Freeport High School Key Club attended the annual District Education and Leadership Conference in Orlando last week. And, they brought home the first place trophy for the best club shirt design for Florida. Congratulations! Submitted by Patty Woodard
During the month of March the Agriscience classes at Paxton learned about the dairy industry. The owners of a local business Two Gals and a Goat visited the classroom to share their knowledge of the dairy industry and their successful business. The students even enjoyed tasting goat milk and fresh homemade cheese!
Walton County's own published author, McCaid Paul, visited 5th grade students at WDE the day before FSA Writing. He spoke to the students about the writing process and the importance of writing well. The students had many questions, and his visit sparked a genuine interest in writing for many. He was a huge encouragement for all of the students! WDE 5th grade thanks him for sharing his knowledge and experience with us. Submitted by Jessica Dawkins
Pictured left to right (sitting):
Devin Hester, Lauren Parker, Zemiah Goldsmith, Josie Barton, Kimberly Turner, and Tanner Grey
Pictured left to right (standing):
Kyle Ealum, King Kentrell Parker, Queen Chrisma Spradlin, and Irvin Ramos
The Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles hosted WDE 5th graders on a field trip through the life of a sea turtle. Students learned about the different sea turtles, the path their lives take to the ocean, and the potential obstacles of those paths. Students got to experience what it's like to be a sea turtle trying to dig, and then as babies, find their way to the water through the various potential obstacles. In the end, all of the students developed a vast knowledge and love of our ocean friends. Submited by Jessica Dawkins
Constructing a "body pit" by digging with arms and legs
Learning about the dangers of artificial lighting for seaturtle nesting
Fourth Graders at Butler Elementary are discovering printmaking in Mrs. Rogers’ art class. In addition to creating their own beautiful prints, they are learning about various ways printmaking is used in society. Submitted by Tammy Smith
Superintendent Hughes and the Tivoli district office Complex Administration and staff joined in today as schools across the district “Go Blue” to show support for child abuse prevention and awareness!!! Supt. Hughes and the entire Walton County School District support the belief that every child deserves to be safe, well-nurtured, and fear-free!
As part of an initiative to keep our community stakeholders informed of the accomplishments across our district, Superintendent A. Russell Hughes gave the first annual State of the Schools address on Tuesday, March 26, 2019. During this presentation, he recognized the School Board of Walton County, and the many people in the district who have helped to facilitate the high level of success accomplished since he took office. He shared his commitment to the children of our district, and stated, “Everything we do is all about the children. It has been, and forever will be…that will never change. That is why we do what we do…our children deserve it!”
Sonya Alford, Director of Human Resources welcomed the audience and special guests to the event, followed by an invocation by Rev. Wayne White. Facilities Director, Mark Gardner introduced the Walton High School Jr. ROTC who presented the Colors; 2018 Teacher of the Year, Joan Kennett who lead the Pledge if Allegiance; and Casey Clark from Freeport High School who sang the National Anthem. Kay Dailey, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, introduced Superintendent Hughes.
In his address, Superintendent Hughes shared his vision for Walton County School District, and highlighted significant areas of progress and success experienced in the district since he came to office. Among these include our district ranking (WCSD is an A+ school district for the first time since 2014); marked academic improvement; accelerated graduation rates; accommodation of increased student enrollment (now over the 10,000 student threshold); facilities growth; district fiscal responsibility; forward momentum of our Fine Arts programs; improvements and expansion in our Food Services program; development of innovative programs in Career and Technical Education; advances in our Technology department; and increased student safety and mental health training.
Mr. Hughes recognized his special guests, School Board members, Cabinet members, District administrators, School Advisory Council members, and students from schools across the district. Refreshments were provided by the Walton High School Culinary department.
You may view the State of the Schools address at https://youtu.be/SdoNj4QOhqY
