Sandy Elementary PTA leaders call for more volunteers to support Title I students

Mallory Boggs, president of the Sandy Elementary PTA, and Kara Olson, secretary and president-elect, told listeners on the Canyons School District podcast Connect Canyons that more volunteer help is needed at Sandy Elementary, a Title I school that serves students with greater socioeconomic needs.

The podcast host Francis Cook said the episode highlighted public school volunteers across the district; Boggs and Olson described how volunteers support teachers and expand student activities through PTA-led events such as fundraisers, teacher appreciation, book fairs, ribbon weeks and spirit nights.

"We're a Title 1 school, so we're serving those who are maybe socially and economically challenged," Boggs said, describing part of the PTA’s focus. Olson added that the PTA has a small core group that handles much of the work and brings in parent volunteers for larger events. "Any amount that you can give back to a school makes a difference in the teachers' lives, in the students' lives," Olson said.

Both leaders outlined practical ways to help, from cutting shapes or reading in the classroom to staffing larger events such as the annual fun run in October. They also described roles within the PTA: Boggs attends PTA council meetings for district coordination, while Olson records meeting minutes and maintains parent communications.

Boggs noted recognition for her volunteer work: she said she received the 2025 PTA Outstanding Volunteer Award for the state of Utah. "Thank you. Yes, that was...very humbling," Boggs said. The hosts and guests described the award as spotlighting their school and its volunteers.

The episode included a few calendar notes and program details mentioned by the speakers: the Sandy Elementary BOGO book fair is scheduled for April 29; the PTA runs an October fun run; and the PTA organizes teacher-appreciation activities each May. The podcast also listed the district communications email (communications@canyonsdistrict.org) and the district website (canyonsdistrict.org) for listeners seeking more information.

Boggs and Olson emphasized that volunteers do not need to commit large amounts of time: "Even if you just have an hour a week or if you only wanna help with one event per year...any amount that you can give back to a school makes a difference," Olson said. The guests said volunteering also builds community among parents, citing long-term projects and friendships formed through PTA activities.

While the segment focused on outreach and everyday volunteer activities rather than district policy or funding specifics, the speakers repeatedly framed volunteer support as a response to limited teacher time and resources at their Title I school.