‘Let’s have a fantastic year’: Schools welcome back students, districts provide tips for parents

Written by Nick Yamashita
August 15, 2023

ST. GEORGE — Both Washington and Iron county school districts welcomed the chatter of students as hallways filled with the familiar sound that had not been heard since June.

Southern Utah schools were back in session on Tuesday as bus drivers headed out early morning, Cedar City, Utah, Aug. 15, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Britton Heaps, St. George News

Tuesday was the first day of school. The roads were busy again as parents dropped off their kids, buses circled around the parking lots and teachers were helping direct traffic and lead students to their classrooms.

The shrill ringing bell echoed as students clamored in the hallways.

The new academic school year has begun.

Washington County School District Director of Communications Steve Dunham said, save for one trial, the first day went pretty well.

“We had some challenges with the bus schedule software,” Dunham said. “It should be fixed within a couple of days. We already emailed parents so they are aware of the busing situation.”

Meanwhile, Iron County School District Communications Coordinator Shauna Lund said that only secondary schools started today but the opening received high marks.

“I saw a lot of smiles,” Lund said. “Everything was very positive and smooth.”

She did report that there was a glitch with busing as well, but it has been resolved.

Both Dunham and Lund shared important items the districts want parents, students and community members to know for school.

Dunham said for Washington County, parents need to be involved.

“Children do better in school if parents ask questions about their child’s learning” and help with homework and read with them,  Dunham said.

Next, parents can help their children with a good sleep schedule so they may be fully engaged.

Safe traveling to school was next. Dunham said to make sure children know the correct path to school and how to safely cross any streets.

The fourth tip is for both parents and students. He said to trust the teachers.

“They are pros and know how to help your child learn,” he said. “If there are questions or concerns, schedule a meeting with them to discuss in person.”

Southern Utah schools were back in session on Tuesday as bus drivers headed out early morning, Cedar City, Utah, Aug. 15, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Johnny James Carroll, St. George News

Lastly for Washington County, Dunham said to be excited for your children. By showing excitement and helping foster that energy, kids get excited and do better in school.

Iron County School District’s tips start off with kindergartners.

Lund said the school district now offers all-day kindergarten and parents still have the opportunity to opt their student out of a full day and send them for a half day. Kindergarten starts on Aug. 23 with an open house on Aug. 22 at the school the child will attend.

“Kindergartners who attend full-day perform 2-4 times better than their half-day kindergarten peers with regards to basic kindergarten proficiencies in literacy and numeracy, increased school readiness and early identification of learning disabilities,” Lund said.

For more information about full-day kindergarten, click here.

Lund said the first day of school is different this year. The secondary schools started Tuesday, but elementary students will start Wednesday. Kindergarten does not start until Aug. 23.

Thirdly, following new state legislation, the school district will initiate the Standard Response Protocols developed by I Love You Guys, a crisis response specialist company. Additionally, the district created a security coordinator position that will be trained in regular drills and safety practices. Schools currently have a single point of entry while all security measures have been updated and will be utilized.

Iron County also emphasized that students, parents and community members need to be safe traveling to and from schools. Community members should obey speed limits and be aware of students walking and crosswalks, crossing guards and signals.

Finally, the district is always looking for help in schools.

“That help may come in the form of volunteering in classrooms or working as a substitute, lunch worker or paraprofessional,” she said. “Those who work as volunteers are required to pass background checks, and the cost of the background check is covered by the district. The safety of the students is the top priority.”

She said potential volunteers should call the district and schedule an appointment by dialing (435) 586-2804. Iron County is recruiting substitutes through ESS. 

For any other questions or concerns, contact the school districts.

“Welcome back and let’s have a fantastic year,” Dunham said.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nick Yamashita has extensive experience reporting for small town media, covering a variety of subjects and events for The Virgin River Times and The Progress in Southern Nevada. Before a career in journalism, he worked a variety of jobs in criminal justice systems. Yamashita holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a master's degree in interdisciplinary studies from Southern Utah University. He is an award-winning photographer and writer. He has been published in scholarly articles and poetry compilations. In his spare time, he practices and teaches martial arts.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

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