District News

South Walton High School Girls and Boys Cross Country teams, under the direction of Coach Willie Parker, made it to the Region Championship this week.

Thursday, November 6, was a great crisis management training for school based incidents at the Carlene Anderson training facility The following agencies were represented today at the training: Walton County School District, Walton Emergency Management, Walton Sheriff Office, South Walton Fire Rescue, Walton Fire Rescue, city representative, college representative, and several school district safety specialist.

EPIC collaboration at this training!

Students in Mr. Tracie Jordan and Mr. Paul Baur's sixth grade world geography classes have spent the week as detectives, delving into text evidence to solve an age old mystery--the death of King Tut. Students closely and carefully read several texts about King Tut's life and death, looking for clues about how he died--and who, if anyone, had motive to kill him. Students were deeply engaged in class discussions about the mystery, basing their ideas on their analysis of text evidence. To make the learning experience even more meaningful for students, Mr. Baur dressed as King Tut, while Mr. Jordan dressed as Sparta, the king's protector. Though the world may never really know how King Tut died, WMS sixth graders will at least remember several theories about his demise. They will also walk away with an understanding about how changes in leadership can lead to unrest in societies. By using the evidence before them, students worked collaboratively and analytically, skills that will prove beneficial to them throughout their lives.

King Tut WMS

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a student who excelled on her math assignment! This third grade student was “draped in the cape” for the day for her super-power efforts. This is just one way MSE students are recognized for their achievements!

On Wednesday, November 6th, Walton Middle School AVID students in all three grade levels joined forces to strengthen their collaboration and inquiry skills. WMS believes in equipping students to be successful lifelong learners, and AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, supports this philosophy. AVID tutorials are small group tutoring sessions held during the AVID elective class. In these tutorials, trained tutors come into the AVID classroom and guide student-centered groups to answer questions about schoolwork. In the AVID model, students develop questions about things they are struggling with prior to the tutorial session. Students then lead one another in collaborative group discussions and questioning to determine the answers to the presenter's questions. Because AVID tutorials are a cornerstone of a successful AVID program, WMS AVID teachers teamed up to effectively model the process for students new to its format. Mrs. Gaby Brown's seventh grade AVID students led tutorials, while Mr. Dennie Smith's eighth graders paired with Mrs. Brown's sixth graders to help them understand the tutorial observation form. While some students actively participated in the tutorial sessions, others were guided to observe the process so they will know how to lead and participate properly in tutorials back in the classroom. These outstanding members of the Warrior tribe exemplified the school's "We, Not Me" spirit as they worked collaboratively to develop essential skills for future academic and, ultimately, career success.

AVID Lead

Superintendent Hughes takes time to visit and share with students at Bay School, and help with shapes and Art using marshmallows and corn. Mrs. Roberts and Ms. Susan had a phenomenal room of energy, engagement and learning. EPIC3 in motion!

Mr. Hughes at Bay

Maude Saunders fourth graders are exploring the wonders of the E. O. Wilson Biophilia this week. The mission of the Biophilia Center is to educate students and visitors on the importance of biodiversity, to promote sustainability, and to encourage conservation, preservation, and restoration of ecosystems. Students who visit the Center learn about the natural environment through interpretive exhibits as well as an extensive trail system through natural areas on Nokuse Plantation.

MSE at Biophilia

Eighth graders at Paxton School visited the Challenger Learning Center last week where they put their communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills to the test as astronauts trying to land on the moon as part of Artemis, NASA's next mission to the moon. The space simulation allows students the opportunity to work as both NASA's ground control and astronauts during the mission.

In addition, students built their own gyroscopes and watched the Apollo 11 movie at the imax theater where they got a birds eye view of what it was like to be on the first moon mission with real footage from the mission.

The students send a huge thank you to the Challenger Center and their cooperation in providing the Florida Space Consortium grant for over $1,700 to cover the cost of the activities at the center.

Every month, Mr. A. Russell Hughes, Walton County, Florida Superintendent of Schools, will share a video message with an update on the exciting things happening in the Walton County School District, Walton County, Florida. Check back often to stay informed on all the activities, events and accomplishments of teachers and students in the Walton County School District.

This month's video was filmed at Maude Saunders Elementary School where Superintendent Hughes introduces Mrs. Cindy Neale as the new Principal at MSE. Superintendent Hughes shares important information about mid-term progress reports, along with upcoming events and holidays in our schools. Make sure to watch the video to the end to watch the MSE House of Courage presenting their House Cheer!

Congratulations to the ECMS Boys Cross Country team for winning the title of STATE CHAMPIONS at the10th Annual FLYRA MS State Cross Country Championships held in Lakeland on October 25-26, 2019!!! Jonah Kirspel placed 2nd overall, and Payne Griner placed 16th in the competition. Way to go, Stingrays!

Also placing were the girls team, coming in 3rd in the State!! Anabelle Melberg placed 3rd overall, with Mimi Jersey placing 10th, and Claire Griner placing 13th overall.

Congratulations also goes out to Coach Parker! WCSD is very proud of our Cross Country Stingrays!

SWHS Girls and Boys Cross Country Teams Make it to Regionals!

November 8, 2019

Crisis Management Training at WCSD

November 7, 2019

CSI at WMS: How Did King Tut Die?

November 7, 2019

"Draped in the Cape" at MSE!

November 7, 2019

AVID Warriors Lead to Learn

November 7, 2019

Superintendent Hughes Enjoys a Visit at Bay School!

November 6, 2019

Maude Saunders 4th Graders Visit E. O. Wilson Biophilia Center!

November 6, 2019

Paxton Students Visit Challenger Learning Center

November 6, 2019

Superintendent A. Russell Hughes' Monthly Video Update for November 2019

November 5, 2019

ECMS Cross Country Succeed at State Competition!

November 5, 2019