Walton High School's Spanish II students recently enjoyed learning how to make authentic Mexican tacos with hand-made tortillas, guacamole, and pico de gallo. The students learned a lot and ended the activity with an awesome meal! Submitted by Christy English.
The students in Mrs. Kristin Peak’s Kindergarten class at WDE are now published authors! They learned about the entire publishing process through Studentreasures Publishing. They brainstormed ideas, edited their writings, and followed a writing checklist. They were even able to watch how their book was made online. They are proud authors! Submitted by Jessica Dawkins.
South Walton High School celebrated their long-awaited new 10 classroom addition with a ground-breaking ceremony on Tuesday, May 15, 2018!
The ceremony began with performances by an ensemble from the South Walton High School band, and the SWHS Cheerleaders. The National Anthem was performed by senior Logan Lawrence, followed by the leading of the Pledge of Allegiance by Greg Garrett, SGA President
SWHS Principal Dr. Alexis Tibbetts stated that the addition would serve to accomodate the incredible growth both in student enrollment, and in course offerings. Dr. Tibbetts thanked the Walton County School Board members, Superintendent Hughes and Mark Gardner for their diligence, support and patience during the long, and sometimes tenuous journey that led to the actual berginning of the construction project. Mark Gardner, WCSD Facilities Director, stated that there were some definite legislative obstacles getting approval of the project, and thanked his staff, Superintendent Hughes, and the School Board members for their determination and committment. Mr. Gardner indicated that December 23, 2018 is the expected target date for completion.
"Today will be the start of a brand new chapter for this campus...At the end of the day, we are all a united, growing and developing South Walton family" stated Sophomore Class President Pablo Robles as he addressed the attendees.
Other guest speakers included: Sydney Balfanz, SWHS STEM student; Mrs. Mary Bess Wilson, community representative; David Vencent, JRA Architects; Chris Sumner, Culpepper Construction, and Superintendent A. Russell Hughes.
Mrs. Borthwick’s Algebra 1 students at ECMS presented their Barn/Barred owl boxes to Biophilia. Students had 6 weeks to research, design, & build their boxes using mathematical computations to vertically align with Geometry standards for next year.
When you visit Biophilia you can see all the Barn/Barrred owl boxes in their natural habitat.
Seventh grade critical thinking students at Paxton worked with local business owners to create a custom soap mold for an upscale bed and breakfast. Watch the video to see a snapshot of how they used the engineering design process and 3D printing to bring their creation to life! Special thanks to Dave Palmer of the Florida Farmer’s Market and Ann Shanklin of The Lake House for allowing these students to assist in this real world project.
Submitted by Heather Stewart
Follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Land of the Florida Chautauqua Theatre this coming week to see a wonderful performance of The Wizard of Oz, presented by the incredible actors and singers of the Florida Chautauqua Theatre!
The production showcases a cast of 25 local performers, most from Walton County schools, ranging in age from elementary thru middle school.
The performances will take place May 18 and 19 at 7:00 PM, and May 20 at 2:30 PM at The Florida Chautauqua Theatre: 840 Baldwin Avenue, DeFuniak Springs, FL.
For more info and to reserve tickets, call 850-892-9494. Oz is waiting just Over the Rainbow!
Main Photo - Mrs. Ford's FES kindergarten students participated in STEM activities to build dino-caves for their dinosaurs and measure large footprints using non-standards forms of measurement.
Photo Below - Dinosaur Day was a day to remember!!! Today, we became paleontologist and we created vest and hats! Then, We learned about herbivores and carnivores. We were able to identify how they are similar and how they are different. Each student got to pick their favorite dinosaur and decorate it and graph it! Our favorite part of the day was when each student got a chocolate chip cookie and picked out the fossils! Finally, I loved our writings... “if you had a dinosaur I would”...the students were very creative! Each student loved our Jurassic Park set up!!! Submitted by Nancy Currie
The entire Bobcat family would have been flooded with pride over the STEM Club at the LEGO League Jr. EXPO in Fort Walton Beach. Students nailed their interview with the judges, and impressed everyone with their LEGO creation. A judge said their presentation and board was EPIC and E.P.I.C. is what they were striving for!
Submitted by Kalli McMillan
A non-profit based in Santa Rosa Beach, FL, Food for Thought has worked to fight child hunger throughout Walton and Okaloosa Counties since 2010, providing 3,000 backpacks weekly that are filled with healthy ingredients for students who are dependent on free or reduced school meals.
With the support of a three-year $125,000 grant from the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, Food for Thought launched its Full Circle Kitchen program in September of last year. Offered to high schoolers enrolled in Food for Thought, the program introduces students to fundamental cooking skills through classes taught by community restaurant partners and local chefs.
Walton Academy High school senior Lucy Lopez and junior Donnell Reed are two students benefiting from the program’s efforts to provide youth a foundation for basic cooking skills and access to kitchen equipment in a safe learning environment.
You can read more at: http://emeril.org/spotlight-full-circle-kitchen-students-lucy-lopez-and-donnell-reed
Submitted by David Schmidt
On Tuesday, May 8th, Walton Middle School recognized outstanding scholars at its annual academic awards night. Many talented and conscientious students received certificates and trophies for their exemplary efforts during the school year. At the end of the evening, eighth grade students McCaid Paul, Billie Hall, and Noel Dahl received "Special Honor Roll" trophies for earning all A's all three years at Walton Middle School. Congratulations to these students for their outstanding achievement!
Submitted by Kristen Nelson
