One-Sentence Description:

Utah PTA Safety Commissioner Tina Seastrand reveals the expansive world of school safety—from cyberbullying to funding challenges—and how parents can get involved in protecting students.

Full Description:

🎧 Episode Overview: Join hosts Corey Fairholm and Angelee Aedo as they sit down with Tina Seastrand, Utah PTA Safety Commissioner, for an eye-opening conversation about the multifaceted challenges of keeping students safe in 2025.

What You'll Learn: 🔍

• The expanded role of safety beyond just physical security—including digital wellness, cyberbullying, mental health, and cyber attacks
• What's coming in the upcoming legislative session regarding school safety provisions 📋
• The critical funding gap between safety mandates and available resources
• How safety connects to student learning and mental health 🧠
• Practical ways parents can get involved at the local level—even without a formal safety commissioner role

Key Topics Covered: ✨ ✅ School safety legislation updates (House Bill 40 and beyond) ✅ Partnerships with organizations like Utah Coalition Against Pornography, Safe UT, and NAMI ✅ The importance of PTA and School Community Council collaboration ✅ Creating safe walking routes and advocating for infrastructure improvements 🚸 ✅ How to join Utah PTA's Safety Committee

Perfect For: 👥 Parents, educators, community members, and anyone passionate about student safety and wellbeing

Connect: 📧 Interested in joining the Safety Committee? Email: [email protected]

Because when students feel safe, they can truly learn and thrive. 💚

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 Points

Trust 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.

Takeaways

You 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 ([email protected]), and visit trustlands.utah.gov to see your school's funding.

🎧 New Podcast Alert! Utah PTA Leadership Academy Insights! 🚀

Want to take your PTA leadership skills to the next level? You've got to hear the latest episode of the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast!

Immediate Past President Corey Fairholm and VP of Advocacy Angelee Aedo welcome guest Stacey Mollinet to discuss the acclaimed Utah PTA Leadership Academy!

What You'll Learn:

The Leadership Academy equips ALL PTA LEADERS (local, council, and region) with essential, proven strategies in:

• Family Engagement
• Advocacy
• Outreach
• Communication

This immersive, NO COST training helps you understand the why and the how behind effective leadership, setting it apart from standard convention training.

🌟 Prepare for the Winter 2026 Session!

The Fall 2025 session is underway, but it's time to prepare for the Winter 2026 Leadership Academy!

• Application Opens: November 2025
• Training Offered: Four sessions held once a month (tentative Tuesdays: January 20, February 17, March 17, April 21, 2026) at the Utah PTA office.
• Commitment: Full attendance and engagement in all sessions are required for success.

We are seeking forward-thinking leaders who: demonstrate a passion for our vision, exhibit integrity, believe PTA should be inclusive, and strive to increase family engagement!

Don't wait! Listen now to get all the details and prepare your application!

• 🎧 Listen to the Podcast: https://www.utahpta.org/pulse-podcast
• 📚 Learn More & Sign Up for Notifications: https://www.utahpta.org/leadership-academy

❓ Questions? Contact Stacey Mollinet at [email protected].

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 Corey Fairholm (Utah PTA Immediate Past President) and Andrea Hinton (Director of Membership) as they sit down with Angelee Aedo (VP of Advocacy) for an inspiring conversation about Utah PTA's upcoming Advocacy Conference. In celebration of 100 years of advocacy excellence, this special event promises to honor the past while equipping parents, educators, and community members with the essential skills to advocate effectively for children today and into the future.

This episode breaks down everything you need to know: when and where to attend, what classes are offered, why resolutions matter, and how your voice can make a lasting difference in every child's education. Plus, find out about the exciting past president panel and the special 100th birthday celebration!

Mission: To make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
• Time: 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
• Location: Jordan Learning Center (9800 South Bangerter, across from Elkridge Middle School)
• Cost: $10 registration + $15 optional lunch (Apple Spice Junction catering)
• Registration Deadline: November 3rd for lunch orders; registration continues until event day
• Format: In-person only (no virtual option this year)

Conference Theme: "Honoring the Past While Shaping the Future" - Celebrating 100 years of Utah PTA advocacy work

Special Features:

• Past President Panel discussing historic advocacy wins and lessons learned
• Three resolution votes during business meeting (cyber bullying, students with disabilities, education funding)
• 100th birthday celebration with special cake during lunch
• Networking opportunities with like-minded advocates

Classes Offered (Two Sessions):

• Advocacy Basics (offered in both sessions)
• Legislative Basics with Amber Bonner
• History of Trust Lands with Margaret Byrd
• Resolution Writing: Process and Importance
• Family Engagement: Building School-Parent Partnerships

Who Should Attend: Everyone! PTA members, parents, teachers, administrators, community members, advocacy reps, presidents, and anyone passionate about children's education. Non-PTA members welcome at slightly higher cost.

Three Resolutions to be Voted On:

1. Cyber Bullying (New) - Addressing technology-filled world challenges including AI
2. Students with Disabilities (Updated) - Adding federal funding provisions
3. Education Funding (Updated) - Including unfunded mandates language

Registration Information: Visit utahpta.org > Events tab > Advocacy Conference Questions: Email Angelee at UtahPTA.org

Remember: Wear your PTA gear proudly, but leave candidate shirts and political buttons at home—Utah PTA is proudly nonpartisan.

Producer: Michael Williams, Utah PTA Director of Communications

Connect with us and register today to be part of Utah PTA's legacy of advocacy excellence!

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 Points

Why Membership Matters

• Utah PTA's 70,000 members amplify advocacy at state and federal levels
• Membership gives PTA powerful voice representing millions when addressing legislators
• Numbers create leverage for school safety, education funding, and safe walking routes

National PTA Connection

• National PTA represents all 50 states, plus Europe and Puerto Rico
• Utah operates at Tier One status due to strong membership numbers
• Applications for national committee positions open annually (due in October)

Resources Available

• NationalPTA.org offers free resources including Thrive training program
• Membership Minute videos, Membership Mania campaigns, "Myths and Facts" documents
• National and state PTA leader Facebook groups for collaboration

Real Impact

• National PTA successfully advocated for release of withheld federal education funds
• PTA established kindergarten and school lunch programs throughout history
• States share successful programs and resources nationwide

Takeaways

For Parents & Community:

• $8 local membership connects you to 128-year legacy of child advocacy
• Access national resources with your regular PTA login (no additional fee needed)
• Small local involvement contributes to large-scale change

For PTA Leaders:

• Explore NationalPTA.org for ready-to-use campaigns and training
• Join National PTA Facebook groups to connect with leaders nationwide
• Use "Myths and Facts" document at back-to-school events

For Everyone:

• PTA's strength lies in unified mission across all levels
• Leadership rotates every two years, creating opportunities for new voices
• Being "at the table" requires collective power of membership

Advocacy doesn't have to be intimidating! Join VP of Advocacy Angelee Aedo and Immediate Past President Corey Fairholm as they break down practical ways to engage with legislators during Utah's interim session. Learn why NOW is the critical time to build relationships, how to attend committee meetings (in-person or online), and simple strategies to invite legislators into your school community. From reading to students to attending bike parades, discover how small actions create big impact. Whether you're new to advocacy or a seasoned volunteer, this episode empowers you to step out of your comfort zone and advocate for every child.

Utah PTA Mission: To make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.

Key Points

• Interim session (now through November) is when the real legislative work happens - bills are written, discussed, and shaped before the January session
• Legislators are regular people - they have other jobs and want to hear from constituents
• Start building relationships NOW - text, email, or attend town halls to open dialogue before the busy session
• Invite legislators to your school - ask them to read to classes, attend assemblies, walk to school with kids, or observe lunch
• Attend interim committee meetings - available online and in-person at le.utah.gov
• Find your legislator - visit le.utah.gov to identify your representatives and access their contact information

Takeaways

✓ Always thank legislators for their service when reaching out ✓ Be specific about concerns - reference particular bill sections, not just emotions ✓ Keep inviting legislators even if they decline - persistence shows importance ✓ Every school should have an advocacy person - maybe that's you! ✓ Start local: city council, school board, and mayor are great places to practice advocacy ✓ PTA celebrates 100 years of advocacy - still fighting for clean water, school safety, and child welfare ✓ You don't need to agree on everything to build a productive relationship ✓ "Be less afraid" - step slightly outside your comfort zone this year

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 Points

Getting Started

• Hold membership drives using QR codes and flyers
• Approve budget by August 31st before spending
• Update bank signers with documented meeting minutes
• Schedule regular principal meetings starting early

Building Relationships

• Meet principals in pairs for support
• Build connections with school secretaries
• Ask "why" to understand policies when facing resistance
• Serve on School Community Council to identify needs

Mission-Focused Planning

• Evaluate every event against PTA's mission
• Be flexible and cancel traditions that no longer fit
• Focus on solving real problems like literacy or safety
• Example: Parent-led "bike bus" helps students get to school safely

Volunteer Recruitment

• Give personal invitations
• Create time-commitment lists so people know expectations
• Welcome everyone: parents, grandparents, community members
• Target kindergarten events to engage new families

Takeaways

✓ 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-focused

Take it one day at a time and focus on what matters most for your community!

Join hosts Angelee Aedo and Cammy Whitchurch with special guest Cindy Gerhardt, National PTA's Healthy Minds Ambassador, for a powerful conversation about mental health and children's emotional wellbeing. Recorded at Utah PTA's convention, this episode explores how PTA leaders can identify struggling children, start conversations about anxiety and mental health, and access National PTA's Healthy Minds resources.

Cindy shares her journey from carnival chair to national ambassador, revealing how childhood trauma informed her passion for mental health advocacy. Learn about post-2020 impacts on resilience, practical strategies for addressing anxiety and grief, and why mental health deserves equal attention to physical health.

Key Points

• Mental health equals physical health: Sound mental health is critical for children reaching their potential
• Post-2020 crisis: Resilience dropped dramatically; self-harm and suicide rates require urgent attention
• Hidden struggles: Children facing unstable housing or trauma often go unseen while we focus on programs
• National resources: Anxiety assessments, conversation starters, grief materials (Sesame Street partnership), grant funding for wellness initiatives
• Model vulnerability: Adults sharing struggles appropriately teaches children empathy and healthy coping
• Social media impact: Readiness matters before giving children platform access
• Cindy's motto: "All children are our children"—see beyond your own family

Takeaways

For PTA Leaders:

• Apply for Healthy Minds grants for calming rooms, yoga classes, wellness fairs
• Visit pta.org for free anxiety assessments, talking points, grief support
• Register for National PTA's virtual convention (June) featuring mental health workshops
• Celebrate small wins—30 attendees means 30 children with better opportunities
• Serve on state committees to deepen PTA knowledge and connections

For Parents and Caregivers:

• Practice self-care—you can't pour from an empty cup
• Start mental health conversations; eliminate stigma at home
• Share struggles appropriately: "I had a tough day and didn't handle this well"
• Teach children Sesame Street's grief tool: hug yourself and affirm "I'm still me"
• Balance feelings with resilience—acknowledge emotions, then move forward positively

For School Communities:

• Try the "five adults" model: staff members make daily positive contact with assigned student groups
• Look beyond surfaces—struggling families may hide behind nice appearances
• Validate volunteers' efforts; they're not alone
• Attend state conventions—first-timers leave validated and energized

Remember: Every child is in your circle of influence for a reason. PTA's 127-year mission of protecting children continues—only the challenges have evolved from mines to mental health.

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 Points

• Military families are everywhere: Utah has 7,000 airmen at Hill Air Force Base plus 7,000 National Guard/Reserve soldiers scattered throughout the state
• Two distinct challenges: Active-duty families move every 2-3 years; National Guard families stay put but face repeated deployments
• Identification matters: Create opportunities for families to self-identify through Veterans Day photo walls, back-to-school tables, or registration forms
• Fast-track involvement: Military families on 2-3 year timelines can't "climb the PTA ladder"—invite them to lead from day one
• Flexible volunteering: Offer at-home options like cutting materials, sharpening pencils, or contributing to potlucks for overwhelmed parents
• Universal application: Strategies for military families benefit ALL families facing stress, absence, or transition

Takeaways

For 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 tasks
• Don't assume families know they're welcome—extend personal invitations to participate
• Recognize that families unable to attend meetings may still want to contribute meaningfully

For School Communities:

• Military families bring diverse experiences from schools worldwide—tap into their knowledge
• A stable school routine provides crucial support for children experiencing family upheaval
• The same parent who can't volunteer this year (due to deployment) may become your biggest asset next year
• Inclusion isn't just about military families—it's about creating space for every family's unique circumstances

Remember: 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.