Superintendent Hughes sent Marcello Garrison, an eighth grader in Mrs. Amy Bennett's reading class, a medal for completing 350 Achieve3000 reading activities at 75% or higher on his first attempt. Achieve3000 recommends a student try to reach eighty activities by the end of the school year to reflect growth, and Marcello has surpassed the goal by 270 activities. Marcello says that he was able to do so by completing his activities in the car drop-off line before school. True dedication to learning at Walton Middle School!
Science Palooza at WMS
May 3, 2018
On April 20th, Walton Middle School held its first Science Palooza for eighth grade students. Current and retired teachers and classroom aides led instruction and stations reviewing and celebrating science in preparation for Science FCAT. Submitted by Kristen Nelson.
Getting Dirty for the Good of the Tribe at WMS
May 3, 2018
Walton Middle School Guidance Counselor Jodi Howell offered a helping hand when it was time to dig potatoes on May 3rd. As expected, Mr. Joe Proffitt’s Ag students’ plants were loaded! Students graciously shared the harvest with members of the WMS tribe. Spring is a beautiful thing at WMS.
Submitted by Kristen Nelson
WMS Appreciates Our Local McDonald’s
May 3, 2018
WMS appreciates the generosity of our local McDonald’s. The store donated 220 sausage biscuits to feed eighth graders the morning of Science FCAT testing. Teachers, staff, and students humbly thank the restaurant for graciously supporting education. Submitted by Kristen Nelson.
WCSD Parent Tips: Every Minute Counts!
May 2, 2018
Walton County School District provides video tips to help parents strengthen their child's academic success. This video was produced by Maude Saunders Elementary School and deals with the importance of every minute of the school day. Tardiness to school can make a huge impact on student academic success. Students who arrive at school late receive fewer minutes of instruction than students who are in class when the bell sounds. Their tardiness can also disrupt the learning of other students in their classes.
Watch the video for ideas on how to get to school on time and ready to learn!
Congrats to Jazzlyn Jarrett and Aric Hilley, who were recently crowned Walton High’s Prom Queen & King! Submitted by Christy English.
PHS 2nd Graders Take a Slime Break
May 2, 2018
In between FSA testing days, Mrs. McMillan's 2nd graders took a fun and much needed break. The students got to make and play with their own slime. Mrs. McMillan was very surprised with her class's ingenuity and all the amzing things they were able to do with their slime. Way to go, 2nd graders!
Submitted by Kalli McMillan
WMS Agriculture Class Grows a Bountiful Harvest
May 2, 2018
Walton Middle School Agriculture students expect a bountiful vegetable harvest. This semester, under the direction of Mr. Joe Proffitt, students are growing peppers, tomatoes, squash, okra, kale, and many other flowers and vegetables. The students' prize potatoes promise to yield a loaded crop, thanks to the dedication of all 27 Ag students who've taken turns pouring the dirt on them as they've grown. Mr. Proffitt and his students proudly thank the following donors: Adams Farms (and student Eli Adams) for donating potatoes, ACE Hardware store manager Jonathon King for donating squash plants, and Jim and Deb Eveleth of Crescere Farms, LLC, for donating compost. The Ag class extends warm thanks to these gracious sponsors! Submitted by Kristen Nelson.
Change for Children is an exciting fundraiser for Walton and Okaloosa County Schools in collaboration with Children in Crisis, Inc., Florida. Elementary, Middle, K-12 and High School students bring in their change to help support The Children’s Neighborhood. Schools organized penny wars, talent shows, dress up days, pie in the face contests, and other fun activities to help get the students and staff excited about the campaign. This year, Walton County schools raised over $8,000! We are incredibly grateful to the students, teachers and staff of all the participating schools! The Walton County Campaign is run by the Walton County Education Foundation.
The mission of Children in Crisis is, “Providing Homes and Establishing Hope” for the abused, neglected and abandoned children of Northwest Florida. Children in Crisis is a local, non-profit charity that has provided a home to over 700 children since opening in 2008. The Children’s Neighborhood provides an emergency shelter for young children and the family foster homes help with the severe shortage of foster homes in our community.
Members of the Board of Directors and Associates from Children in Crisis presented the top three fundraising schools with a special recognition plaque at the Walton County School Board meeting on Tuesday night, May 1, 2018.
- Walton High School was recognized for raising $1223.70
- Van R. Butler Elementary was recognized for raising $1485.58
- Emerald Coast Middle School was recognized for raising $2615.22
Congratulations to these schools, and all schools in Walton County for their assistance and generosity in this project!
Pictured are: Kim Kirby, Walton County School Board Chairperson; Allie Noah, Development Director of Children in Crisis; Kittie Johnson, Chairperson of the Board of Children in Crisis; Ken Hair, President and CEO of Children in Crisis; Capri Zodrow, Walton High School; Janet Currid, Principal, Walton High School; WCSD Superintendent Russell Hughes
Pictured are: Kim Kirby, Walton County School Board Chairperson; Allie Noah, Development Director of Children in Crisis; Kittie Johnson, Chairperson of the Board of Children in Crisis; Ken Hair, President and CEO of Children in Crisis;Todd Drake, Principal, Emerald Coast Middle School; WCSD Superintendent Russell Hughes
WDE 2nd Graders Participate in Sensory Bio Blitz
May 1, 2018
On Friday, April 27th Second graders at West DeFuniak Elementary school participated in a Sensory Bio Blitz conducted by the Emerald Coast Science Center. Students were asked to become scientists working in the field and began exploring the natural world around them. They were asked to use their senses such as hearing, seeing, smelling, and touching. The students went on a scavenger hunt to find certain plants and animals with specified characteristics. The students had a blast exploring the nature walk trails at the school, as well as finding some wild creatures in their natural habitats. Submitted by Jessica Dawkins.