Submitted by Pam Leavins, West DeFuniak Elementary School

WDE 5^th graders participated in a reading strategy called “Table Top Twitter.”  Students were able to read an excerpt form a passage with their group members and then “Tweet” their thoughts about what they read.  Students were able to read each other’s comments and respond back to each other.  Table Top Twitter is a great strategy for getting all students to interact with text and gives them a chance to share their thoughts about reading with each other.

Submitted by Angela Vance, Emerald Coast Middle School

Emerald Coast Middle School students and PSA contest finalists Reese Branton and Alyssa Sutton are a singing duo, better known as “Storm Singers”.  The Florida Division of Emergency Management selected the singers as 1st Place Winners in the 2016 Severe Weather Awareness Week Video PSA contest for middle school students. 

Reese Branton and Alyssa Sutton created a song with unique lyrics and rhythm highlighting information on tornado safety for their PSA.  The duo filmed the PSA in their Media Class at ECMS, taught by Ms. Angela Vance.  The PSA titled, “Storm Singers” is posted on Kids Get a Plan Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/KidsGetAPlan.  The students will receive prizes and perhaps an opportunity to participate in media/promotional events or ceremonies and interviews.  The winning video will be professionally re-produced and used by the Division in the statewide public awareness campaign. 

Submitted by Angela Vance, Emerald Coast Middle School

Congratulations to Mrs. Pacheco’s 5th period class who are winners once again! They competed in and won Achieve3000’s “Read to Succeed 2” contest that took place between February 22 and March 18.  If you recall, 5^th period also won Achieve3000’s fall contest.

Students worked hard by reading nonfiction articles and answering questions. Each time a student scored 75% or higher they earned points for their class. Fifth period earned more points than any other class at ECMS.  Acheive3000 awarded the class with a gift card to spend towards a party. Way to go 5th period!

Pictured: Back Row: Connor Campbell, Makenna Gailey, Isabella Blasbichler, Bennett Edson, Mitchael Hall, and Sam Vermillion.  Front Row: Cinthia Castandeda, David Gonzalez, Darius McIntosh, Kaylee Michua (not pictured: Emmanuel Angeles, Sherry Lin, Mayra Lopez, and Cooper Richards)

Submitted by Barbara Stratton, South Walton High School

Jielle Paul and the entire SWHS student body congratulated Jadorian Paul for being admitted to MIT next year. Jadorian has been offered $61,000 per year in scholarships to attend this prestigious university.