Washington County School District leaders are calling for increased community engagement in classrooms, emphasizing the importance of personal connections between students and local stakeholders. During the Open Session on January 6, 2025, educators noted that many students arrived at school looking tired and disengaged, highlighting a need for more interaction and support.

Kim McCone, the Region 20 PTA Director, urged community members to visit classrooms and engage with students, stating, "Let them put a face to the name of those people that are helping them." This invitation aims to foster a stronger relationship between the community and schools, enhancing the educational experience for students.

The meeting also featured updates from various PTAs within the district, showcasing their recent activities and initiatives. Notable events included family movie nights, food drives, and fundraising efforts that support both students and teachers. For instance, Riverside PTA organized a successful food drive that resulted in 82 food boxes being donated to families in need, along with contributions to the Utah Food Bank.

As the legislative session approaches, McCone highlighted the PTA's advocacy efforts, tracking over 400 education-related bills and focusing on those that impact students and public education. This proactive approach aims to ensure that the voices of parents and educators are heard in legislative discussions.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for community members to become more involved in school activities, reinforcing the idea that collaboration between families, schools, and local organizations is essential for the success of students in Washington County.