Mrs. Kathleen Redfern from Mossy Head School was recognized by the Air Force Association, Hurlburt Chapter 398 as Elementary School Teacher of the Year and Hurlburt Chapter 398 Overall Teacher of the Year. Congratulations Mrs. Redfern! Submitted by Elizabeth Gaither.
Ms. Britton's 5th grade Social Studies classes at Emerald Coast Middle School just finished this school year with a God Bless America project that culminated with a day of celebration. The students got to select a 'kernel' of America's history - a famous event, person, or place, complete research, and create a poster board representing that piece of America. They also presented their project to their classmates. Outside speakers were invited to share their love of America as well. Speakers included: Seaman Ballard - representing the United States Coast Guard, Ms. Jennifer Wickham and Ms. Daquiri Champion-representing the Daughters of the American Revolution, Col.(R) Michael Lamb and wife, Patti Lamb-representing 26 years of service in the Air Force in moral welfare and recreation, Specialist Bryce Whetzel - representing U.S. Army, and Mr. Stanley Peacock-attorney and counselor of law-representing Kiwanis club.
It was a day of tears and joy and laughter and fun. Speakers and students were in tears at times as we heard amazing stories of courage and dedication and pride of country. All students recited the Preamble to the Constitution, wrote with quill pens and ink, and were given a book with the Constitution, and Declaration of Independence to keep forever, compliments of the Daughters of the american Revolution,.
A new club is starting at ECMS called the Patriot Club. It will meet every Monday starting with the next school year and will be about promoting love of country and encouraging students to be great citizens. We would love anyone interested to join us (grades 5-8). Parents may contact Nancy Britton, club sponsor. with suggestions and ideas at [email protected] or call 850-737-1850.
Submitted by Nancy Britton
WHS Braves TV Class Tours WJHG Studio
May 18, 2018
Walton High School's TV production class toured the WJHG studio in Panama City Beach on Thursday, May 18. Students learned what goes on behind the scenes and met many experienced staff members that detailed what goes into a professional news broadcast. They even got a chance to view part of their live 11:00 show.
Thank you to everyone at WJHG for making this an unforgettable experience for our students! Submitted by Christy English
The Longleaf Writers Conference, formally the Seaside Writers Conference, has been in existence for 5 years. With direct support from the Cultural Artist Alliance of Walton County, The Longleaf Writers Conference has utilized, “Writers in the Classroom” as a distinct means for student outreach. National and International writing scholars come to participate in the conference and during their time they also work directly with students.
During this 5 year outreach The Longleaf Writers Conference has worked with over 500 students; including the following schools: Seacoast Collegiate High School, Seaside Neighborhood School, South Walton High School, Freeport High School and Walton High School. Walton county students are able to work in with the scholars in small group workshop sessions learning about writing craft, learning new techniques of writing expression and creating original works.
Submitted by Jonathan D'Avignon
WDE Kindergarteners Are Now Published Authors
May 17, 2018
The students in Mrs. Kristin Peak’s Kindergarten class at WDE are now published authors! They learned about the entire publishing process through Studentreasures Publishing. They brainstormed ideas, edited their writings, and followed a writing checklist. They were even able to watch how their book was made online. They are proud authors! Submitted by Jessica Dawkins.
Message from Superintendent Hughes
May 17, 2018
WHS Spanish Students Prepare Authentic Mexican Meal
May 17, 2018
Walton High School's Spanish II students recently enjoyed learning how to make authentic Mexican tacos with hand-made tortillas, guacamole, and pico de gallo. The students learned a lot and ended the activity with an awesome meal! Submitted by Christy English.
Emerald Coast Stingrays Represent at Biophilia
May 16, 2018
Mrs. Borthwick’s Algebra 1 students at ECMS presented their Barn/Barred owl boxes to Biophilia. Students had 6 weeks to research, design, & build their boxes using mathematical computations to vertically align with Geometry standards for next year.
When you visit Biophilia you can see all the Barn/Barrred owl boxes in their natural habitat.
South Walton High School celebrated their long-awaited new 10 classroom addition with a ground-breaking ceremony on Tuesday, May 15, 2018!
The ceremony began with performances by an ensemble from the South Walton High School band, and the SWHS Cheerleaders. The National Anthem was performed by senior Logan Lawrence, followed by the leading of the Pledge of Allegiance by Greg Garrett, SGA President
SWHS Principal Dr. Alexis Tibbetts stated that the addition would serve to accomodate the incredible growth both in student enrollment, and in course offerings. Dr. Tibbetts thanked the Walton County School Board members, Superintendent Hughes and Mark Gardner for their diligence, support and patience during the long, and sometimes tenuous journey that led to the actual berginning of the construction project. Mark Gardner, WCSD Facilities Director, stated that there were some definite legislative obstacles getting approval of the project, and thanked his staff, Superintendent Hughes, and the School Board members for their determination and committment. Mr. Gardner indicated that December 23, 2018 is the expected target date for completion.
"Today will be the start of a brand new chapter for this campus...At the end of the day, we are all a united, growing and developing South Walton family" stated Sophomore Class President Pablo Robles as he addressed the attendees.
Other guest speakers included: Sydney Balfanz, SWHS STEM student; Mrs. Mary Bess Wilson, community representative; David Vencent, JRA Architects; Chris Sumner, Culpepper Construction, and Superintendent A. Russell Hughes.
Paxton Students Create Real Life Solutions!
May 15, 2018
Seventh grade critical thinking students at Paxton worked with local business owners to create a custom soap mold for an upscale bed and breakfast. Watch the video to see a snapshot of how they used the engineering design process and 3D printing to bring their creation to life! Special thanks to Dave Palmer of the Florida Farmer’s Market and Ann Shanklin of The Lake House for allowing these students to assist in this real world project.
Submitted by Heather Stewart