District News

Superintendent Hughes Addresses Community Members at the Chamber's First Friday Breakfast

July 10, 2017

Superintendent A. Russell Hughes gave Chamber of Commerce members and attendees of the First Friday Breakfast on July 7, 2017, his State of Education Address for Walton County.  This included his vision of the Walton County Way which is being EPIC by providing Excellence in education, being Professional, Innovative and Collaborative within our schools and the community as a whole.  Submitted by Kelley Stephenson/Donna Honish.

Paxton Receives Generous Donation from St. Joe Foundation!

July 5, 2017

Paxton High School sends out a huge thank you to The St. Joe Community Foundation for their donation of $20,000 to support the school's aerospace program! Pictured, from left, is PHS Principal Cindy Neale, Aerospace Instructor Heather Stewart, and St. Joe Community Foundation Executive Director Janet Greeno.

Submitted by Heather Stewart

ECMS Wins 3rd Place in Jr. Beta Club Quiz Bowl!

July 5, 2017

Congratulations to the ECMS Jr. Beta Club Quiz Bowl Team for their 3rd place finish in the Quiz Bowl at the National Jr. Beta Club Convention!!! The ECMS Quiz Bowl Team not only made it to the oral rounds from a field of 25 teams at the national level but won the quarterfinal as well. Unfortunately, they fell in a tight race for first. They won the consolation round and received the bronze medal in the national competition!!! Quiz Bowl Team Members are Eric Plunk, Luke Messer, Sophia Bock and Lily Jamison.  Also pictured is Lily Gibson who qualified at State to enter her acrylic artwork in the competition at the National Convention, and it showed well! We are extremely proud of our ECMS Jr. Beta Club Members!!!

Submitted by Candy Bodie

WCSD Students Participate in STEM Challenge During the Summer!

July 5, 2017

Students from across Walton County School District participated in the Unmanned Aerial Systems STEM Challenge this summer sponsored by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Participants learned to code utilizing terrestrial robots, pilot mini aerial systems to carry out real-world style missions, and even pilot larger aerial systems through an obstacle course. The three-day challenge accentuated skill acquisition and an introduction to unmanned aerial systems careers, plus was infused with an emphasis on teamwork and communication skills as students worked with their counterparts from Holmes County School District. The challenge was coordinated by Panhandle Area Educational Consortium.  

 Submitted by Heather Stewart

WDE Summer Bridge Egg Drop Challenge!

June 29, 2017

Students attending the Summer Bridge Program at West Defuniak Elementary have been having a great time participating in STEM Projects this summer.  For their last challenge, students got to participate in the egg drop challenge.  They had to create a container that would protect their egg from breaking when dropped.  All of these students were successful!

 Submitted by Darlene Paul

18 Graduate in ECTC Practical Nursing Program Pinning Ceremony

June 28, 2017

18 students in the Practical Nursing program at Emerald Coast Technical College graduated and were honored at a Pinning Ceremony last night at Walton High School!  This program is designed to prepare students for employment as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN's). The content includes, but is not limited to, theoretical instruction and clinical experience in acute care, long term care and community settings; theoretical instruction and clinical application of vocational role and function;  personal, family, and community health concepts; nutrition; human growth and development over the life span; body structure and function; interpersonal relationship skills, mental health concepts; pharmacology and administration of medications; legal aspects of practice; and current issues in nursing.

These students worked hard for their certification, and the WCSD is extremely proud of them, and of this outstanding program!  Congratulations to all! 

Submitted by Charlie Morse

Cover photo sent by Trecia Meadows

Pictured: Charlie Morse, ECTC Principal; Bill Eddins, School Board Member; Marsha Winegarner, School Board Member; Dr. Jennifer Hawthorne, Specialist of School Leadership and Development, WCSD.  

"Aloha" Reading Campers at MSE

June 27, 2017

The 2017 Summer Reading Camp held at MSE is off to a great start. The 18 Reading campers will be attending from June 14-July 24 from 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.. The camp will include portfolio assessing, phonics practice, reading strategy reviews, small group instruction, and goal driven remediation activities.

The teachers and campers are looking forward to a summer filled with success!

Submitted by Brianna Leavins

WDE Summer Bridge Students Enjoy STEM Projects

June 27, 2017

WDE students attending the Summer Bridge Program have enjoyed participating in the STEM projects each week. Those  in Mrs. McLaney’s class have been reading a book titled “Trouble River”.  Students learned new vocabulary words such asraft, buoyant, balance, and arift. As a culminating STEM activity, students built a raft using apples and toothpicks.  They were able to test out the raft to make sure it would float and make adjustments as needed.

Submitted by Darlene Paul

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