Park City School District Podcast

Colton Elliott

Dive into the heart of Park City's educational landscape with the official Park City School District Podcast! Join us as we explore current events, educational trends, and inspiring stories from our schools. Whether you're a parent, student, teacher, or community member, this podcast promises insightful conversations, expert advice, and a closer look at what makes our district exceptional. Tune in, stay informed, and celebrate the vibrant spirit of Park City education. read less
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Episodes

Spring into Action
12-04-2024
Spring into Action
Podcast Summary: Park City School District's Podcast Episode Five - "Spring into Action" Overview Welcome to Episode Five of the Park City School District's podcast, titled "Spring into Action." Hosted by Heidi Matthews from the Family and Community Engagement Team, this episode echoes the themes of the April 2024 Park City School District newsletter, emphasizing renewal, community spirit, and educational advancement. You can access the newsletter and more information on the district's website under the News and Media section. Features and Discussions - District Operations Update: CEO Mike Tanner provides the latest news on construction and operational enhancements within the district.  - PACE Program Insight: Gina Mason, the district's Program Specialist for PACE, discusses the school-wide enrichment model designed to cater to all learners, including gifted and talented students. - Educational Environment Initiatives: Principal Caleb Fine talks about the progress at Treasure Mountain in implementing the OCR resolution agreement to foster an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for all students. - Community Engagement Event: Jen Bellow gives details about the upcoming Park City Education Foundation event on May 18, "Running with Ed." - School Programs Pack Values: Vice Principal Missy Tschabrun and Jessica Scheetz explain how Wolfpack values at Ecker Hil Middle School are integrated with unusual elements like swimming pools, reptiles, and avalanche dogs. Special Celebrations - Educator of the Year: The episode features a celebration of Jen Bramson, a preschool teacher at MC Polen Elementary, who was named the National Education Association's Educator Support Professional of the Year. Jen shares an inspiring message for students that highlights the impact of dedicated educators. Additional Segments - Local Media Partnerships: The podcast acknowledges local media outlets such as Town Lift, KPCW, PCF, and the Park Record for their role in empowering educational initiatives in the community. - Important Reminder: Colton Elliott, the Public Information Officer, presents a critical message from an organization called Attendance Counts, stressing the importance of school attendance. Conclusion The episode encapsulates a vibrant start to spring with stories that inspire change and progress within the Park City community. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the content under the News and Media tab on the district's website to explore further celebrations and stories. Join the Park City School District's podcast journey where the community continuously learns and grows together.
Special Episode: Caleb Fine
09-04-2024
Special Episode: Caleb Fine
In an insightful and deeply personal interview, Heidi Matthews converses with Caleb Fine, the principal of Treasure Mountain Junior High, about the school's recent resolution agreement with the Office of Civil Rights. This discussion sheds light on the urgent and heartfelt efforts being taken by the school to address issues of discriminatory language and behavior. Principal Fine shares not only the concrete steps being undertaken to comply with the resolution agreement but also expresses the emotional toll such challenges have taken on him and the school community. His candidness about the mixture of heartache, frustration, and anger felt by many highlights the emotional depth behind the push for change. This conversation is more than an overview of policy adjustments; it's a revelation of the passionate commitment by the school's leadership and community to foster an environment of respect and inclusivity. The interview serves as a rallying cry for collective action within the Park City School District and beyond, urging listeners to engage with the efforts to transform a moment of challenge into a movement for positive change. Details about the resolution agreement, accessible on the district's website, and ongoing progress reports are mentioned as resources for those wishing to learn more and participate in this journey. Principal Fine emphasizes the importance of establishing robust systems for comprehensive reporting and enhanced staff training to ensure trust and safety within the school environment. His presence on the show, discussing such a pivotal issue, underscores the determination of Treasure Mountain Junior High's leadership and community to rectify past issues and move forward with integrity and resolve.
March, 2024 Forward March!
19-03-2024
March, 2024 Forward March!
Welcome to the Park City School District (PCSD) podcast for March 2024, where we're excited to spring forward with updates, recognitions, and insights into the vibrant life of our schools and community.  This episode aligns with the features of our March newsletter, accessible on pcschools.us under the "News and Media" tab. Let's dive into the enriching content planned for you: Construction and Operations Update: Mike Tanner, our Chief Operating Officer, brings us the latest on construction and operational enhancements across the district. His insights ensure we're kept in the loop on the environments where our students learn and grow. School Social Workers Week: In a special recognition, we chat with Sam Walsh, the longest-serving Social Worker in our district, representing the high school. Sam's dedication to our students' well-being is truly inspirational. Meritorious Budget Award: Randy Upton, a name synonymous with fiscal responsibility in our district, talks (albeit a bit reluctantly) about earning the Meritorious Budget Award for another year. Randy's humility contrasts with his pride in this significant achievement. National Board Certification: Liz Thompson from Ecker Hill takes us through her journey of recertification as a National Board Certified Teacher. Her story, highlighted during a recognition event at the Capitol, is a testament to our educators' commitment to excellence. Spring Testing: Drew Frink, our Chief Information Officer, reminds us of the importance of spring testing. He encourages our community to support students as they "Rise" and "Aspire" to achieve their best in the upcoming state assessments. Women's Celebrations: This month, we also celebrate the remarkable women in our district. Eric Esquivel, FACE Director, introduces us to Eva Montejano, the lead Outreach Coordinator serving at Trailside. Eva's work exemplifies the impactful roles women play in our educational community. A Special Limerick: Stay tuned until the end for a delightful "Luck of the Irish" limerick, a unique addition that promises to bring a smile. Celebrations in the News: Don't miss the "Celebrations in the News" section on our website, where we highlight accomplishments shared by local media. From state champions in swimming and debate to wrestler Sav Smith's achievements, we have much to be proud of. In closing, this episode of the PCSD podcast underscores our commitment to empowering education and strengthening our community. Together, we are always learning, always growing. Thank you for tuning in to share in these moments of celebration and progress within the Park City School District.
Harmonizing Education: A Conversation with Bret Hughes on the Future of Fine Arts in Schools
05-12-2023
Harmonizing Education: A Conversation with Bret Hughes on the Future of Fine Arts in Schools
In this interview, Bret Hughes, the Fine Arts Coordinator for a school district and director of the Eccles Center, discusses his role and the breadth of fine arts education. He explains that the state of Utah recognizes five modalities of art, all of which are offered in their school district. These include music, dance, drama, traditional visual arts, and film and media arts. Hughes emphasizes the common standards and language across these modalities, despite their diverse content. Hughes highlights the challenges fine arts teachers face, such as working in singleton courses and the need for more district-level support and collaboration. He mentions the initiative taken with Aaron Webb, a former music teacher, to establish the Fine Arts Coordinator position. This role is meant to advocate for fine arts teachers and provide curricular support, helping them apply professional learning more effectively. The discussion also covers the importance of fine arts in developing skills like teamwork, long-term dedication, and literacy. Hughes points out that while arts education is inherently valuable, it also plays a crucial role in developing future citizens who are literate and collaborative. He talks about his personal journey in music and education, emphasizing the impact of being both an educator and a performing artist. Hughes' vision as Fine Arts Coordinator is to ensure continued support for arts education and to foster connections between the professional arts community and school arts programs. He aims to leverage resources like the Utah POPS program for enhancing arts education. Hughes concludes by reflecting on his personal connection to the arts and its influence on his career and life.