After passing the exams for Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook, Katie Drake (Freshman) is now certified as a Microsoft Office Specialist. Way to go, Katie!
Submitted by Kalli McMillan
Superintendent Hughes and members of the WCSD District Office staff donned their blue attire to join students, administrators, faculty and staff in schools all throughout Walton County today in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Administrators, Staff members, and Superintendent Hughes gathered to plant a Pinwheel Garden to serve as a visual reminder that we all have an important role in preventing child abuse and nurturing the children of our community. Superintendent Hughes spoke of his intense efforts to ensure that all the staff and administration of the Walton County School District completed the Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect course offered by the Florida Department of Education. Mr. Hughes reiterated that WCSD has a strong collaboration with the Walton County Sheriff's Department, the Department of Children and Families, and the Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center to meet the needs of children in the district who may be the victims or potential victims of abuse.
The color blue has served as a reminder to end child abuse since 1989, when one grandmother made a personal commitment to wear a blue ribbon after her own grandson died as a result of abuse. The pinwheel is an uplifting symbol of childhood, and a reflection of hope, health and safety…something we wish for ALL children.
Throughout the month of April, students and teachers across the district will be participating in activities that focus on awareness, and administration and staff will be involved in professional development activities that highlight recognition, support and prevention. The goal of the Walton County School District is to help end child abuse through education, enlightenment, awareness, and compassion!
Submitted Keitha Bledsoe.
Paxton's aerospace students were very excited to view restored planes and meet a variety of pilots at the Marvel of Flight in DeFuniak Springs.
Marvel of Flight is a two-day event designed for real-world pilots and their friends and family. Each day is loaded with seminars, guest speakers, unique aircraft ride experiences, vendors, and much more.Students at Freeport Elementary School love their library! It's a special place to learn, explore, experience and develop the enjoyment of reading!
Walton High School would like to congratulate the 2017-18 Hall of Fame students!
1st picture (left to right):
Josh Homza, Camryn Johnson, Melanie Nowell, Simone Graham, Trinity Ciappio, Jordan Campbell, Emily Seay, Dale Brown
2nd picture (left to right):
Tyler Carnley, Citlaly Ramirez, Tanner Abbott, Ellie Johnson, Logan Betts, Syndi Earley, Thomas Feitsma, Logan Burgess
Submitted by Christy English
Maude Saunders recognizes the importance of their Library Media Center to the academic success of their students!!! We are grateful for our student media helpers who work in the library every single day, filing returned books, helping students find new reading material, keeping the library media center looking great, and many other important tasks.
Submitted by Krissy Spence/Kim Stafford
At the Book Fair!
Finding a "good fit" book to read!!!
Every month, Mr. A. Russell Hughes, the Superintendent of Walton County 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 Superintendent Hughes shares some encouragement for students as we enter the FSA testing period, and challenges students and families to stay diligent as we move through the final 9 weeks of school!
Superintendent Hughes also wishes to remind parents that report cards were released on Tuesday, April 2, 2018!
Here is the link to view the April Video: https://youtu.be/o9wYspReCPQ
During the week of March 5-9, WMS eighth grader Haleigh Permenter traveled to the state capitol in Tallahassee to serve as a legislative page under the direction of State Representative Brad Drake. While there, she got to experience our state government in action. WMS applauds Haleigh for serving as a student leader, gaining knowledge and experience she will carry into her future.
Submitted by Kristen Nelson
Congratulations to the PHS Students of the Month for March (pictured L to R): (High School) Savannah Spann, (Elementary) Danelle Holder, and (Middle School) Anney-Kate Araneo. Way to go, ladies!
Submitted by Kalli McMillan
Congratulations to Mr. Todd Drake on being recommended by Superintendent A. Russell Hughes and approved by the Walton County School Board on April 3, 2018 as the new principal at Emerald Coast Middle School!
Mr. Drake is originally from Snellville, Georgia. He is a graduate of South Gwinnett High School and brings with him three years of banking experience and 13 years of educational experience. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Augusta University. He has a Master's of Mass Communications in Advertising and a Specialist in Educational Leadership from the University of Georgia. He is certified in the fields of Special Education General Curriculum (P-12), Special Education Content Areas Math, Science, Language Arts and Social Studies (P-8) and Educational Leadership (P-12).
