Mrs Perk’s First Grade class hid kindess rocks on the playground for other students to discover.  Found rocks may kept or students can pay forward the kindness to others.  Thank you Mrs Perk for sharing kindness with our students!

Submitted by Keitha Bledsoe

West DeFuniak Elementary is thrilled to spotlight our Educational Support Person of the Year - Tyler Hudson and our Teacher of the Year - Mrs. Emily Dickey.  Tyler has worked as a custodian at WDE for 2 1/2 years.  Tyler enjoys coming to work. When you pass him in the hallway, he always has a smile and a kind word to say.  He enjoys the people he works with and seeing the kids every day.  He says, "Well, I'm just a kid a heart."  Tyler's love for his job is evident.  We are glad to have him as part of our team.  Mrs. Dickey has been teaching for 9 years.  She taught Kindergarten for 6 years before coming to WDE three years ago where she now teaches 2nd grade.  Mrs. Dickey loves making the children feel at home in her classroom.  Building community is a key part of her classroom environment.  "I want the students to know that learning can be fun," Mrs. Dickey said.  She teaches her students mutual respect between students, teachers, and anyone else they come in contact with outside her class.  Stop by Mrs. Dickey's room and you'll probably find music playing.  Whether it is used as a timer or to help students with creating a song to help with Math, music fosters that love for learning.  WDE is excited to have such wonderful staff members at our school.  Congratulations to you both!!  Submitted by Jessica Dawkins.

Congratulations to Van R. Butler Elementary School Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Kelly Young, and Educational Support Person of the Year, Mr. Nick Whitehurst.  Submitted by Tammy Smith.