In this episode of the Park City School District podcast, the focus is on celebration and gratitude. The conversation highlights the recipients of the annual Excellent Educator Awards, featuring heartfelt moments of surprise and appreciation from students and families. The episode also explores district sustainability efforts, including successful Earth Month activities, battery recycling competitions, and composting initiatives that earned all schools the Utah Green Schools certification. Wrapping up the season, the hosts reflect on their favorite podcast moments, discuss upcoming changes to the program, and share a few lighthearted spring-themed jokes. Stay tuned for a special senior episode featuring some of the district’s upcoming graduates.

The Park City School District podcast highlights four new administrative appointments for the 2025-26 school year. The episode features interviews with newly selected leaders:

1. Caleb Fine - New Principal of Park City High School

• Former interim superintendent and teacher
• Focuses on 9-12 realignment and continuing personalized learning
• Emphasizes building upon the school's strong legacy

1. Isaiah Falau - New Principal of Ecker Hill Middle School

• Former Park City High School graduate and current co-principal
• Plans to orient himself to Ecker Hill by meeting staff, students, and families
• Committed to giving his all to the principalship

1. Jackie Spell - New Principal of Jeremy Ranch Elementary

• Returning to Park City School District after working in Salt Lake City
• Aims to build positive relationships and continue the school's strong academic progress
• Excited about reconnecting with familiar faces

1. Tracy Fike - New Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE)

• Currently principal of Trailside Elementary
• Will focus on aligning CTE programs with industry needs
• Excited to showcase the district's new CTE facilities and pathways

The podcast emphasizes the leaders' connections to the district, their gratitude for the opportunities, and their commitment to supporting student growth and success.

About the Park City School District Podcast

Welcome to the Park City School District Podcast! This podcast is your go-to source for celebrating the many successes, stories, and updates happening across the district. Each episode highlights the incredible achievements of our students, staff, and community partners, reflecting the shared commitment to excellence and belonging in Park City schools.

Our goal is to keep you informed and inspired with stories that showcase the strength and dedication of our district. From student spotlights and innovative teaching practices to important district updates and community events, this podcast puts a spotlight on the people and programs that make Park City School District exceptional.

Tune in each month to hear from district leaders, educators, students, and special guests as they share insights, achievements, and the latest news. The Park City School District Podcast is more than just a platform — it’s a celebration of our community where We All Belong.

Park City School District Podcast – Season 2, Episode 6: "We All Belong in Kindness"

In this February 2025 episode, we embrace the spirit of kindness—toward each other, our community, and the world around us. This episode features a warm welcome from newly appointed Superintendent Lindsay Huntsman, who shares her vision for connection, collaboration, and equity in our schools.

We also get important updates from Chief Operating Officer Mike Tanner on construction progress, the road to realignment, and new athletic facility plans. The episode spotlights the district’s growing sustainability efforts, including student-led composting initiatives, and introduces the We All Belong Kindness Awards, a new collaboration with the Park City Education Foundation and the Park City Community Foundation to celebrate those who foster inclusion and stand against hate.

With love in the air this February, we highlight the many celebrations and milestones shaping our schools. Tune in for an episode filled with positive energy, community updates, and a shared commitment to making Park City School District a place where everyone belongs.

Listen now and stay connected at pcschools.us.

The We All Belong Kindness Awards podcast brought together Interim Superintendent Caleb Fine, Park City Education Foundation Executive Director Ingrid Whitley, and Park City Community Foundation CEO Dr. Joel Zarrow to discuss a new initiative aimed at promoting kindness, inclusion, and a sense of belonging within the Park City School District.

Key Points:

• Purpose of the Awards: The We All Belong Kindness Awards aim to celebrate students, teachers, and staff who actively combat bullying, harassment, and discrimination while fostering belonging. The initiative emphasizes grassroots efforts to create a culture of kindness and inclusion.
• Award Structure: Monthly winners will be recognized at all school levels, including students, teachers, and staff. Grand prizes include a significant scholarship for students and a cash award for staff, demonstrating the district’s investment in kindness.
• Organizational Support:
  • Caleb Fine highlighted the importance of addressing challenges identified in the district’s Office for Civil Rights complaint, emphasizing the goal of achieving "zero hate" in schools and fostering a community where everyone belongs.
  • Ingrid Whitley discussed how the awards align with the Education Foundation’s values of equity and inclusion, celebrating student leadership in promoting a positive school environment.
  • Joel Zarrow emphasized the Community Foundation’s focus on fostering community belonging and supporting schools as essential public institutions. He shared the hope that the program will inspire broader cultural change in the community, driven by the example of students and teachers.

Impact Goals: The leaders hope the awards will:

• Inspire meaningful conversations about kindness at home and in the community.
• Highlight and amplify positive behaviors already occurring in schools.
• Create a ripple effect of kindness that fosters inclusivity and strengthens the community as a whole.

The podcast underscores the collaboration between Park City School District, the Park City Education Foundation, and the Park City Community Foundation in creating a more inclusive and compassionate school environment.

In this episode of the PCSD Podcast, Vice President of the Park City School District Board of Education, Nick Hill, discussed the superintendent search survey. The survey gathered insights from parents, students, staff, and other stakeholders about the key priorities and qualities for the next superintendent. Safety, welcoming environments, and academic performance emerged as top priorities. Community engagement and understanding were highlighted as critical leadership qualities. The board is considering feedback emphasizing the importance of hiring someone familiar with the community. Transparency and ongoing communication throughout the process remain a priority, and the district encourages the community to stay updated through newsletters and the district website.

Podcast Summary: Park City School District Podcast - January 2025 Episode

In this episode of the Park City School District podcast, the team dives into the theme of "Winter Cheer," celebrating the joy of the season and the community's spirit of belonging. Highlights include:

• District Updates: Interim Superintendent Caleb Fine reflects on the year's achievements, including grade reconfigurations, athletic facility expansions, and gratitude for outgoing school board members while welcoming new ones.

• Safety Focus: Chief Operations Officer Mike Tanner discusses the district's robust safety measures, emphasizing internal threat assessments, the "see something, say something" initiative, and the advanced Zero Eyes detection system.

• Student Spotlights: The talented Park City High School cheer team and sixth graders Kylie and Livvy from Ecker Hill Middle School share their experiences performing in The Nutcracker.

• Teacher Recognition: A heartfelt farewell to retiring band director Chris Taylor, who reflects on his 30 years in the district, his contributions to the music program, and his plans for retirement.

• Board Leadership: Outgoing Vice Chair Wendy Crossland shares insights from her five years of service, highlighting the district's progress in equity, teacher compensation, and navigating challenges like COVID-19.

• Community Engagement: Celebrations of the district's construction milestones, including updates on Ecker Hill Middle School, Parley’s Park Elementary, and Trailside Elementary.

The podcast concludes with reminders to provide feedback through the district's chatbot and email and an invitation to embrace the season's cheer as the Park City community continues to grow together.

In the latest episode of the Park City School District Podcast, hosts Heidi Matthews and Colton Elliott highlight themes of gratitude and belonging during the holiday season. Key topics include:

1. Child Nutrition Program:

   • Director John Hopkins and Admin Assistant Hanessi Petitone discuss the program's mission to provide nutritious meals that support student learning.
   • They share insights on balancing nutritional guidelines, addressing food allergies, and creating a welcoming environment in school cafeterias.

2. Construction Updates:

   • COO Mike Tanner provides updates on the district’s ongoing construction projects, all progressing ahead of schedule, including renovations at Parley’s Park, Trailside, Ecker Hill, and Park City High School.
   • Tanner emphasizes gratitude for the teamwork involved in these accomplishments.

3. Art and Community:

   • Longtime art teacher and artist Deb Corrigan discusses her public art project, where she will design utility box wraps celebrating Park City’s history, nature, and community. Her work ties into the empowerment and creativity she fosters in her students.

4. Superintendent’s Message:

   • Interim Superintendent Caleb Fine reflects on the importance of gratitude and the district's ongoing focus on trust, care, and character.

The episode closes with a call to continue fostering a culture of belonging and gratitude in the district, emphasizing the power of small moments and collective contributions to student and community success.