District News

Kindergarten students have been busy reading this year. The kindergarten students at West DeFuniak Elementary set a goal of earning 15 Accelerated Reader points for the school year. That is a least 30 books for each child. When students earn their goal they are presented an AR shirt on the school Morning Show. We are so proud of the effort that everyone in Mrs. Donna Timmons’ class has put forth this year. All 19 students have accomplished and passed their goal. Several of the students have met their classroom goal of 30 and are working towards 45. Submitted by Jessiva Dawkins.

Mrs. Kathy Russ' students at Walton Middle School created an edible carrot patch in their Life Skills class to celebrate spring! Submitted by Kristen Rhodes.

Over 390 Walton County School District 3^rd and 4^th graders joined students from Okaloosa County for the Sinfonia Gulf Coast “Carnegie Link Up” performance on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at the Emerald Coast Conference Center! Students from Maude Saunders Elementary and Freeport Elementary sang, danced, and played recorders along with Sinfonia Gulf Coast Orchestra following a yearlong curriculum through the Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute (WMI). They have been practicing and learning the music since September! Over 2500 students from Walton and Okaloosa Counties participated in the interactive orchestra concert with Maestro Demetrius Fuller and Sinfonia Gulf Coast as they learned how “The Orchestra Sings!” The performance included stunning visuals for the students to follow and perform along with the orchestra, as well as on-stage direction and entertainment by some of the district’s teachers.

Special thanks to Sinfonia Gulf Coast and their sponsor, St. Joe Community Foundation, for providing this unique opportunity for the students of Walton County School District!

Submitted by Keitha Bledsoe.

Musicians

Kindergarten students made birdfeeders for Earth Day. The birdfeeders are made from ice cream cones, bread, peanut butter and bird seeds- completely consumable. Submitted by Jessica Dawkins.

WDE Earth Day

On Friday, April 14^th, West DeFuniak Elementary kindergarten classes had an Easter egg hunt. Parents volunteered to come hide the eggs for each class, then all of the kindergarten classes took turns going out to the playground to search for the eggs. All of the eggs had candy inside, so students really enjoyed trying to find the eggs. Submitted by Jessica Dawkins.

First grade at WDE recently went on a field trip to Gulfarium in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. The students had a great time learning about different ocean animals! During our visit, students were able to watch a dolphin show and a sea lion show. They were also able to learn interesting facts at animal chats, led by the trainers. These sessions were mini-lessons that taught students about the animals’ feedings, environments and lifestyles. After spending the morning at the Gulfarium, lunch took place at a nearby state park and students enjoyed the beach view. It was a great time for all of the kids!

Pictured below is first grade student, Ava Shoaf, who had the privilege of meeting a Gulfarium dolphin trainer while on a field trip! Ava is holding a book that her class published about what they want to be when they grow up. She wrote about being a dolphin rider. Submitted by Jessica Dawkins.

WDE Gulfarium

Second graders at West DeFuniak Elementary school took a field trip to the Rocking B-A-B Ranch on April 14, 2017. Students were able to learn interesting facts about both common farm animals and exotic animals at the ranch. The students really enjoyed being able to pet the young animals and were excited about being able to play and eat their lunch in the “Big Barn” the ranch has on site. Submitted by Jessica Dawkins.

WDE Ranch

South Walton High School Seniors Adam Richards and Austin Garofalo signed letters of commitment to play baseball next year. Adam signed with Birmingham Southern College and Austin with Marion Military Institute. Submitted by Barbara Stratton.

The Freeport Middle School baseball team worked really hard this season. As a reward for their extraordinary effort, the baseball banquet was held at a Pensacola Blue Wahoos baseball game with an "all-you-can-eat" burger and hot dog buffet. Coach Wassman says, "I am blessed to be part of Bulldog Nation, Go Dogs!" Great job! Submitted by Chelsea Ellison.

On April 17th, Freeport Middle School held their spring pep rally to recognize spring sport athletes and to motivate students for FSA. Four FMS teachers volunteered to play a light-hearted game of "Cheeto Head". Each teacher's head was covered with shaving cream and two students from each grade level had one minute to fill their teacher's head with as many cheese balls as possible. Each team worked incredibly hard, but in the end the fifth grade team consisting of Mrs. Nicole Pryor, Mayson Feller, and Adalyn McCormick won! The fifth grade team also won the pep rally with the most overall school spirit. Submitted by Chelsea Ellison.

FMS Pep Rally