COVID-19 Update 3/14/2020

Just an update to let you know we are continuing to think about our children. Even during this confusing time, our students are at the forefront of our mind. 

The Walton County School District is currently developing a plan to help feed students the week of March 23-27, our state mandated school closure.  We know families and  employees expected to be out March 16-20 for Spring Break and may be traveling safely to visit family and friends as anticipated. Therefore, we believe our students are in good hands with families this coming week. 

However,  beginning the week of March 23-27, the WCSD is working on a plan for food distribution and service because as always we are committed to the health and safety of our students. Superintendent A. Russell Hughes states, "We do not want any Walton County Student to go without food."

On Monday, March 23, the WCSD will provide one meal for students, lunch, and starting Tuesday, March 24 through Friday, March 27, the WCSD will provide two meals a day, breakfast and lunch.  Time and locations are being determined, we will release more detailed information as soon as plans have been solidified.

We want to thank all of our partners in this endeavor. Robert Martin and Our Food Service Department  is currently collaborating with the Florida Department of Agriculture,  FLDOE, Food for Thought, local businesses, and more. 

Thank you,  Please continue to stay healthy and safe.

Based on the most current information from the Florida Department of Health (http://www.floridahealth.gov/) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html), we would like to provide an update regarding COVID-19, Spring Break, and travel.

Any Walton County School District student or employee traveling to a Level 3 destination (see CDC website for list of destinations) would need to self-isolate and socially distance themselves for 14 days after returning to the United States.  In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and for the protection of our students and community, we would like to define our current understanding of self-isolation and social distancing.  For students, this would include staying home, contacting school administration for information on missing school assignments and/or testing, and providing documentation to the school in adherence to the Walton County School Board attendance policy.  For employees, this would include staying home, contacting school administration regarding your absence, and completing leave forms in adherence to policies set forth by the Walton County School Board.

According to the CDC, travelers are recommended to defer all Level 2 and cruise ship travel worldwide.  CDC guidelines report, “If you were on a cruise in the past 14 days, monitor your health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning to the United States.  If a case of COVID-19 was reported on your ship during the cruise, stay home during these 14 days and practice social distancing.”  As always, if you are symptomatic, immediately contact a health care provider or the Florida hotline at 1-866-779-6121.

The Walton County School District will continue with the school calendar as planned which includes school through this Thursday, March 12, 2020 and also students returning to school after Spring Break on Monday, March 23, 2020.  We want to maintain the great educational momentum we have, and we are committed to continue this momentum for our students, families, and stakeholders.  This remains our priority outside of safety when it comes to student success. 

As we continue to focus on prevention, we are talking with students about best health practices, including washing hands; covering coughs and sneezes; keeping hands away from eyes, nose, and mouth; and staying home when sick.  Each individual school has increased sanitation practices, and the district has increased our sanitation supplies in an effort to be as prepared as possible.  The district is also bringing in additional staff on Friday as students begin their previously scheduled Spring Break to conduct a deep clean of every public school in our district.       

We recognize the overabundance of caution; however, we want to follow the recommended guidelines of our health experts and achieve our number one priority which is the health and safety of our students and employees.  Superintendent A. Russell Hughes and staff are meeting regularly and combing through information as it is released by local, state, and national agencies which is changing daily based on the development of COVID-19.  We will do our best to continue to update you, and we appreciate your support and understanding.

Kindergarten Registration

will be held

Monday-Friday, March 2nd - March 1 3th

from 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

at all Walton County elementary schools for any child who will be five (5)

on or before September 1, 2020.

Before entering school in August, each child must have a physical examination and up-to date immunizations.

DOH 680 - Florida Certification of Immunization (blue card)

School of choice is dependent upon enrollment capacity.

Please check with your school of choice for details.