New Viewmont Elementary principal emphasizing inclusion and parental involvement

MURRAY, Utah — The new principal at Viewmont Elementary School in Murray is making a point to help students with special needs feel included while engaging parents throughout the school year.

This is Lia Smith’s first year as principal, and she’s diving into her role. 

“We’re blessed with a big population of students with extensive needs,” she said.

And last year, students weren’t as included in a lot of Viewmont Elementary School’s field trips and special activities.

“How do we incorporate them better into things like P.E and STEM and our art cart, right? We want them to have all of those experiences… We’re making that a big point,” she said.

She says she’s actively meeting with parents and collecting feedback. Many parents of students with special needs express concerns about their children not being fully included.

Smith believes upping parental involvement is key.

“Parents have ideas about what’s happening in the school but they don’t necessarily know what’s happening in the schools. The only way to know is to be in them,” she said. 

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