On April 3rd, PCEF held its annual 'Ideas to Impact' event at Deer Valley Resort.  The event is a showcase whereby teachers and students speak directly to all PCEF donors about how their grants are working in the classroom.  Please read the Park Record article about the evening and check out our Facebook Album for great photos!  Thanks to Deer Valley for their support!

TMJH teacher Pete Stoughton was looking for a way to bring math and science principles to life for his at risk students who were losing interest in those subjects. In addition, he wanted to engage the students with, "mad skiing and boarding skills!" His idea? The Winter Science Exploration Study.

After acquiring the funding from PCEF through a teacher grant, Pete set up an after school class. "I infused the math and science principles from the Core Curriculum through modeling avalanches.  Utah Avalanche Center partnered with us in providing bi weekly instruction and knowledge of what was really happening in the field.  We tested our scientific theories using hands on experiments and then verified the result with the information that the UAC brought to us on alternating weeks.

The culminating experience was a class at PCMR.  "The folks in the PCMR Ski Patrol, along with the Utah Avalanche Center, facilitated this on the snow experience for the students.  They were able to bring to life the day-to-day reality of living with science and math in a relevant field of avalanche forecasting and Ski Patrol."

Melinda Graham Martin - JRES 

Mindy Martin is in her 3rd year teaching the four year old preschool class at Jeremy Ranch Elementary.  Previously, she worked with Special Education students.  She grew up in San Diego's north county, and worked with special ed kids in a therapy pool right out of high school.  She went from the pool to working with special ed children in the classroom.

"I came to Utah on a ski vacation, and loved it.  About 10 years ago I moved here and started a snowmobiling company.  It was fun, but I missed being in the classroom.  I received my degree in Early Childhood Education from the U, and started six years ago at McPolin.  I helped Susan Tabke there with the severely disabled children.  Then, when the preschool opportunity opened up, I wanted to try that.  I felt my ability to work one on one with children would be helpful, but I also wanted more of a classroom situation."

"The best thing about teaching in Park City is the tightness of the community.  It creates a sense of camaraderie within and between the schools that I love.  And, the parents help so much." When asked about the best part of her day, Mindy says, "It's when that light bulb turns on, when it clicks, and you see them smiling while they learn!"

Mindy got married last summer, and her first child is due in August. She loves hiking, biking, camping, and, her newest love is rock climbing.

Jacob Jobe - PCHS

Jacob Jobe is a first year English teacher at PCHS, with teaching in his blood.  His parents and grandmother are teachers, and he knew since high school that he would be a teacher as well.  He did not waste any time. "I received my Bachelor's in History with a minor in English in three years at Montana State, and then got my teaching credential and ESL endorsement the next year.  I played college soccer, too."

 

After the heavy schedule, he took a year off to ski, and came to Utah as his sister was here skiing for Rowmark.  He decided to get his Master's at Westminster College.  He is almost done!  While there, he was a long-term sub at TMJH, and then interviewed for the position at the high school when it opened up.  He also teaches the Journalism class which puts out the high school paper, and coaches Boys JV Soccer.

 

When asked about the difference teaching here vs. other districts, Jacob lights up. "The support for new teachers is amazing, from the administration, the community, and especially my department.  The opportunities for community involvement with programs like Sundance, Author-in-Residence, the outdoor aspect, PCCAPS and LIA's, it's just tremendous. And the kids - they are amazing!  Academically, athletically, socially, their social consciousness, is outstanding, even by national standards.  Kids go to documentaries here!"

 

And the best part of teaching? "I'm a morning person, so it's the start of first hour - you get to start over. It's the moment you start that knowledge transfer - it's awesome!"

Jacob loves his rescued pit bull, Isis, and skiing, soccer, going to RSL games, drawing, hiking, and road and mountain biking.