Board members reported that a community-connections event at Jefferson Elementary drew several families and about 15 community and campus booths including Whitman County Public Health and Pullman Transit, Amanda said. The event included a passport program for visiting booths; 11 families completed the passport and entered a raffle for a $25 gift certificate, the board heard.

District staff and volunteers staffed booths, and a CHAS-supplied flu-shot clinic stayed until 8 p.m. so families could receive vaccinations. The board said it will review feedback and consider how to expand and align the event with other school activities.

During public comment, Marion Alanis, deputy director of student academic affairs for Associated Students of Washington State University (ASWSU), invited the district and community to two ASWSU Halloween events downtown Oct. 29: a 4 p.m. spooky scavenger hunt with local businesses and a 5:30 p.m. trunk-or-treat. Marion left flyers for the district and said the events are a student-government effort to connect campus and community.

Separately, Pullman High School ASB reported plans for hallway decorating, a dance and a PHS-hosted trunk-or-treat on Oct. 30 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Board members and staff encouraged coordination between groups to avoid scheduling conflicts and to increase community participation.