Cat in the Hat Visits FES During Dr. Seuss Week
February 28, 2018
Retired educator, Greg Douglass, visited FES as the "Cat in the Hat" and read to kindergarten and first grade students during Dr. Seuss week. Submitted by Nancy Currie.
Maude Saunders raises $803.78 for Change for Children
February 27, 2018
Maude Saunders students donated their spare change to the district-wide “Change for Children” campaign, which benefits Children in Crisis. The TOTS challenged students to bring in spare change and rewarded the class with the most with a Pizza Party. In addition, the class that brought in the most quarters made their teacher the “Quarter Queen”. This year’s Quarter Queen was Ms. Lindsey Miller, and her third graders enjoyed treating her like a queen for the entire day. Submitted by Krisy Spence.
WHS Raises $1223.70 For "Change For Children"
February 27, 2018
We are thrilled to announce that Walton High raised $1,223.70 for "Change for Children" last week! We would like to thank everyone that donated to this worthy charity that is committed to establishing hope and providing a home for the abused, neglected, and abandoned children in our community. Submitted by Christy English.
WCSD ECET2 Conference
February 27, 2018
On Saturday, February 24, 2018, over 100 Walton County teachers, administrators, and district personnel gathered at the Sandestin Hilton Conference Center for the ECET2 (Elevating and Celebrating Effective Teachers and Teaching) Conference hosted by the WCSD Curriculum and Instruction Department. Participants experienced guest speakers, colleague circles, and breakout sessions focused on closing the achievement gap and building teacher leadership. It was an E.P.I.C. day filled with collaboration, growth and celebration! Additional photos may be found on Twitter #wcsdecet22018 Submitted by Kristy Grey.
Paxton Ladycats Make it to the Final Four
February 27, 2018
Team Pictured as follows: (Back Row - L to R) - Laurie Gilbert (Assistant Coach), Samantha Martin (Assistant Coach), Sadie Varnum, Caylor Dixon, Ashlyn Hall, Kenna Jordan, Michaela Cain, Andrew Norris (Head Coach), and Kim Corbett (Assistant Coach). (Middle Row - L to R) - Hydie Varnum (Manager), Clara Martin (Manager), Mya Young, Genesis Long, Maddie Varnum, Megan Davis, and Kaley Norris (Manager). (Front Row - L to R) - Hailee Bryan, Jordyn Bradley, Camryn Brazile, Cassie Varnum, Cadence Perez, and Paiyton Perry.
After their victory over Holmes County, the Ladycats headed to Lakeland, FL for the FHSAA State Championship. The girls were sent off by a crowd of fans on Saturday, some of which would be following along on the trip. On Monday, Paxton students crowded into classrooms, the auditorium, and cafeteria to watch the girls play against the Port St. Joe Sharks. Paxton fans watched as the Ladycats put forth an EPIC and valiant effort against their opposing team. Although the Ladycats did not take the win, all Paxton fans are proud of their strength and determination. It was an honor for us all to see them work so hard to make it so far. Congratulations, Coach Norris and the Ladycats, for making it to the Final Four. Your Paxton family is waiting to greet you with open arms. We commend you for never giving up and exemplifying PRIDE, PASSION, and PURPOSE throughout your season. To the senior Ladycats, thank you for giving your all throughout your basketball career. We will miss you. Way to go, Ladycats! Submitted by Kalli McMillan.
WHS Softball Team Receives $10,000 Grant From St. Joe Foundation
February 26, 2018
We are super excited to announce that Walton High School's softball team was recently awarded a $10,000 grant from the St. Joe Community Foundation! The team will use the funds to purchase much-needed equipment to help improve the softball facilities. Grant funds will also be utilized to help fund the addition of a JV softball program in the 2018-2019 school year.
Accepting the donation are WHS Principal Janet Currid; Assistant Principal Chris Brown; Head Coach Shelby Truett; Assistant Coach Ron Earley; and Walton High's softball players. The Executive Director of the St. Joe Community Foundation, Janet Piepul, presented the check.
We want to extend our most sincere "THANK YOU" to St. Joe for their gracious support! Submitted by Christy English.
“Hearts for the Arts” Title 1 Parent Training Night at WMS
February 23, 2018
On Thursday, February 22, Walton Middle School hosted “Hearts for the Arts,” which proved itself to be yet another successful Title 1 Parent Training Night. After having dinner, parents and students had the opportunity to learn about art and literacy together. In one station, participants went on a “HeART Walk” scavenger hunt, searching for elements of art in WMS’ student art gallery. In yet another activity, students and parents sampled literary delicacies (books eligible for the Dave and Buster’s Reading Challenge), served by apron-clad teacher waitresses in the Warrior Cafe. And finally, guests had the opportunity to learn how WMS’ own published student author, McCaid Paul, “turned thoughts into words.” WMS thanks its parents, students, teachers, and staff for their commitment to instilling a love of the arts and literacy. Submitted by Kristen Nelson.
Logan, The READ dog, spends time with students at the FES Book Fair
February 23, 2018
Submitted by Nancy Currie.
FES Held EPIC Family Science Night
February 21, 2018
Over 250 parents and students attended the night and enjoyed science stations and a mobile planetarium provided by the Emerald Coast Science Center. Parents could also visit and shop at the school Book Fair!
Submitted by Nancy Currie
Florida School Board Association Recognizes Walton County School Board for Specialized Training
February 21, 2018
Tina Pinkoson, Director of Leadership Service for FSBA, presented the Walton County School Board and the Superintendent a plaque recognizing them for their successful completion of the Master Board Training. The Board and Superintendent Hughes took 22 hours of training together designed to help them learn how to communicate effectively, to learn each others strengths and values so that when they make decisions they understand how those decisions are developed. The training emphasizes how to work together effectively as a team so they can positively impact student achievement in Walton County.
(from left to right) School Board Member Jason Catalano, School Board Chairperson Kim Kirby, School Board Member Bill Eddins, School Board Member Marsha Winegarner, Superintendent A. Russell Hughes
In addition, Mrs. Kirby, School Board Chairman, has participated in a Professional Development Program at the Florida School Board’s Association, completing 96 hours of voluntary training, and was recognized by Ms. Pinkoson as a Certified Board Member (CBM) with a special plaque. WCSD appreciates the dedication and committment exhibited by Mrs. Kirby in her willingness to volunteer her time for this training!
Tina Pinkoson(left), Director of Leadership Services for FSBA, and School Board Member Gail Smith (right).
Submitted by Laura Smith