Van R Butler Elementary School participated in "Every Kid Healthy Week" April 24-28,  by doing Zumba during physical education classes!  Submitted by Chelsey Jewell/Tammy Smith.

Jared Heady, 8^th grade student at Walton Middle School, won a special award at the 62^nd Annual State Science and Engineering Fair on March 28-30, 2017 in Lakeland, Florida. Jared won the Pasco Regional Science and Engineering Fair Special Award for Earth and Environmental Sciences. Project Title: "Invasive Plants vs. Oil Spills.” In December, Jared won 1^st place in the Junior Environmental Category at the Walton County School District Science Fair and he also placed in the Regional Science and Engineering Fair in February. Congratulations! Submitted by Crystal Appel.

Walton Middle School Students Named National Finalists in the Bright Schools Competition

Team Warriors is One of 50 National Finalists in Innovative STEM Competition for Students in Grades 6-8

DeFuniak Springs, FL. April 18, 2017— Ethan Mckee, Larissa Singletary, Atterol Walters, and Chloe Wilder along with teacher Greer Harvell, of Walton Middle School in Defuniak Springs, Florida have been named national finalists in the 2^nd annual Bright Schools Competition™. The competition is a collaborative effort of the National Sleep Foundation and the National Science Teachers Association that encourages students in grades 6-8 to explore the correlation between light and sleep and how it influences student health and performance. Team Warrior is one of 50 national finalist teams, chosen among 150 teams, made up of nearly 500 students from 53 schools. In early May, first-, second- and third-place national winning teams will be announced. The complete list of the national finalists can be found at http://brightschoolscompetition.org/.

Team Warrior’s winning project, entitled “Lace Case,” proposed a uniquely manufactured phone case that would block the emittance of blue light. The materials to be used were specifically selected as they have been determined to be hypoallergenic, alleviating a potential problem for those who are allergic to latex. The phone case would include an amber tinted screen protector. Studies have shown that those who wear amber glasses for three hours before bedtime reported increased sleep quality and an enhanced overall mood.  The team theorized that the same concept could be applied through the use of an interchangeable screen for smart phones.

“The National Sleep Foundation would like to congratulate the finalists on their innovative projects. The Bright Schools Competition™ has shined a light on the importance of sleep and overall health, and we’re encouraged to see so many students interested in how light directly affects their sleep and academic performance” said David Cloud, CEO of the National Sleep Foundation. Submitted by Greer harvell/Kristen Rhodes.

Teachers give us so much. A boost of confidence when we really need one. Extra help when we’re having trouble. A welcoming presence when everything else seems out of control. And though we know we can’t ever thank them enough, we can take a moment during Teacher Appreciation Week to share our appreciation for the special educators in our lives.

Please join Superintendent Hughes and all the District Administration and staff in thanking the amazing teachers of the Walton County School District this week, May 1-5, as we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week.  Submitted by Keitha Bledsoe.