Utah PTA Pulse Podcast

Welcome back to the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, host Corey Fairholm and Director of Communications Mike Williams are thrilled to welcome a true Utah PTA legend, Patsy Chandler. Patsy joins us to share the incredible origin story of a program that has spent the last 24 years transforming the lives of students through music: the Utah PTA Battle of the Bands. 🏆🤘From a "committee" of parents with no musical talent to a statewide tradition celebrating its upcoming 25th anniversary, this episode is a deep dive into how passion and a little bit of "bucking up" can create a lasting legacy for our youth. 🌟🙌In this episode, you’ll discover:The "One and a Half Page" Era: How the program started with simple rules—one original song for artistic expression and one cover song to test musical skill. 📝🎤Opening Night Chaos: Patsy recounts the hilarious and stressful first show at Cottonwood High School, complete with missing sound equipment and "fabulously amazing" dads stepping in to save the day. 🛠️👨‍👦The Power of Student Involvement: Why an original budget of just $500 turned into a mission to "up the commission" and provide a stage for every student to shine. 💰✨A Tradition Reborn: How a Monday morning filled with emails from supportive school administrators convinced Patsy that this "disastrous" first night was actually the start of something essential. 📧🏫Whether you're a fan of local music, a PTA volunteer, or just love a good underdog story, this conversation celebrates the "Leaders of Tomorrow" and the adults who work tirelessly to give them a voice. 🌈🎸Tune in and feel the pulse of Utah’s musical heritage! 🎧💃

The Utah PTA Pulse Podcast connects parents, teachers, and administrators to discuss the powerful impact of the National PTA School of Excellence program.Welcome to the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast! 🎙️ In this engaging episode, hosts Corey Fairholm and Angelee Aedo dive deep into the collaborative world of education and advocacy. This week, they are joined by two incredible leaders who are making a difference in the lives of Utah students:Melinda Tanner, Utah PTA School of Excellence Committee ChairEric Woodhouse, Executive Director of Operations for Alpine School District The conversation highlights the National PTA School of Excellence program, a recognition program that supports and celebrates partnerships between PTAs and schools to enrich the educational experience and overall school community. Eric shares his unique perspective as a district administrator who is "pro-PTA," discussing how essential the collaboration between district leadership and parent volunteers is for student success.

In this episode of the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast, hosts Corey Fairholm and Angelee Aedo are joined by Carol Rednour, the current Utah PTA Secretary. After a lighthearted icebreaker about video game nostalgia and the struggles of mastering Mario Kart, the conversation dives into the heart of PTA leadership.Carol, now in her third year of service, shares her passion for volunteering and explains why the Secretary is a cornerstone of any board. From the legal necessity of taking accurate minutes to the old adage that "if it wasn't recorded, it didn't happen," Carol highlights how this role protects the integrity of a board’s votes and actions.The episode takes a personal turn as Carol shares her unique "Why PTA" story, offering a glimpse into the motivations that lead parents to step up and serve their school communities. Whether you are a local leader looking for tips on minute-taking or a parent curious about getting involved, this episode offers both practical advice and heartfelt inspiration. 🌟🤝Highlights include:The "Invisible" Essential: Why the Secretary is the backbone of every good President. ✍️The Power of Documentation: How minutes serve as the official record for every vote and decision. 📋Personal Journeys: Carol’s path to the state board and her commitment to the Utah PTA. ❤️Tune in to learn more about the people behind the "Pulse" of Utah’s schools! 🎧🍎

Welcome to the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast, your go-to source for everything happening in the world of Utah education and advocacy! 📢 Hosted by "Corey Fairholm" (Immediate Past President of Utah PTA) and "Angelee Aedo" (Vice President of Advocacy), this podcast brings you insightful, lighthearted, and essential conversations about how we can better support our children and schools. 🍎👪In this episode, our hosts sit down with special guest Amber Bonner, the Utah PTA Education Commissioner, to pull back the curtain on what it truly means to be involved in education leadership. Whether you've wondered what an Education Commissioner actually does all day or how to navigate the complex world of legislative bills, this discussion covers it all with a focus on making advocacy accessible for everyone.+1Amber shares her personal journey and professional expertise, highlighting the importance of knowing who the right people are to talk to so your voice isn't "useless" in the system. From watching countless board meetings to understanding the nuances of the Utah State Board of Education (USBE), Amber provides a roadmap for parents who want to move from the sidelines to the front lines of change.+1But it’s not all policy and procedures! Get to know the team behind the titles as they share their favorite winter traditions—from Amber’s love of cozying up with a book in the snow to Corey’s memories of skiing in California. You’ll even hear about the "Redheaded Oreo" and the podcast's signature ending: a celebratory dance! 💃❄️+1Tune in to discover:How to effectively engage with the USBE and local officials.The reality of serving as an Education Commissioner.+1Practical tips to overcome the frustrations of getting involved.Why your unique perspective as a parent makes you the ultimate expert on your child.

On this episode of the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast, hosts Corey Fairholm and Angelee Aedo (VP of Advocacy Angelietta is mentioned in the transcript ) are joined by Raquel Fodole Clark from the partner organization, One Kind Act A Day.Before diving into kindness initiatives, co-host Angelee Aedo asks Raquel, who is expecting a baby, what she's most looking forward to—seeing her child’s personality develop—and the hosts share valuable parenting advice, emphasizing listening to motherly instinct and not being afraid to "pivot" since every child is different.Raquel introduces One Kind Act A Day, a non-profit organization focused on spreading kindness in the community based on the vision that the world would be a better place if everyone did at least one kind act daily. The organization partners with businesses, communities, religions, and schools to enhance a culture of kindness.A key focus of the discussion is the new Teacher Recognition Award in partnership with Utah PTA. Raquel explains that the monthly award celebrates teachers for the sacrifices they make. The nominated teacher receives a $500 grant to use in their classroom. Anyone, including other teachers, parents, or students, can nominate a deserving teacher who goes "above and beyond" and practices kindness daily. The nomination form can be found on the Utah PTA website (UtahPTA.org).Raquel also discusses One Kind Act A Day's initiative for schools to become certified as an "official school of kindness" through a year-long program involving service projects, counting kindness, and art and essay projects. They also establish student-led kindness clubs for sustainability in following years. Schools interested in applying can find the application on thepowerofkind.org.The hosts praise One Kind Act A Day's work for bringing communities together and promoting deliberate acts of kindness

Host Corey Fairholm and VP of Advocacy Angelee Aedo welcome Utah PTA Family Life Commissioner Aimee Warren to discuss her role, which focuses on everything happening outside of school hours , including foster care and adoption, after-school programs, and encouraging family time. Amy shares details about her ongoing initiative, Table Talk Tuesday , a weekly social media post on the Utah PTA Facebook and Instagram that provides families with conversation starters to use at the dinner table or in the car. The conversation emphasizes the importance of parental engagement in their children's education and whole life for their success and well-being. Finally, Amy, a former Legislative Action Committee (LAC) member, discusses advocacy work at the Capitol , upcoming bills like affordable child care , and how listeners can get involved with the Family Life Commission or the LAC.

Did you know Utah schools receive over $110 million annually from a fund that began before statehood? Hosts Corey Fairholm and Angelee Aedo talk with Sherry Mattle, Utah PTA's Trust Lands Chair, about this powerful education resource.Discover how a 1989 PTA resolution transformed a $50 million fund into today's $3.7 billion for education. Learn why Utah PTA serves as watchdog for these funds, and how YOU influence spending at your child's school through the School Community Council.Utah PTA Mission: To make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.Key PointsTrust Lands History: Established by the 1894 Utah Enabling Act before statehood. PTA leader Sandra Skousen's 1989 resolution led to the 1994 creation of SITLA, growing the fund from $50 million to $3.7 billion in 30 years.How It Works: Three offices manage the trust—SITLA (land management), SITFO (investments), and the Advocacy Office (oversight). Revenue comes from grazing leases, mineral rights, land sales, and investments.Your Local Voice: Every school has a School Community Council deciding how trust lands money is spent. The council must have more parents than staff, with a parent as chair. Funds prioritize student growth in math, reading, and science with measurable outcomes.PTA's Watchdog Role: Utah PTA protects trust lands as an independent voice not funded by government. PTA monitors legislation to prevent funds from being redirected from their intended purpose.TakeawaysYou Have Power: Influence trust lands spending at your child's school through the School Community Council. One parent's concern can create meaningful change.Collaborate: When PTAs and School Community Councils work together, combining volunteers and funding, powerful solutions emerge for students.Protect the Promise: Trust lands represent Utah's commitment to support public education forever. Honor that trust for current and future students.Stay Informed: Follow Utah PTA advocacy updates about trust lands legislation. Contact your legislators to protect these funds.Get Involved: Attend School Community Council meetings, join the Trust Lands Committee (trustlands@utahpta.org), and visit trustlands.utah.gov to see your school's funding.

In this episode of the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast, host Corey Fairholm, the immediate past president , and Angelee Aedo, the VP of Advocacy , sit down with Andrea Hinton, the Director of Membership, to discuss the vital role of membership in empowering the Utah PTA's mission. Membership is the backbone of the organization, providing the powerful voice needed to advocate for all children on Capitol Hill and beyond.Andrea shares the excitement of Utah PTA's 100th anniversary and the fun, year-long "birthday party" membership campaign. They dive into the details of new and exciting membership awards designed to encourage local PTAs, like the "Early Bird Award" (50% of last year's membership by September 25th) and the new 100th-anniversary awards: the "UTAH-PTA Centennial Unit" (100 members by October 25th) and the "Visionary Award" (100 members over last year's total or double membership if they had less than 100).Learn how easy it is for anyone to join—parents, teachers, grandparents, business owners, and community members—even if they don't have children in school. The common misconception that joining requires volunteering is debunked: your low-cost annual dues (around $8 per year ) support essential programs and give you a voice in how the PTA spends money, with no volunteer hours required.Joining a local PTA not only connects you to your school and community but also grants you membership with both Utah PTA and National PTA, unlocking access to valuable training (like "Thrive" ), the availability of grants (for programs like STEAM, reflections, and advocacy ), and discounts and perks. Get practical tips on how local PTAs are making membership drives fun by involving the kids with competitions and incentives, such as class pizza parties. With a goal of 100,000 members this year , the team emphasizes that every single member increases their power to advocate for more school funding, better programs, and healthier schools for our children.

Join hosts Angelee Aedo (VP of Advocacy) and Mike Williams (Director of Communications) as they welcome new co-host Corey Fairholm, Utah PTA's Immediate Past President! Corey shares her perspective serving on the National PTA Membership Committee and reveals how Utah's 70,000 members are part of a powerful nationwide movement.Discover how PTA membership creates real impact beyond your local school. From preventing the withholding of federal education funding to ensuring safe walking routes, learn how collective advocacy makes legislators listen. Corey breaks down myths about national PTA membership and explains why having a seat at the table matters for Utah families.Hear about incredible resources available through NationalPTA.org, from the Thrive training program to the "Myths and Facts" document changing conversations at back-to-school nights across Utah.Utah PTA Mission: To make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.Key PointsWhy Membership MattersUtah PTA's 70,000 members amplify advocacy at state and federal levelsMembership gives PTA powerful voice representing millions when addressing legislatorsNumbers create leverage for school safety, education funding, and safe walking routesNational PTA ConnectionNational PTA represents all 50 states, plus Europe and Puerto RicoUtah operates at Tier One status due to strong membership numbersApplications for national committee positions open annually (due in October)Resources AvailableNationalPTA.org offers free resources including Thrive training programMembership Minute videos, Membership Mania campaigns, "Myths and Facts" documentsNational and state PTA leader Facebook groups for collaborationReal ImpactNational PTA successfully advocated for release of withheld federal education fundsPTA established kindergarten and school lunch programs throughout historyStates share successful programs and resources nationwideTakeawaysFor Parents & Community:$8 local membership connects you to 128-year legacy of child advocacyAccess national resources with your regular PTA login (no additional fee needed)Small local involvement contributes to large-scale changeFor PTA Leaders:Explore NationalPTA.org for ready-to-use campaigns and trainingJoin National PTA Facebook groups to connect with leaders nationwideUse "Myths and Facts" document at back-to-school eventsFor Everyone:PTA's strength lies in unified mission across all levelsLeadership rotates every two years, creating opportunities for new voicesBeing "at the table" requires collective power of membership

Welcome to Season 3 of the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast! Hosts Angelee Aedo (VP of Advocacy), Corey Fairholm (Immediate Past President), and producer Mike Williams share essential guidance for PTA leaders launching the new school year.This episode covers membership drives, building principal partnerships, budget management, and volunteer recruitment. Discover how PTAs solve real problems—like innovative "bike bus" programs addressing absenteeism—and why mission-focused planning prevents burnout.The mission of the PTA is to make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. This episode shows how effective leadership turns that mission into daily action.Key PointsGetting StartedHold membership drives using QR codes and flyersApprove budget by August 31st before spendingUpdate bank signers with documented meeting minutesSchedule regular principal meetings starting earlyBuilding RelationshipsMeet principals in pairs for supportBuild connections with school secretariesAsk "why" to understand policies when facing resistanceServe on School Community Council to identify needsMission-Focused PlanningEvaluate every event against PTA's missionBe flexible and cancel traditions that no longer fitFocus on solving real problems like literacy or safetyExample: Parent-led "bike bus" helps students get to school safelyVolunteer RecruitmentGive personal invitationsCreate time-commitment lists so people know expectationsWelcome everyone: parents, grandparents, community membersTarget kindergarten events to engage new familiesTakeaways✓ Get budget approved and bank signers updated immediately ✓ Build genuine principal partnerships through regular communication ✓ Align activities with making every child's potential a reality ✓ Be realistic about capacity to avoid volunteer burnout ✓ Partner with School Community Council for real solutions ✓ Reach out to region and state PTA volunteers for support ✓ Stay "PTA flexible"—adapt while staying mission-focusedTake it one day at a time and focus on what matters most for your community!

Join hosts Angelee Aedo and Cammy Whitchurch as they welcome Jenny Taylor, Utah PTA's Military Family Specialist, for an eye-opening conversation about the hidden challenges military families face in our schools. Whether you're a PTA leader, teacher, or engaged parent, this episode reveals why every school has military-connected children—and how your community can better support them.Jenny shares powerful insights from her personal experience as a National Guard spouse and mother of seven, explaining the unique struggles of both active-duty families who relocate every 2-3 years and National Guard families whose loved ones deploy repeatedly. You'll discover practical strategies for identifying military families, creating welcoming environments, and building inclusive volunteer opportunities that work for all families—not just military ones.This conversation goes beyond military families to address universal challenges: single parents, working parents, families facing illness or loss, and anyone feeling disconnected from their school community. Learn how small gestures of inclusion can transform a child's educational experience and strengthen your entire PTA.Key PointsMilitary families are everywhere: Utah has 7,000 airmen at Hill Air Force Base plus 7,000 National Guard/Reserve soldiers scattered throughout the stateTwo distinct challenges: Active-duty families move every 2-3 years; National Guard families stay put but face repeated deploymentsIdentification matters: Create opportunities for families to self-identify through Veterans Day photo walls, back-to-school tables, or registration formsFast-track involvement: Military families on 2-3 year timelines can't "climb the PTA ladder"—invite them to lead from day oneFlexible volunteering: Offer at-home options like cutting materials, sharpening pencils, or contributing to potlucks for overwhelmed parentsUniversal application: Strategies for military families benefit ALL families facing stress, absence, or transitionTakeawaysFor PTA Leaders:Ask new families: "How long have you been here? Where did you come from? What worked well at your previous school?"Create a "volunteer menu" with options ranging from leadership roles to simple at-home tasksDon't assume families know they're welcome—extend personal invitations to participateRecognize that families unable to attend meetings may still want to contribute meaningfullyFor School Communities:Military families bring diverse experiences from schools worldwide—tap into their knowledgeA stable school routine provides crucial support for children experiencing family upheavalThe same parent who can't volunteer this year (due to deployment) may become your biggest asset next yearInclusion isn't just about military families—it's about creating space for every family's unique circumstancesRemember: The strategies that support military families create stronger, more inclusive PTAs for everyone. When we make room for the overwhelmed parent, the new family, and the non-traditional schedule, every child benefits.

Key Points🎯 Foundation PhilosophyKindness is Universal: Build relationships through kindness across all backgroundsQuality Over Quantity: Focus on wholehearted participation vs. overcommitmentIt's Okay to Say No: Boundaries prevent burnout for volunteers and organizersRelationships Matter Most: Success comes from meaningful connections, not climbing alone📊 The Needs Assessment Game-ChangerStart with Community Input: Survey what your community actually wantsUse Technology: Google Forms and SurveyMonkey make data collection simpleKeep It Short: Limit surveys to 10 questions maximumIncentivize: Offer drawings and prizes to boost response ratesGet Creative: Use carpool lines, QR codes at events, social media🤝 Recruitment StrategiesPersonal Invitations: One-on-one asks beat mass communicationBring a Friend: Leverage existing volunteers' networksAccommodate Real Life: Provide childcare, flexible timing, various involvement levelsCreate Volunteer Menus: Offer different time commitments (20 minutes/week vs. 10 hours/month)Meet People Where They Are: Back-to-school nights, pickup lines, school events🔄 Revolutionary ApproachesCommittee-First Model: Start with committees, let chairs emerge naturallySeasonal Flexibility: Recognize availability changes throughout the yearMultiple Entry Points: Membership table at every event with various involvement optionsGeneral Volunteer Lists: Create pools of people willing to help occasionallyKey TakeawaysFor PTA Leaders:Conduct annual needs assessments to align activities with community prioritiesCreate inclusive environments where families with children feel welcomeDevelop volunteer appreciation systems beyond generic thank-yousBuild flexible structures that adapt to changing volunteer availabilityUse technology strategically to streamline communicationFor Potential Volunteers:Start small with commitments matching your current situationCommunicate boundaries clearly without guiltConsider skill-based volunteering matching your strengthsRemember the impact on your children and their peersBe open to growth as circumstances changeFor School Communities:Recognize PTA volunteers as community assets deserving supportUnderstand involvement looks different for different familiesValue consistent small contributions as much as large leadership rolesCreate multiple pathways for family engagementCelebrate ripple effects of parent involvement on school culture