COVID Update March 4, 2022

In the spirit of transparency, the Walton County School District (WCSD) will continue to update our stakeholders with COVID-19 data for the 2021-2022 school year. 

Last week the state announced a change pertaining to COVID-19 guidance affecting schools. In summary, the updated guidance recommends schools allow students who test positive for COVID-19 to return after only five (5) days, if they are fever-free for twenty-four (24) hours, without the need for additional testing. The recommendation also included for allowing those who do not test positive or develop symptoms to forego quarantine entirely.

Walton County School District will implement these recommendations beginning Monday, March 7^th. Schools and parents/guardians commit to share responsibility of monitoring symptoms as needed to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Walton County School District COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies for the 2021-2022 School Year

1. If a person is sick (students, teachers, staff, and visitors), they should stay home.

2. Hand sanitizer is available at various areas inside the school.
3. Cleaning and disinfecting school facilities/buses which are occupied by students will be completed daily.
4. Adequate mitigation supplies are on hand at all schools/facilities (hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, etc.).
5. COVID-19 contact tracing is occurring in all schools/facilities.

Visitors are currently allowed at school during the school day.

*Please keep in mind that although COVID positive cases may represent a student or staff member within the WCSD, it does not necessarily indicate that the virus originated within the WCSD.  It is also important to note that a portion of the positive cases involve individuals who may have never entered the school setting while sick due to proper quarantining. 

The School Board honored the middle and high school students who represented the Walton County School District at All-State in January. Thomas Cook (Emerald Coast Middle School), a 7^th grade trumpet player, earned first chair in the All-State Middle School Band. Josue Mendoza-Torres (Freeport High School), an 11th grade tuba player, earned second chair in the All-State High School Honor Band. Riley Hughson (Paxton School), a senior flute player, earned first chair in the All-State High School Honor Band. Noah Stayer (Walton Middle School), Emma Hudson (Walton Middle School), and Kinsley Craig (Walton Middle School) were selected to perform in the All-State Middle School Mixed Chorus. Anna Graham (Walton High School) and Dulce Lara (Walton High School) were selected to participate in the Florida Music Educators Student Leadership Experience.

Thank you to all of these students for representing the Walton County School District so well!

MSE's 2nd and 3rd grade Lego teams had a blast at their FIRST Lego League Explore competition. Both teams received the Team poster trophy displaying their journey throughout the year as they completed the Cargo Connect challenge. Students researched the many ways cargo is transported all over the world, then created innovative models using Legos of cargo transporting machines, such as conveyor belt, trucks, cargo ships and many others. The team used the WeDo 2.0 computer program to program the cargo sorter. They represented MSE very well, as they nervously explained all of this to the judges. The teams received medals for participating in the a new FIRST Lego League Explore challenge piloted at the Doolittle Institute. They will continue the challenge throughout the rest of the year as they add sensors and more motors to their project. We are very proud of our Lego teams!

Max Brewster, Isaac Brinson, and Nicholas Lee, SWHS students are getting ready to go on the mat in Kissimmee, Florida to also compete for a Sate Championship in Wrestling.  Congratulations to Coach Nick and Coach Laxton for helping our student athletes compete at the highest level.  Of course, our Superintendent made his way to see our children.  Did you hear us say “The Whole Child”!!!!! EPIC4wRd!!!!!