As the Park City School District considers changes to its calendar, I urge our community to recognize the importance of preserving early release Fridays. These afternoons are not just about ending the school day early. They are about opportunity, fairness and belonging for all children.
The Youth Sports Alliance (YSA), founded after the 2002 Winter Olympics, gives all students regardless of family finances, gender, race or ability the chance to participate in after-school sports and recreation programs. We remove barriers by providing transportation, scholarships, gear, and proper clothing so every child can join safely and comfortably.
In 2024, 1,873 Park City students took part in YSA programs like skiing, mountain biking, sailing and more. Forty-one percent received scholarships or discounts, making these opportunities affordable and accessible.
Our programs reach students across every demographic and the benefits go beyond physical activity. Riding the bus together, trying new sports side by side, and cheering one another on builds friendships across demographics, schools, grades, and neighborhoods. These shared experiences help kids understand, regardless of background, that our mountains and trails belong to them.
Early release Fridays are essential to making this work. They allow us to:
- Expand access and belonging for students who would otherwise be excluded by transportation, scheduling, or financial barriers.
- Offer a wide range of activities so every child can discover a place where they feel successful and included.
- Support local employment by providing paid hours for dozens of coaches and partner staff.
- Help Park City School District employee families directly,with discounted program fees so staff members’ children are engaged in safe, structured programs during professional learning.
Proposed alternatives carry serious downsides. Moving early release to Mondays would cut access for both Park City and Wasatch students, as YSA already operates programs in Wasatch County that day. Skiing and snowboarding slots are especially limited by bus capacity and mountain availability.
A late-start Wednesday would be even more challenging for working families and would eliminate YSA programming altogether in the Park City School District.
Ending early release Fridays would mean fewer opportunities, less belonging, and fewer chances for kids to try something new, especially for the children who benefit most. On behalf of the families we serve, I urge the district and the community to preserve early release Fridays. This schedule enriches lives, strengthens our community, and ensures that all kids can grow in confidence, discover new passions, and find a place where they belong.Sincerely,
Emily S. Fisher
Executive Director, Youth Sports Alliance