCEF.

“We chose to go with the model where every teacher would have, in a secure location, a specialized magnet so they could unlock student cell phones at the end of the day, making it a very convenient process, but it’s also there in case of a significant emergency, which we do not anticipate, but we’re prepared for,” Principal Caleb Fine said. “If a magnet is not available in a significant emergency, we don’t care about the cost of a pouch, cut it open. Pry it open.”

A $79 million bond overwhelmingly passed in 2021 supported the construction of the preschools and community centers.

The preschool expansion added four classrooms. The program can now enroll 225 students, an increase of 70 spots. The 4-year-old program this year will also be five days a week and an afterschool program is available.

Park City School District cut the ribbon to two preschool facilities Monday afternoon, one an expansion of Jeremy Ranch Elementary School, and the other at McPolin Elementary School.

“It’s a testament to our school district and the broader community that we no longer view preschool as an innovative offering but an essential part of our youngest learners’ educational journeys. It’s one of the highest value investments of public funds we can make as a community. For every dollar invested, researchers say that we see a $4 to $16 return based on tangible benefits to children over their lifetimes.” -Ingrid Whitley, PCEF President and CEO

PCEF has helped support the school district’s preschool and before and after school programs since 2011. The new community centers at two of the district elementary schools celebrate their grand openings on Monday, Aug. 19.

“Our whole community should really be excited and thrilled that these community centers’ preschools are opening at Jeremy Ranch and McPolin,” PCEF President and CEO Ingrid Whitley said.

Please join us in celebrating this special occasion within our PCSD community. These ceremonies mark the fruition of our shared vision and express our gratitude for the community's invaluable investment in early learning and community engagement.

Jeremey Ranch Elementary School Aug 19, 2024 @ 4:00 pm

McPolin Elementary School Aug 19, 2024 @ 5:30 pm

You won’t want to miss Park City’s favorite fall party with an amazing cause to celebrate. Tickets will go on sale July 29 for the Red Apple Gala, Park City Education Foundation’s major fundraiser, supporting students, educators, and schools. Guests will enjoy dining and dancing, cocktails and casino, and live and silent auctions at the Montage Deer Valley.

Tickets are available now to Scholar Circle members. Ticket sales open to the public July 29th.

Mack Hastings, a rising ninth-grade PCSD student, participated in the CO2 Dragster competition at the National Conference for the Technology Student Association (TSA). He placed in the top 30 against over 100 competitors.

PCEF funds TSA’s Mustang After School Academy (MASA) at Treasure Mountain.

“The the new Preschool Community Education Centers, is going to be a huge addition for the community, as we’re going to be able to support the local families during and after school,” Todd Klarich, PCSD director of community education, told TownLift.

PCEF donors help support important initiatives in our schools, including preschool, summer school, and afterschool.

The Park City Education Foundation (PCEF) announced the allocation of $265,000 in Classroom Grants for the 2024-25 school year. These grants, aimed at enhancing educational experiences, were enabled by, among others, the runners, donors, and fundraisers during the Foundation’s annual “Running with Ed” event.

The Park City School District will begin the 2024-25 school year with more than a quarter-million dollars in funding from Park City Education Foundation classroom grants. Classroom grants are awarded to teachers to bring innovative ideas, concepts, or practices to life, or expand past successful ideas in the classroom or school. Teachers (and administration) get to conceptualize and then try new things — unique learning activities, innovative technology. Money is allocated to programs that focus on creativity and innovation, the whole child, and academic success.

Mack Hastings, a rising ninth grader from Treasure Mountain Junior High, is set to compete in the Technology Student Association (TSA) national competition in Orlando. The Park City Education Foundation (PCEF) funds TSA’s Mustang After School Academy (MASA) at Treasure Mountain (around 15 students). At the high school level (over 40 students), PCEF has also funded various materials and printers.

“This year’s fundraising goes to support next year’s classroom grant awards and our board just voted on the grant committee's recommendations at our May 23 meeting and approved over $265,000 and grant awards that goes directly into our schools to support 35 programs, which is really exciting,” PCEF President and CEO, Ingrid Whitley said.

Park City Education Foundation CEO Ingrid Whitley and Vice President of Advancement Jen Billow provide an update on the success of Running With Ed and exceeding the classroom grants fundraising goal of $325,000 for the 2024/25 school year.

Park City High School’s Class of 2024 had 407 graduates. Principal Roger Arbabi shared senior accomplishments: 15% of the class are first-generation students, with 66% of them planning to attend college. Over 90% of the graduating class took Advanced Placement and concurrent enrollment classes to get college credit. Over 80% of all seniors are pursuing higher education, attending 110 different universities in 34 states and three countries. Those students received nearly $20 million in scholarships.

PCEF is proud to walk along each Park City school student throughout their education career. Congratulations to Park City High School's Class of 2024.

Families and friends and others gathered to support Park City High School’s 2024 graduating class on Friday. Park City High School Principal Roger Arbabi said 82% of the class, or 330 of the students, will pursue higher education at 110 colleges in 34 states and three countries. Sixty-six percent of the class’ first-generation students are included to further their education.

He congratulated students in the school’s music program on their “breathtaking performances” and high scores at their state competition, the “theater nerds” for their Chicago performances.

PCEF supports many programs like Bright Futures, supporting first-generation students as they get to and through college, as well as the music department, theatre, and many more - walking alongside Park City students throughout their journey. We wish the Class of 2024 the best as we continue to cheer you on!

Park City High School’s PCCAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies) program held its Spring 2024 Project Presentations at the Blair Education Center on May 29, 2024 where 21 student presentations were evaluated based on several key criteria: visual and design quality, project quality, project deliverables, public speaking, professionalism, and response to questions.

Allison Zarkos, Park City Education Foundation board member and Running with Ed committee member recaps the 15th annual Running with Ed, and thanks the community the picture-perfect day. Temperatures in the 60s, costumes, joyous smiles, huge hugs, camaraderie and memories made. Even a little running thrown in. Running with Ed was a success in every way for the Park City Education Foundation: 1,000 runners, 125 volunteers, supportive sponsors and countless donors helped us reach our fundraising goal of $325,000 — and then go past it!

It’s no secret, we love teachers! They’re at the core of our mission to fund and support educator empowered initiatives that inspire all Park City students to successfully reach their academic and lifelong potential. Making sure teachers have a seat at the table when it comes to PCEF programming design and implementation is essential as they’re the experts in the diverse needs of students and their classrooms.

Trailside Elementary and Parley's Park Elementary debate teams made a remarkable showing at this year's state competition. PCEF supports the debate program, which involves fifth graders from multiple elementary schools, including McPolin and Parley’s Park. “It would not be possible without the Park City Education Foundation,” Coach Melissa Bott said, highlighting the PCEF's role in funding the program.

The Park City Education Foundation exceeded its fundraising goal at its annual Running with Ed relay race Saturday, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for local public schools.

The celebratory relay race fundraiser for the Park City Education Foundation started Saturday morning at the Basin Rec. The 27.6 mile, 8-leg course, visited six Park City schools and the Utah Olympic Park. The shortest leg was 1.3 miles and the longest leg 5.7 miles.

Town Lift joined the fun for the 15th annual Running with Ed at Parley’s Park Elementary School with a Willy Wonka-themed stop. As of Saturday morning, the event had surpassed their fundraising goal of $325,000.

As of Thursday morning, May 16, PCEF's Running with Ed fundraiser raised $228,000, with $100,000 left to go. PCEF set the bar at $325,000 this year to raise money for Park City teachers, students, and schools.

The 15th annual Running with Ed gets underway Saturday morning at the Basin Recreation Fieldhouse. As many as 200 teams will be running the marathon-length course to raise money for the Park City Education Foundation.

Park City Education Foundation CEO Ingrid Whitley, and Running With Ed committee members Allison Zarkos and Emily Huser have a final update before this weekend's major fundraiser.

A letter to the Editor in support of Running with Ed, May 18th.

Running With Ed, which raises money for Classroom Grants that are awarded to teachers to bring innovative ideas, concepts or practices to life or to expand past successful ideas in the classroom or school, is set for Saturday, May 18.

Running with Ed (RWE) is a celebratory relay race fundraiser for the Park City Education Foundation that raises money for Park City teachers, students and schools. It's been voted Park City's Favorite Fundraiser for nine years!

Students learned about the aviation industry from panelists at the Career Over Coffee event at PCHS, including the importance of keeping up with instrument trainings and some scary moments. Trip Marshall, an aeronautics teacher and pilot who helped start the program, said the need for drone pilots is rapidly growing. Marshall said the aviation program began with courses to get a private pilot license and a drone certification but is continually adding more tools to support students. The program now has flight simulators through a Park City Education Foundation grant.

Running With Ed, Park City Education Foundation’s annual community fun run fundraiser is on May 18 this year, however, early-bird registration pricing ends after May 3. Pricing increases beginning May 4. Register today for $125 per person.

During a ceremony at PCHS, Ed Mulick received the Sarah & Stephen Doilney Teaching Excellence Award, one of the top honors of the Park City Education Foundation‘s Excellent Educator Program, sponsored by the Louis and Doilney Families. This is the fifth time Mulick has won the award, which goes to the educator the Park City High School senior class believes had the most influence on them throughout their entire educational career.

The Park City community celebrated its educators through the PCEF Excellent Educator Program on April 25 and 26, sponsored by the Louis and Doilney families.

Here are the 2023-2024 winners...
Park City High School: Excellent Educator Award – Gaylynn Mooney and Holly Huggins; Sarah and Stephen Doilney Award – Ed Mulick; Treasure Mountain Junior High School – Casey Ryan; Ecker Hill Middle School – Jen Hales; McPolin Elementary – Daniel Wells; Trailside Elementary – Eva Montejano; Parley’s Park Elementary – Leann Rocchi; and Jeremy Ranch Elementary – Linda Hilton

The Park City Education Foundation recognized nine individuals through the PCEF Excellent Educator Program this year. Winners were surprised at their schools Thursday and Friday mornings, April 25 and 26.

Park City High School ranked as Utah’s fifth best, according to U.S. News & World Report, and came in 717th in the nation.

The magazine put up Beehive Science and Technology Academy (charter) in Sandy as it’s No. 1 in the state. No. 1 in the nation this year was BASIS Charter Schools Inc., in Peoria, Arizona.

Last year, Park City High School ranked fourth on the list.

This week the Park City Education Foundation will celebrate public school teachers with its Excellent Educators Awards, sponsored by the Louis and Doilney families.

"What we do is helping our community understand that you can’t have a great community if you don’t have great schools, and you can’t have great schools without great teachers.” Jennifer Billow, Park City Education Foundation Vice President of Advancement

Park City High School offers its students opportunities for programs and certificates through Park City Center for Advanced Professional Studies (PCCAPS) and Career and Technology Education (CTE) programs. After the first phase of its current $150 million construction process, the list of those programs will grow.

“All of CTE will relocate into Phase 1 once it’s completed,” CTE/PCCAPS Director Lyndsay Huntsman explained. The phase is scheduled to be finished by the end of July, in time for the 2024-25 school year.

PCCAPS is supported by generous PCEF donors.

Utah’s high school entrepreneurs and their ideas will be taking the stage at Park City High School on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. for the school’s Invest Nest competition. The event is part of Park City Center for Advanced Professional Studies (PCCAPS) project, which PCEF-donors support.

Invest Nest has given away $450,000 in grants since its founding seven years ago.

The 7th annual statewide Invest Nest competition is in its final stages. The winner of Park City High School’s this week will go on to the state finals April 29. Invest Nest is a “Shark Tank” style pitch competition that offers high school students in Utah investment opportunities for their business ideas, giving them the financial backing to make their ideas a reality. The PCCAPS program is supported by PCEF funding.

Park City School District has been identified as a "Best Community for Music Education" by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM). “PCSD’s commitment to ensuring access to high-quality music education for students K-12 represents, in my view, our most significant achievement,” Bret Hughes, PCSD's Fine Art Director said. He highlighted the district’s policy of hiring certified music teachers for all grade levels, ensuring that students aged five to 18 receive professional music instruction. Particularly notable is the requirement for all 6th graders to participate in performance-based music classes.

Park City Music is supported by PCEF donors.

McPolin Elementary School fifth grade teacher Sam Thompson has shown just how far a little funding, creativity and great relationships with students through the radio-controlled car club can go. Three of Park City's four elementary schools participate in the program, and the remaining fourth school — Parley’s Park — is set to join the high-speed action next year.

The RC Car Program is funded thanks to generous PCEF donors.

April News from the PCSD includes: a message from the Superintendent, Wellness Plan: Critical Thinking & Problem Solving, Inspiring Potential: Park City's PACE Program, EHMS: Pack Values, PCSD: Best Communities for Music Education, PCHS: Make a Wish Fundraising, Board of Education Recap, and Celebrations in the News.

Park City Education Foundation Vice President of Advancement Jen Billow has an update on programs and grants offered by the Education Foundation.

The future looks bright for Park City's youngest learners thanks to Dan Gallery’s vision, collaborative efforts of the school board, partners, and community – and continues to reinforce the district’s dedication to providing universal, affordable preschool in Park City.

Jennifer Bramson, the head preschool teacher at McPolin Elementary, has been chosen as the National Education Association's 2024 Education Support Professional of the Year.

While licensed teachers have long been at constant struggle for fair, livable wages within their profession as the cost of living rises throughout the United States, the situation was even more dire for ESPs — the bus drivers, secretaries and other professionals who may not get as much recognition but are crucial positions.

This year — after advocating and collectively working with her fellow workers for better wages and a higher pay scale — Bramson was recognized as the National Education Association’s ESP of the year.

The National Education Association awarded Jen Bramson with the 2024 Education Support Professional of the Year Award. Bramson is a paraeducator and lead preschool teacher at McPolin Elementary School. She has worked in Park City as an educator for over 10 years and is on the executive board for the Utah School Employees Association.

PCSD offered the first universal preschool access to all in Utah, beginning in 2011, thanks to PCEF donors, a dedicated school board, preschool educators, and partners.

“NEA and its three million members are proud to recognize Jen’s dedication to her students, her school and her union,” NEA President Becky Pringle said of Bramson’s dedication.

“Jen has a heart of gold. She loves what she does, whether it's educating her preschool kids, working within her local association, or for the USEA,” said Utah School Employees Association (USEA) President Mike Evans. “Jen is a joy to work with and has a great passion for what she does. As president of USEA, I cannot think of a better person to represent all education support professionals. It is truly an honor to know Jen, to be her friend, and to have her on this journey as part of the USEA leadership team. Congratulations!”

March News from the PCSD includes: a message from the Superintendent, National Board Certified Teachers Honored, Meritorious Budget Award, Educators Rising, Wellness Plan: Team Work & Collaboration, Get to Know Eva Montejano, Student Service Award, McPolin Wax Museum, Board of Education Recap, and Celebrations in the News.

Park City High School's debate team won this year's Utah's 4A Speech and Debate tournament. They competed against 17 teams state-wide to bring home the championship for the first time in eight years.

Programs like PCHS Speech and Debate are made possible thanks to generous PCEF donors, who help fund the program through a Classroom Grant.

Teachers who have bright ideas for how to encourage learning can now apply for a grant from the Park City Education for next year’s classroom.

Almost 40 years ago, a Park City School District teacher wanted to send a couple of their students to a month-long space camp but didn’t have the needed district funding. The efforts of Park City residents who pitched in made the students’ Stanford camp dream a reality. “That is really how the foundation got its start,” Park City Education Foundation Vice President of Programs Kara Cody explained. “Some donors came together, and the rest is history.”

PCEF is accepting classroom grants from Park City School District teachers with ideas and initiatives that align with its mission and its values of partnership, classroom-centered, equitable and inclusive, Park City, nimble and unwavering. Teachers who want a classroom grant must apply by April 1.

“I’m so honored to begin work alongside PCEF’s beloved staff and dedicated Board. PCEF’s mission, to fund initiatives that inspire all students to reach their academic and lifelong potential, echoes my deep passion for the pursuit of educational equity, which sparked when I taught for Teach for America - and has only grown since.” -Ingrid Whitley

Park City students in second through fifth grade competed in the Park Record's Spelling Bee Monday.

In February, the Utah State Legislature honored seven educators from Park City School District (PCSD) for achieving and recertifying their National Board Certification (NBCT). The educators, Kara Cook, Kit Howard, Amy Fielder, Liz Moskal, Melissa Nikolai, Andrea Solum and Liz Thompson, were celebrated for their dedication and commitment to educational excellence.

Early -bird pricing begins March 1. Racers can secure $100 adult registration pricing while it’s available. As a special thank you gift, the first 100 paid registrations will receive a custom 24oz Stanley/RWE ICEFLOW™ Bottle with Fast Flow Lid.

February News from the PCSD includes: a message from the Superintendent, Standard Response Protocol, Title IX in Action, JRES Spelling Bee, Safer Internet Day, Wellness Plan: Communication from the Heart, Get to Know: Michael Santarosa, Board of Education Recap, Celebration in the News.

The PCHS Robotics Club had their first robotics competition of the season over the weekend at Hurricane High School, where all five teams finished in the top eight in the First Tech Challenge qualifier. The event was a nice warmup for the robotics club, which will host another qualifier on its home turf later this month. Volunteers are needed for the event!

After a nationwide search, the Park City Education Foundation has hired a new president and CEO who has a rich background in education and fundraising, Ingrid Whitley. Her primary role will be to raise money to support the foundation’s initiatives. Whitley said, “That's really important and something that we're constantly thinking about,” she said. “So, hopefully I'll bring that to the table with my experience and fundraising consulting and I think there's a lot of opportunity there. But again, the work that's been going on has been incredible. And I want to just make sure that continues and grow our supporters.”

“I grew up in Park City and started at McPolin Elementary School, but not as a preschooler since this program wasn’t available then,” said Yoni Nava, “I finished elementary at Parley’s Park, and years later I now work here. My 4 year old is enrolled in preschool and it’s been a great experience. I had a
language barrier when I was younger, and it made things – like making friends and learning – much more difficult. My son doesn't have this same barrier, which has helped him so much. We mostly speak English at home, and my son is so much more confident to make friends, interact, and communicate at school, and looks forward to preschool every day.”

“I’m just excited to continue the great work that the staff and the board have already kind of laid the foundation for, find new opportunities either with funding or how to deepen our impact with the current programs that we support and I’m excited to kind of jump in this week,” she said. “I’m sure I’ll find other things I’m excited to do and ways that I will want to leave an impact, but that’s how I’m thinking about the work now at least.” -Ingrid Whitley, PCEF President and CEO

January News from the PCSD includes: a message from the Superintendent, Utah High School Principal of the year, School Board meeting recap, Positive Systems: Positive Impact, PCSD Wellness: Hard Work and Resilience, Bullying or Harassment Reporting, Preschool Registration, Get to Know: Amie Campbell, Progress Report: TMJH Soil Pile Removal, PCHS Students: Lessons on Learning.

The Park City Education Foundation (PCEF) is welcoming Ingrid Whitley as its new president and CEO. Whitley will begin her work with PCEF on Jan. 23, with more than a decade of expertise in education, educational nonprofit management and consulting, and fundraising.

Ingrid Whitley will start next week as the Park City Education Foundation’s new president and CEO, the foundation announced Thursday. Whitley has more than a decade of expertise in education, educational nonprofit management and consulting, and fundraising — including the leadership of a capital campaign that exceeded its goal by more than $10 million, according to the Park City Education Foundation.

Roger Arbabi, the Principal of Park City High School, has been named Utah’s Principal of the Year by the Utah Association of Secondary School Principals (UASSP). The recognition automatically nominates Arbabi for the National Principal of the Year award, conducted by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

The special education teachers at PCHS can't exclaim enough how much they appreciate PCEF and the grants provided to support their students. Throughout the day, students with disabilities utilize the special education classrooms for academic instruction but also time for breaks to regulate their learning state before returning to the general education classroom. PCEF supports special education programs across the district, including coffee carts, activities at the National Ability Center, community outings, social skills curriculum, and sensory resources.

Park City School District’s preschool will expand its hours and number of seats for 4-year-olds in fall 2024. The foundation’s Vice President of Advancement, Jen Billow, said 70 new spots will be available between the Jeremy Ranch and McPolin elementary schools. “That’s 70 more families that will have an affordable place for their 4-year-old to go to school,” she said. The foundation covers tuition costs on a sliding scale, depending on family income.

Park City Education Foundation Vice President of Advancement Jen Billow has an update on programs offered by the foundation and a recent Park City School Board vote to expand preschool sizes and add 70 more spots.

Starting next academic year, PCSD will introduce an additional 70 seats specifically for four-year-olds, thereby increasing the total capacity to accommodate 230 students aged three and four. This move is a part of the school board’s long-term goal to provide affordable and high-quality preschool education to all interested families within the district. To date, PCSD has welcomed 2,000 preschoolers into its program.

Ms. Pomeroy's 6th grade EHMS class discussed how computers can be programmed to perform specific tasks, but a robot has the added capability to sense and react to its environment. This simple insight kicked o! an hour-long, hands-on session where 6th graders created robots with the ability to do just that: sense, think, and act. “This thing is an actual block of wood,” was one student’s thought. Mrs. Marshall's response, “But, is it a robot? We’ll find out.”

Park City High School is adding five new classes to its course list next school year. Park City School District Superintendent Jill Gildea said Park City High School already has a robust list of courses. “It's really unbelievable for a school our size over 250 courses, but we approved some new courses.”

This week, the Park City School Board expanded the district’s preschool program for 4 year olds for next school year. District administrators Dan Gallery, Stacey Briggs and Todd Klarich presented the expansion plan Tuesday night to the board. Gallery said that two classrooms will be added to the program at both Jeremy Ranch and McPolin elementary schools.

PCEF donors provide funding each year to ensure the Park City School District is able to provide affordable, high-quality preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds - which means that more of Park City’s young learners start their educational journey off in the right direction.

PCSD conducted a community survey that had over 300 respondents. It found 86% of families needed five full days of preschool or five full days plus aftercare. The preschool program for 4-year-olds will be five days a week next school year instead of four. It’s from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. An afterschool program will also be available from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

"Infinite worth and immeasurable value of every child is a core belief of mine," TMJH Principal Caleb Fine. PCEF launched the Educator & Student Wellness Signature Initiative in 2022. Educator and Student Wellness is one of eight Signature Initiatives funded by PCEF to inspire all Park City students to successfully reach their academic and lifelong potential.

Dr. Scott Nowlin from the Air and Space Forces Association honored Park City High School’s Mr. Trip Marshall with the prestigious Chapter Aerospace/STEM Teacher of the Year Award. Selected as one of only two recipients in Utah, Mr. Marshall's exceptional contributions to STEM education were celebrated.

Park City Education Foundation discusses fundraising, including most recently Live PC Give PC and the new three-year Wellness Pilot Program at TMJH. The program infuses wellness best practices into Advisory classes and throughout the school integrating the Park City School District Wellness Plan, Utah State Board of Education Social and Emotional Learning Plan, and the Utah Portrait of a Graduate.

The evening was the finale of the school’s four-day Culture Week, which invited the Park City High student body to participate in themed days meant to celebrate the variety of cultures represented at the school. For the first time since before COVID, this year’s Latinos in Action chapter was able to plan Thursday evening’s community-wide event to honor the traditional Mexican holiday, Day of the Dead.

LIA is supported by PCEF donors with a Classroom Grant.

Park City High School’s Latinos in Action chapter has created a space for the school’s Latinos to celebrate their heritage and give a voice to underrepresented communities for the past 15 years. Culture Week was one of their biggest outreach programs of the school year. It featured four themed days: Jersey Day, Flag Country Day, Throwback Day and Traditional Attire. The week’s festivities finished with the public being invited to the school for Día de los Muertos.

LIA is supported by PCEF donors with a Classroom Grant.

Live PC Give PC, the fundraiser for nonprofits, had another successful year thanks to 7,160 donors who contributed a staggering $4,833,934.

One of Chesley Electric's standout accomplishments is the inception of the Park City Education Foundation’s Running With Ed fundraiser, a local favorite relay race that has proven to be a cause of great significance, offering steadfast support to numerous essential programs within the local schools.

The pandemic showed us just how essential it is to support educators and students beyond pure academics. That's why we invest thousands of dollars in programs that promote mental wellness for our educators who've been on the frontlines, and for our students who've suffered more anxiety and stress than ever before.

"We are proud of our students' progress and grateful for the exceptional educators across the district," Park City School District Chief Teaching and Learning Officer Stacey Briggs said. "The report not only highlights our students' achievements and development, but also guides us as we continue pinpointing areas where additional support is essential for their success."

More than 150 candidates have applied for the Park City Education Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer vacancy.
Since former President and CEO Abby McNulty left in July, Park City Education Foundation has been led by interim CEO Joelle Kanshepolsky of Pathway Associates.

Park City Education Foundation Interim CEO Joelle Kanshepolsky talks about the search for a full time replacement. Longtime PCEF CEO Abby McNulty left earlier this year to be the vice president of institutional advancement at Salt Lake Community College.

The PCHS Speech and Debate team took third place (out of 26 schools) at this weekend's tournament at the University of Utah.

Treasure Mountain Junior High School is fostering a robust learning environment where ninth-grade students delve into the realms of construction and architectural design. Through the Construction Tech program, the participants are guided to understand the fundamental principles of building and home renovation

Art funding was eliminated from Utah's elementary school curriculum in the 1980s, but in 2012 Park City Education Foundation, parents, the school district, and the Kimball Art Center came together to create Elementary Visual Arts (EVA). As one of PCEF's 8 Signature Initiatives, EVA is offered to all Park City elementary schools.

Education is the great equalizer. It's a vital process that helps people develop intelligence, gives them civic purpose, improves socialization and benefits the economy.

The ol’ apple on the teacher’s desk is poisoned for the Park City School District if you consider:
-Utah ranks last among all the states in funding public schools. Yep, 50th. First in several measures of economic performance and outlook.
-Park City has a great property tax base, obviously. Too bad 96% of the revenue for the schools goes straight out of town to other school districts in Utah.

The ol’ apple on the teacher’s desk is poisoned for the Park City School District if you consider:
-Utah ranks last among all the states in funding public schools.
-Park City has a great property tax base, obviously. Too bad 96% of the revenue for the schools goes straight out of town to other school districts in Utah.
These facts lay at the core of the message Park City Education Foundation board member Hoby Darling delivered along with the usual hopes and dreams to a roomful of dressed-up donors Saturday night at the Montage for the annual Red Apple Gala.

The Park City Education Foundation (PCEF) has asked for $180 per child as a part of its Beat the Call fundraiser, because it’s just $1 per school day.

Beat the Call will run from September 18-30. Give before September 30 and:

-PCEF won’t call you during its Phone-a-Thon.
-Help your school win money from the UPS Stores Park City.
-Boost students’ chance to win a party for their class for Elementary School, Middle School and Junior High, and, for High School families – donate for a chance to win VIP parking spot and six VIP seats at graduation (eligible for Senior families only).

Treasure Mountain Junior High School is fostering a robust learning environment where ninth-grade students delve into the realms of construction and architectural design. Through the Construction Tech program, the participants are guided to understand the fundamental principles of building and home renovation.

Park City Education Foundation gives students access to the arts and says donating even $1 will make a big difference in its annual fundraiser. PCEF is collaborating with the Kimball Art Center with the Elementary Visual Arts (EVA) program at three of the four elementary schools; Jeremy Ranch chose not to participate due to a previously existing art program.

Park City Education Foundation VP of Advancement Jennifer Billow and board member Laura Richey talk about the search for a new CEO for the Foundation, the Elementary Visual Arts program offered to all elementary schools in partnership with Kimball Art Center, and the "BEAT THE CALL" program September 18-30.

Park City High School jumped in the rankings of top Utah high schools according to U.S. News and World Report. Park City High School ranks fourth in Utah in the U.S. News and World Report high school rankings published Tuesday. Park City was slated at No. 21 in the state last year.

High schools across the nation were graded based on college readiness, state assessment performance and proficiency, graduation rate, underserved student performance, and college curriculum breadth. Park City HIgh School ranked #4 in Utah Rankings #802 in National Rankings, according the U.S. News report.

The Park City Education Foundation (PCEF) will host its annual Red Apple Gala the night of Saturday, September 30, at the Montage Deer Valley, from 6-11 p.m. Tickets are on sale now.

The Beat The Call program runs from Sept.18 to Sept. 30 is an incentive to give before you get a phone call. When you give $180 (anytime before Sept. 30, 2023), you "Beat the Call" before PCEF calls with a request to give during its annual Phone-a-Thon.

It's hard to top the scores of the Park City School District, which Niche gives an A grade for academics, college prep, teachers, and clubs and activities. The student-teacher ratio is 18-to-1 and expenditures per student is $16,906.

A mobile information center was but a glimmer in the eye of the Park City Chamber & Visitors Bureau. To bring this concept to life, it was brought to none other than…high school students—specifically, Park City High School’s Centers for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) program.

Having already made contributions for affordable housing, child care and trails, Vail Resorts’ EpicPromise Foundation has now committed a quarter of a million dollars to ensure quality, affordable preschool for young children in Park City.

In collaboration with Vail Resorts EpicPromise, Park City Mountain has made a substantial commitment of $250,000 to the Park City Education Foundation. This generous contribution aims to bolster preschool programs in the Park City School District (PCSD).

Abby McNulty, the current president and CEO of the Park City Education Foundation (PCEF), recently announced a career change and will leave her position with the PCEF.

It’s a 15-year journey for a student who starts preschool at age 3 to graduate from high school. That’s also how long Abby McNulty will have been the head of the Park City Education Foundation after she steps down from the position next month.

After 15 years of heading up the Park City Education Foundation, Abby McNulty is moving on and has been named as the vice president of institutional advancement at Salt Lake Community College starting Aug. 1.

As of May, eight hard-working, first generation students - from the first two cohorts of Park City Education Foundation's Bright Futures initiative - have graduated from college. "I have a lot of plans, and I have a lot of options, too," said Bright Futures student Lindsay Carreto. "I will be the first in my family to graduate from college, and that is a big deal." Alongside Lindsay, six other BF students: Jenifer Celestino, Isaac Cortés, Cristopher Mora-Rubio, Ashley Nava, Heidy Onofre Hernandez, Ramsey Rea, and Yetzza Sanchez, will also be the first in their families to earn college degrees.

Each year, the Excellent Educator Award is voted on by teachers within each school.

Eight Park City School District teachers were recently honored with the annual Education Foundation Excellent Educator awards. The foundation also handed out $250,000 for classroom grants with the proceeds from this year’s Running with Ed fundraiser.

Park City High School Latinos in Action co-presidents Arantza Pedraza and Jose Hernandez-Bello became the first in their families to graduate on Friday. The co-presidents of Latinos in Action discussed the challenges, and pride, of being first generation students.

"After a winter of record-setting snowfall, even the most avid powder hounds among us were ready for this spring’s annual rite of passage.

On Saturday, May 20, our community came together to support educators, students, and schools in the best way possible, in the jubilant celebration that is the Park City Education Foundation’s Running with Ed!"

The Park City High School drama and theater department just wrapped one of its biggest years, as seen by the accolades it received from the Utah High School Musical Theatre Awards, hosted by the Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theater in Logan earlier this month.

The Park City Education Foundation’s annual fundraiser, Running with Ed, brought out thousands of people in the community over the weekend and raised more than $350,000 for education. Running with Ed is one of the education foundation’s annual fundraisers and has become a Park City tradition, 14 years and counting.

Eight Parkites are the first in their families to earn a degree this spring. Bright Futures was launched by the Park City Education Foundation in partnership with the Park City School District seven years ago as a way to address structural inequity challenges that Park City-area students incur when trying to attend and complete secondary education. The local program specifically addresses first-generation students, nearly all of whom are Latino and whose families face income barriers.

Park City Education Foundation started the Bright Futures Program in 2016 as a platform that supports students who are the first in their families to go to college. It’s a banner year for Park City’s Bright Futures Program. Its first class of students is graduating from college this spring. Isaac Cortés is one of several students from the first Bright Futures who is graduating.

The Mindful Child Project strives to teach Park City School District’s youngest students about social and emotional learning. School is where children learn about reading, math and science. But what if it could also be the place where they discover self-confidence, how to calm their minds, and the right words to articulate a feeling? For the youngest students in the Park City School District, that’s exactly what the Mindful Child Project has provided.

Running with Ed Chair and Park City Education Board Member, Christine Grenney, and Vice President of Advancement for Park City Education Foundation, Jennifer Billow, provide details on the upcoming event on May 20, 2023.

RWE 2023 is ready to roll!

There’s a buzz in the air at Ecker Hill Middle School every Thursday. Each week, students receiving special education services make the rounds with carts stocked full of customary coffee, tasty tea and other satisfying snacks to help teachers fuel their mornings.

Park City Education Foundation wants to give a leg up to parents, guardians and caretakers of tweens and teens who are attending the area’s middle, junior high and high schools.

So the nonprofit will host “How to Best Support Your Child in Grades 6-12,” the final Educator and Student Wellness Series panel discussion for the 2022-2023 school year, at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 27, at Kiln, 1090 Center Drive at Kimball Junction.

Running with Ed, a fundraiser supporting education in Park City, is slated for May 20, 2023. Jennifer Billow, the Vice President of Advancement for the Park City Education Foundation, and Allison Zarkos, a Board Member, discussed the format of the event, the course, after party, costume competition and prizes for students fundraisers as well as the need for volunteers.

PCSD celebrates its administrative professionals; the Student Service Award applications are open; and Visual Arts in the Park City School District.

PARK CITY, Utah — Registration is now open for the award-winning 14th annual fun run hosted by the Park City Education Foundation (PCEF), benefiting the Park City School District.

This, the biggest PCEF fundraiser of the year, and involves families, teachers, non-school-district-related locals, visitors, first-time runners, and pros. You do not need to run to donate.

Jennifer Billow, PCEF's Associate Director of Communications and Development, discusses two of PCEF's upcoming events on KPCW.

- "How To Best Support Your Child Grades 6 - 12" on April 27
- Running with Ed fundraiser on May 20

PARK CITY, Utah — Approximately 30 Park City High School students presented in the first round of the Invest Nest competition, an entrepreneurial pitch contest, which was then reduced to 17 in round two. Eight made it to the final round.

Thirty-four students involved in the PCCAPS Business Solutions program entered the competition. Eight Park City High School students will compete in a final round of judging for cash prizes in the Invest Nest entrepreneurial challenge.

Invest Nest is an entrepreneurial pitch competition for high school students. High school student Savannah Tary is the student director of the program.

Approximately 30 Park City High School students presented in the first round of the Invest Nest competition, an entrepreneurial pitch contest, which was then reduced to 17 in round two. Eight made it to the final round.

Jill Kopish, after-school STEM and Science teacher, has inspired and supported students in Park City School District for over eight years in different capacities and developed the alien autopsy activity [for students in PCSD's after-school programs] with inspiration from a math lesson developed by Linda Hilton, a fifth-grade teacher at Jeremy Ranch Elementary.

With 26 teams competing within the toughest regions of the state, the Park City High School Speech and Debate team finished in 2nd place at the state competition, with numerous team members earning individual recognition.

“I feel lucky these last 35 years to be able to watch these kids grow. I’ve taught students of my students that I had in kindergarten 33 years ago. I feel that I’ve formed a lot of friendships, and that’s still the heart of Park City; these people who left and came back as adults. It’s still a small town, even with all the growth. It’s a great place to be and a great place to teach,” [Kathy] Anderson said.

Kathy Anderson, the Park City School District's Preschool Director, receives Mary Olsen Friend of Children award from the Utah Early Education Association during its annual conference. Anderson helped build the preschool program from its start in 2011 and is expected to retire in June.

After-school students enrolled in Camp Hawk participated in a community service project to support Nuzzles and Co-Adoption Center on March 10 at Jeremy Ranch Elementary.

“I wanted to do a project that resonates more with elementary school children, and what better than animals, said Helen Hanahan, after-school coordinator.

Park City Education Foundation Associate Director of Communications and Development Jen Billow announces the 2023 fundraiser, "Running with Ed" on May 20, 2023.

PARK CITY, Utah — Running With Ed (RWE), the celebratory relay race fundraiser for the Park City Education Foundation raises money for Park City teachers, students, and schools. For nine years running, pun very much intended, RWE has been voted Park City’s Best Fundraiser. Race registration opens March 1.

Updates to PCSD’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program

CTE seeks to cultivate the potential in all students by integrating rigorous instruction with relevant experiences that empower, guide and inspire them beyond our education system. PCSD connects the academic, employability and technical skills that prepare our students for the challenges of post-secondary education and a globally competitive workforce.

Flight simulation AT SCHOOL(!); continuing education with Air and Space Force; Ecker Hill Middle School students Sundance; A FREE in-person workshop for parents of students with IEPs; and your chance to join an online parent book study...

Abby McNulty weighs in on the importance of Preschool education on Local News Hour with Leslie Thatcher.
~ PCEF Support: A Critical Piece of the Solution for our Childcare Desert
~ How Preschool Creates a HUGE Impact on our Children and our Community
~ An Upcoming Virtual Visit

PARK CITY, Utah – Every February, the Career and Technical Education (CTE) community celebrates CTE Month to raise awareness of CTE's role in readying learners for college and career success. Park City High School's Health Science Career Pathway teaches students how to save lives....

“I am absolutely amazed at how many [CTE] pathways we are opening up, and we have such a fantastic community that supports these programs, including the Park City Education Foundation and other entities,” said [second-year teacher Meagan] Shaw.

Fortunately, with the generous support of the Park City Education Foundation, Park City High School was able to purchase three flight simulators and several different types of drones for the new CTE pathway.

PARK CITY, Utah — The Park City preschool registration lottery is now open for the 2023-2024 school year. In the future, more spots will be available to applicants than ever before.

PARK CITY, Utah — The Park City Education Foundation (PCEF) will host its third annual virtual grandparent-grandchild art lesson, taught by Melissa Allen, Park City School District’s Elementary Visual Art (EVA) specialist, and an instructor at Parley’s Park Elementary School.

Thanks to the partnership of PCEF and Kimball Art Center, Park City's elementary school students are able to learn art in the classroom. Abby McNulty, President and CEO of PCEF, discusses why art is so critical for learning with KPCW's Local News Hour host Leslie Thatcher.

January's SpEd Express newsletter provides college readiness information and a deeper look at how PCSD transition students access and experience Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities!

Treasure Mountain students had the opportunity to design top sheets for skis for three-time freestyle Olympian Devin Logan. The project was the brainchild of digital media and photoshop teacher Meagan Chartier... [who] applied for a Park City Education Foundation grant which allowed her to...

PARK CITY, Utah — Thanks in large part to a grant from the nonprofit Park City Education Foundation (PCEF), ninth-grade students, on Friday, enjoyed the fruits of their labor in the annual Iron Chef-style competition at Treasure Mountain Jr. High (TMJH).

Many Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are supported, or entirely funded, by PCEF donors - like Brad Gannon's Construction Technology course. As the new CTE facilities are completed, PCEF donor support will make the difference for these life-changing opportunities.

How PCEF supports Student Services, Reach the Summit Transformational Academy (RSTA), and the Whole Child Focus of Park City School District.

Funding from a PCEF Express Grant made it possible for TMJH students to learn from designer David Habban and create 170 ski designs for 2014 Women's Slopestyle Silver medalist, Devin Logan. Click through to see the winning design!

PARK CITY, Utah — Treasure Mountain Junior High students had the opportunity to design the topsheet of skis for three-time Olympian Devin Logan.

Students from Ms. Chartier’s digital media, art foundations, photoshop, and 8th-grade drawing courses participated in the design challenge, with a total of 170 ski designs submitted.

“PCEF brings together their rich variety of skills, experiences, and resources to help us better support our students, families, and educators. Where else can students cross-country-ski during PE, learn to wire a house in junior high, and participate in world-champion robotics teams – all available thanks to PCEF funding?” 

"Celebrating Special Education Day is all about recognizing the milestones of progress made since the 1975 signing of IDEA,” said Park City School District Special Education Director Jaclyn Knapp.

To the Park City Education Foundation, thank you for enabling innovation, programming and student success in so many ways! Our schools would not be the same without the generosity of all who support our PCEF team. Whenever a child enjoys art, STEAM activities, robotics or debate, we have a PCEF donor to thank!

For the Park City Education Foundation, one of the many lessons to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic was the importance of educating the whole child, focusing not only on academics but also on students’ health and wellbeing.

It’s one reason the foundation has made mental health a top priority...

PARK CITY, Utah — Park City Education Foundation announced in a Facebook post on October 11 that “after seven years of relentless, grueling work, seven Bright Futures Park City students will become the first in their families to receive their hard-won college diplomas and step into their futures.”

PARK CITY, Utah — Saturday’s Red Apple Gala, presented by Zions Bank, was a sold-out success, raising funds by the Park City Education Foundation (PCEF) for programs within the Park City School District.

PARK CITY, Utah — Park City Education Foundation (PCEF) will be celebrating the tenth anniversary of their Real World Learning Initiative with a virtual event on Friday, September 30, at 10:30 a.m.

Safe & Healthy Schools, PCSD Counseling, PBIS Strategies, and PCEF's first-ever Educator and Student Wellness Speaker - all included in the September newsletter from Park City School District!

September's SpEd Express newsletter features a new EHMS teacher launching a new SpED program and the PCEF story about Holly Huggin's incredibly successful PCHS transition program! Click to read the latest from Park City School District's fantastic Special Education team.

PARK CITY, Utah — Beat the Call (BTC) begins in earnest as school begins this Fall. The Park City Education Foundation’s volunteer ambassadors will work in concert with the Park City School District PTO volunteers to ensure students and staff receive the best education experience throughout this year.

PARK CITY, Utah — Among the many programs offered by the Park City Education Foundation is Bright Futures (BF). This program motivates those students who are the first in their families to prepare for, attend, and graduate from college.

Many Special Education students continue to attend classes through the summer. Click through to explore how educators keep the learning fresh!

Seniors in Park City's Special Education program had a 100% graduation rate in 2022! Take a look to see what comes after graduation...

Park City teachers have nearly half a million dollars to fund 45 different programs on their campuses, thanks to the Park City Education Foundation.

The 2022-23 school year begins August 17 with $460,000 in extra funding to support teachers in their classrooms...

PARK CITY, Utah — The Park City Education Foundation’s (PCEF) Board of Trustees recently increased the amount of funding available for classroom grants to $460,000 for the 2022/2023 school year. Previously, $350,000 was awarded.

PCEF funds programming, like the Special Education Transition Program, that inspires all Park City students to successfully reach their academic and lifelong potential.

Locals and visitors swarmed Park City roads and trails in support of local students Saturday.

It was a party at Trailside Elementary School, where runners were greeted with live jazz for Running With Ed. Atmospheres were also upbeat at all the racer exchange sites, including five other Park City schools, Utah Olympic Park and Basin Recreation Fieldhouse.

Link to Park Record's photo gallery of #RWE2022.

PARK CITY, Utah — 1,200 runners participated in the Park City Education Foundation’s (PCEF) 13th annual Running With Ed. (RWE) relay race on Saturday. They ran relays among the Park City School District’s four elementary schools, middle school, junior high, and high school while starting and ending the race at the Basin Rec Fieldhouse.

PARK CITY, Utah. – Stio has been Running with Ed (RWE) for three years since it opened the 556 Main Street storefront. Hoping to connect with the Park City community prior to opening its doors, Stio found RWE. This year’s relay race fundraiser event is May 21. Proceeds go to Park City teachers, schools, and students.

It’s going to be a chilly start, but the race must go on. The annual fundraising race called Running With Ed happens Saturday.

Running with Ed is coming up this Saturday, May 21, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. This is the fundraiser’s thirteenth year.

Running with Ed is a fundraiser for Park City Education Foundation, in which teams of eight or less compete in a 26.4-mile relay race to raise money for Park City schools, students, and teachers.

Every May, the Park City Education Foundation shines a light on the work of educators in the city’s public schools. This year the Excellent Educator Award Program expanded to not only honor one teacher from each school, but to honor every Park City School District educator with banners on Main Street and pizza and beer socials on Fridays at Versante.

Along with announcing the full-fledged return of the Running With Ed fundraiser (see accompanying story), the Park City Education Foundation is ready to announce the 2022 Excellent Educator Awards.

The winners are as follows:

Running With Ed, Park City Education Foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the season, is back in full force after having to navigate the past two years of pandemic insecurity.

Park City Education Foundation’s favorite events are about to spring up, with teachers as the theme: Running with Ed, Classroom Grant decisions, and this year, an even better celebration of PCSD educators: The Excellent Educator Award Program, Funded by the Louis and Doilney Families.

On May 21, 2022, you can join hundreds of runners (mostly teams, but a number of solo runners will go for that 26.4 mile distance!) as they explore Park City in a way that is otherwise impossible...

PARK CITY, Utah — The Park City Education Foundation has continued to see positive results in carrying out their Computational Thinking Program Pilot at Ecker Hill Middle School as a part of their STEM (Science. Technology. Engineering. Math.) learning strategy.

A PCEF Express Grant funded the prizes for the Claw Machine, which is an innovative positive behavior project. Students built the entire machine themselves. When they demonstrate great behavior, they get tokens to play it!

PARK CITY, Utah — As the largest of its three annual fundraisers, the Park City Education Foundation (PCEF) begins its one-month countdown to Running With Ed. (RWE) on Wednesday for May 21, race day.

PCEF donors fund programming to inspire all students to reach their academic and lifelong potential!

PCEF matched a donor with PCHS's Dance Program - here's a look at how they've used that support!

The Park City School District newsletter highlights the Theater program, which is supported in part by PCEF donors!

The Park City Student Service Award application for 2022 can be found here!

Running with Ed has been voted "Park City's Favorite Fundraiser and Sporting Event" for the last 8 years; what is RWE - and how can you participate? #RWE2022

Parkites can list plenty of reasons to disagree with each other. But a recent fundraiser proves that, as a community, ensuring a quality education for children is something residents overwhelmingly agree to support.

"...What is on your to-do list? To get eager, motivated young people working on your project, fill out a request form at ParkCityCaps.com. During your semester-long involvement, you’ll offer coaching and project guidance... The beauty of working with young people is while we think we’re inspiring them, they wind up inspiring us."

Participation numbers were through the roof for PCEF's 2021 Beat the Call fundraising campaign for 2021!

PARK CITY, Utah — The TMJH Arcade is the latest high-tech teaching tool created at Treasure Mountain Jr. High School (TMJH). Ben Meuller, Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher and his Mustang After School Academy.