The Washington County School District honored multiple teachers and staff during its Oct. 13 meeting and heard a PTA request for small-vehicle safety outreach in response to recent accidents.

Superintendent and staff recognized third-grade teacher teams from Three Falls, Crimson View and South Mesa for reaching a state benchmark — 70 percent of third graders at "blue" on the Acadian assessment — and noted the district will be recognized at the Utah Capitol Rotunda. Superintendent's remarks tied the recognition to Senate Bill 127 efforts to improve third-grade reading outcomes.

Specific recognitions included Britney Henry of Three Falls Elementary, named a recipient of the Utah Education Association’s Excellence in Education award, and paraeducator Kelly Hines of Pine View Middle, who received an award from the Autism Council of Utah (district staff said she was the only recipient statewide). The district presented plaques and a stipend where applicable.

The board also heard an in-person student, Ari, speak in appreciation of Water Canyon teacher Lauren Tingey: "She made learning fun, and it was something I looked forward to even when I complained about it," Ari said. The student described classroom work and singled out Tingey's patience and support.

Crimson Cliffs cone-site PTA president Bridal McDonald told the board the PTA has worked with Washington City Police Department Officer Ray on small-vehicle safety for parents and students following recent accidents, including one fatality. McDonald said PTAs are distributing pamphlets that explain local and state laws for non-street-legal vehicles (UTVs, golf carts, electric scooters), will share materials with schools and plan assemblies led by high-school student councils aimed at educating younger students.

Board members thanked teachers and staff for their work and said sharing district facilities for regional events (for example, hosting 1A baseball tournament games) helps strengthen community ties.