PRESS ROOM
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!
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.
