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

ECET² stands for Elevating and Celebrating Effective Teaching and Teachers. It was born out of a desire to provide a forum for exceptional teachers to learn from one another and to celebrate the teaching profession.

ECET² seeks to realize a teacher’s potential by ensuring each convening aligns with its six key beliefs:

1. Nurturing trust among teachers
2. Focusing on each teacher’s potential for growth
3. Inspiring both the intellect and the passion that drives teachers in their work
4. Providing time for collaboration and learning
5. Putting teachers in the lead
6. Recognizing teachers as talented professionals

Maude Saunders Elementary teachers and principal are attending the ECET2 Conference in Orlando this week. Pictured are Pamela Lathinghouse, Erin Ray, Pam Jones, Michelle Hebert, and Teresa Lowrey. 

Submitted by Pam Jones/Pamela Lathinghouse.

The Freeport-South Walton Kiwanis club recently made a very generous donation to support the 5th grade students of Walton County in their attendance at the annual 5th grade Symphony Concert presented by the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra.  For 30 years, the NFSO has provided free annual concerts at the Mattie Kelly Fine Arts Auditorium for Okaloosa & Walton county students with specialized youth oriented programming & teacher's curriculum. In addition, the NWF State College Fine Arts Division sponsors a popular "Picture the Music" art contest in conjunction with the annual theme of the NFSO 5^th Graders concerts.  Cash prizes are awarded to winners and all artwork is displayed in the lobby of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center mainstage theater.

The Freeport- South Walton Kiwanis Club has graciously sponsored the students in this annual event for a number of years.  As a result of their sponsorship, over 800 Walton County School District students were impacted by the presentation this year!

Mr. Bryan Gilbert, Freeport-South Walton Kiwanis President, was at the June 20th WCSD School Board meeting to make the presentation, joined by club members Barbara Wheeler, Bill Whitney, Bill Fletcher, and Wanda and Jim Pitts. 

Also present was the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra Conductor, Maestro Jeffrey Rink!  Thanks to Maestro Rink and his amazing orchestra and team members for making the music and the magic happen! 

The WCSD is exceedingly appreciative and grateful to Kiwanis for their support in this event, and for all the activities they sponsor in support of the students in this county!   

submitted by Keitha Bledsoe