4^th grade students have been learning about how humans and animals interact with the environment. To learn more about consumers, carnivores, food chains, and food webs, students were able to dissect owl pellets. The scientists had a great time learning more about an owl's diet!

Congratulations to Seahawks Evelyn Hanish and Blake Cegelka for being named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists!

Walton County School District Recognized Nationally

Cognia Accreditation Awards for Excellence in Education

Cognia, the global school improvement organization that helps grow learners, teachers, and leaders, has announced its list of Schools of Distinction among Cognia accredited schools and districts. The Schools of Distinction earn this recognition based on the results of Cognia’s rigorous Accreditation Engagement Review process. The 2022 Schools of Distinction are listed on the Cognia website.

During the 2021-2022 school year, Cognia conducted approximately 1,500 school engagement reviews for accreditation. This year, 96 schools and 38 systems in 34 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and nine countries are recognized. The number of institutions reviewed and those that earn this designation vary from year to year. Winners carry the designation for one year.

Five school districts in Florida were among 38 systems that received recognition.  Walton, Okaloosa, Collier, Pasco, and Volusia County School Districts were all among those named.  Upon hearing the news, Superintendent A. Russell Hughes was again honored and humbled to receive yet another award, recognition, or designation that affirms our hard work and dedication in education for our students and families.  “We experienced the Cognia Accreditation process last year, and the organization shared that we were a top tier visit.  We know we are ranked third in the state of Florida with academics, but to know that we are in the top 38 of systems in the world according to this national accreditation organization – that is truly EPIC!”  Superintendent Hughes continued by thanking all stakeholders who were involved during the Cognia visit – students, parents, staff, teachers, administrators, and school board. 

“Congratulations to the 2022 Schools and Systems of Distinction for demonstrating excellence in education in meeting the Cognia Performance Standards,” said Cognia President and CEO Dr. Mark A. Elgart. “Based on the results of their 2021–2022 accreditation reviews, each of these schools and systems demonstrated evidence of growth in learning, a healthy culture for learning, engaging and high-quality instructional environments, and effective leadership for learning.”

Cognia is a global, nonprofit improvement organization dedicated to helping institutions and other education providers grow learners, teachers, and leaders. Cognia offers accreditation and certification, assessment, and professional services within a framework of continuous improvement. Serving 36,000 public and private institutions from early learning through high school in more than 90 countries, Cognia brings a global perspective to advancing teaching and learning. Find out more at cognia.org.

Congratulations again to all stakeholders in the Walton County School District for being a part of the success we are experiencing; you are EPIC, and EPIC remains the way!

God bless you all!!!

A. Russell Hughes

Superintendent of Schools

Click on the link below for more information and to apply.