PRESS ROOM
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.
Katy's intense work ethic is something many BF students share. In most cases - including hers - it’s modeled by incredibly hard-working parents. Katy’s mom has two jobs and takes on additional work whenever possible. “My mom wants me to go to college- she doesn’t care what I study as long as it’s something. It’s the least I can do for her - and show her that all her hard work was worth it.”
“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!
