Mr. Hughes visited with Maude Saunders' tutors and paraprofessionals during their recent Visualizing and Verbalizing training. 

Submitted by Brianna Leavins.

Congratulations to Mr. Appel’s 8^th grade SSTRIDE class. 17 SSTRIDE students were inducted into the program on December 19, 2016 held at Freeport Middle School. A special thank you to the SSTRIDE Coordinator, Penny Eubanks and the SSTRIDE Director, Thesla Anderson.  

“Success is achieved by taking a dream and making it come true.”- Thesla Anderson

SSTRIDE©: Science Students Together Reaching Instructional Diversity & Excellence

SSTRIDE© is an outreach effort of the FSU College of Medicine with support from Florida's Area Health Education Centers.

SSTRIDE©'s Mission is to identify students who have a genuine interest in pursuing a career in science, engineering, mathematics, health, or medicine and to give those students the support services important for them to develop the sense of responsibility, focus and motivation necessary for success in their chosen fields.

The SSTRIDE© pipeline begins at the middle school level and is offered as a science elective in school. The Middle School SSTRIDE© program provides a comprehensive model program of interdisciplinary science education, student development, intervention, enrichment and support.

SSTRIDE© Middle School Program includes: 

•   In-school elective science course for middle school students
•   FCAT Science preparation
•   Enrichment and hands-on activities
•   Educational field trips
•   Guest speakers from medicine and health professions
•   Individualized tutoring and assessment
•   Mentoring by pre-medical and pre-health university students
•   Parent support meetings

©Florida State University 1994-2011 All Rights Reserved.

Submitted by Dan Appel.

Walton County School District Superintendent, Mr. Hughes visited Emerald Coast Middle School and assisted in drawing names for the school's RAYS Rewards. RAYS Reward slips are awarded to students who uphold the highest standards and expectations of ECMS. The first semester drawing included rewards such as, restaurant gift cards, Visa gift cards, movie cards, and the grand prize was an iPad. Superintendent Hughes did the honor of drawing the name of one lucky Grand Prize winner, Olivia Stange who received the iPad. 

(Pictured Left to Right: Superintendent Hughes, Student Olivia Stange and ECMS Principal, Mr. Infinger.)

Submitted by Angela Vance.

Elrod Vo was recognized for winning the distinction of being an Achieve3000 WorldWide winner in Mrs. Amy Bennett's eighth grade reading class. He won the most points by completing reading texts and tasks and receiving points for passing scores. Two years ago, Elrod won the most points nationwide when he was a sixth grader in Mrs. Bennett's class. This year, Elrod entered the new school year determined to advance from being the nationwide to the worldwide level winner. Remarkably, Elrod accomplished his goal before the end of the first semester. Walton Middle School is very proud of Elrod's accomplishments.  Submitted by Kristen Rhodes/Laura Smith.