Students go back to school in Washington County

ST. GEORGE, Utah — School is officially back in session in the Washington County School District.

There’s something about the first day of school and the excitement that often accompanies it.

Students we heard from attending Legacy Elementary said they are looking forward to a variety of school offerings this year.

One student said his favorite subject was soccer and basketball. Another student’s answer was math.

There’s also the social piece, as one student said she’s looking forward to making new friends.

Parents with students at Legacy Elementary we spoke also seemed to be looking forward to the school year.

“Routine, back to routine,” Brittany Taylor said.

It’s familiar ground sprinkled with new, as district wide, Washington County School District offers full time kindergarten for the first time.

“Instead of 11 of 28 schools, we now have 28 of 28 schools that are offering full day kindergarten,” said Amy Mitchell, Elementary Executive Director.

Mitchell said this will give around 2,000 families in the district another an option to decide what’s best for their student.

With the number of students that are eligible now for full day kindergarten, the school district said as a whole they are in a good spot as far as number of teachers.

They credited a strong community, as well as Washington County being a draw for teachers and the university helping out.

According to the school district, the kickoff to the school year is also showing signs of growth in their upper grades.

With around 17,000 secondary students grades 6-12 in the district, that number is a few hundred students over what was projected.

Glad to see the growth during a year that feels a little more like the good ‘ole days, Richard Holmes, Assistant Superintendent over secondary education in the district, said, “A sense of normalcy that is being introduced to this school year.”

Students, now raising their hands: Ready.