Nonie’s Ark Animal Encounters visited Mrs. Jessica Dawkins’ 2^nd grade classroom at WDE on Tuesday. Mrs. Dawkins’ class earned this reward for collecting the most Box Tops in the school for grades K-2. Students enjoyed a one hour presentation of seven different animals. They learned about their natural history, behaviors and habitats. More information can be found at www.noniesark.com

Submitted by Jessica Dawkins

On Friday, March 23, the Marching Braves departed for Disney World at 3am for three days in the parks along with a parade performance and instrumental workshop with one of Disney’s clinicians.

The students had a great time and represented themselves, their school, and their county well with model behavior and quality performing – as they always do. The students traveled to Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, and ended with Hollywood Studios.

The students performed in a parade at Magic Kingdom on Saturday evening to a crowd of about 40,000 people and were well-received by all spectators! Many screaming, clapping, and excited families watched the Braves march right in front of Cinderella’s Castle down Main Street.

On Sunday, while at Hollywood Studios, the Symphonic Band had the great opportunity to collaborate with a Disney Clinician for 2½ hours working on never-before-seen music and learning the tricks of the trade on how Disney Musicians record soundtracks. The students recorded almost the entire session and even had a chance to work on music from the movie "Tarzan" and see the footage edited together with their recording by the Video and Sound Engineer once they finished.

The students were engaged and responsive to the clinician, who was phenomenal. They received a trophy following their parade performance...and they also received a set of custom Mickey Ears!

We are proud of our Marching Braves & know this was an experience they will never forget!

Submitted by Chisty English.

Over Spring break, Paxton's first Spanish competition team competed in the Florida State Spanish Competition in Orlando, Florida. The students won various SOBRESALIENTES y SUPERIORES, which were the top TWO high ranks out of four that could be given. Students competed in individual impromptu speeches, poem recitations, and a skit. All activities were done completely in Spanish. Congratulations, Spanish students!  Submitted by Kalli McMillan.