District News

"It was many and many a year ago, / In a kingdom by the sea, / That a maiden there lived whom you may know / By the name of ANNABEL LEE." ~ "Annabel Lee" by Edgar Allen Poe

It was not many and many a year ago (just Halloween 2019), in a classroom at Walton Middle School, that two teachers there taught whom you may know, by the names of Mr. Brendon Murphy and Mrs. Rachel Jones.

It is no secret that middle school students over-indulge in sugary treats and are overly excited the day of Halloween. Knowing this, sixth grade ELA teachers Mrs. Jones and Mr. Murphy decided to creatively join forces, designing and co-teaching a close and careful reading of the complex text "Annabel Lee" by Edgar Allen Poe--the perfect poem for October 31st. The teachers combined classes in Mrs. Jones' room and took turns guiding students' understanding of the poem's theme with text dependent questions and tasks. The teachers even incorporated whole brain teaching techniques to help students understand internal and external conflicts operating in the poem. Though the room was full, students worked hard to understand the mystical, somber poem's key ideas and details and the author's craft and structure through his use of repetition and rhyme.

Clearly, Mrs. Jones and Mr. Murphy love their profession with "a love that was more than love," to quote Poe. Working together, the teachers and their students all exhibited WMS' "we, not me" spirit in this creative and engaging lesson.

WMS Poe WMS Poe WMS Poe

Students, families, and staff celebrated Fall during Mossy Head School's twelfth annual Fall Fling. Everyone enjoyed games, contests, raffles, face painting, food, and each other during this special event.

Fourth graders at West DeFuniak Elementary have been learning about properties of matter. Through inquiry and observation, they learned that not all liquids have the same density. They did this by creating density towers using different types of everyday liquids. After understanding that different liquids have different densities, they used this knowledge to test the density of many everyday objects.

Forty-four Walton Middle School students earned the opportunity to spend Friday afternoon, October 25th, celebrating with their friends. Over the summer, these students took vacations for their minds by completing the school's reading challenge. While not in school, these students each read at least three books (two fiction and one non-fiction) and completed a reading record for each. Once slightly cooler temperatures set in, the school rewarded these readers with an outdoor celebration with pizza, drinks, cookies, and fun. Each student also received a $10 gift certificate to the upcoming Scholastic book fair. For WMS students, a summer commitment to learning continues to pay off throughout the year.

WMS Fall Reading

WMS Fall REading

Second grade students at West DeFuniak Elementary were invited to visit the DeFuniak Springs Airport on October 25th for “Popcorn with Pilots”. Local pilots showcased several aircrafts and educated students on the airport. Students loved exploring the airplanes, getting a popcorn snack, and departing with a goody bag!

Popcorn with Pilots

Mossy Head School Pre-K took a field trip to the Rocking B-A-B Ranch where they got to spend a beautiful fall day. touring the ranch and learning about the different animals that live there and how the ranch takes care of the animals. Students got to feed camels, horses, and donkeys. They also got to take a trip to the pumpkin patch, ride on the ranch train, and take a hay ride.

MHS PK BAB

Justice Davis and Ady Smith from Mrs. Donna Timmons’ Kindergarten Class at West DeFuniak Elementary School are shown exploring their pumpkins. The class counted the lines on the pumpkin, measured the pumpkin with linking cubes to see how tall it was and then discovered that pumpkins can float! The class will also cut into the pumpkins to see what is inside and then carve Jack-O-Lanterns as we continue our study of pumpkins.

Wise Pre-K

WDE first graders had a great field trip to the Public Works Department in DeFuniak today! Students were able to learn about all of the different equipment used, and received their own work vest and hard hat. We finished off our day by enjoying a great picnic lunch at the park.

WDE 1st Grade at Public Works

A great big thank you to the City of DeFuniak Springs Public Works Department for allowing the Pre-K students at the WISE Center to come for a visit. There was so much to see and learn and the students had a wonderful time learning about Public Works and the people that help our city run properly.