The PE department at Walton Middle School proudly supports Superintendent A. Russell Hughes' EPIC3 vision of building curriculum, culture, and character each and every day.  This year, Coaches Cindy Jackson, Liz Nelson, Mike Davis, and Ryan Gilbert are striving to integrate character education into their physical education curriculum.  In their department's professional learning community (PLC) this year, they are exploring dynamic ideas for addressing the National Physical Education Standard 4, which states, "The physically literate individual exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others."  Through this aspect of their curriculum, the PE coaches are also addressing the WCSD initiative of building character, making a deliberate effort to develop values that are not only good for the individual but also for society.

On Monday, October 7th, Superintendent A. Russell Hughes and Principal Jason Campbell graciously offered their time to speak to sixth grade PE students about the value of demonstrating positive character traits.  In PE so far this year, students have delved into the importance of compassion and persistence.  The PE coaches have also encouraged students to nominate teachers who exhibit these qualities, presenting them with certificates for their positive traits.

The Warrior Way mirrors the EPIC3 spirit, as curriculum, culture, and character are paramount this school year, growing each day in the hearts, minds, and lives of WMS students and teachers.

Cover picture--Superintendent A. Russell Hughes, standing alongside Principal Jason Campbell, graciously offered his time to speak to first period sixth grade PE students about the importance of character.

Principal Jason Campbell was honored to speak to second and third period sixth grade PE students about the value of positive character traits.

Sixth grader Cooper Poole nominated his math teacher Mrs. Alred for showing persistence, while sixth grader Eyon Rafuse nominated his art teacher Ms. Grant.

Our little explorers at Bay School are learning all about community helpers! Today, October 8, members of the South Walton Fire Department came to teach us all about fire safety!!!! Thank you!!! We LOVE our community helpers!!!

If you thought Iron Man’s flight was just for sci-fi, you’ll want to check out the guest speaker at Paxton School last week from UK based company Gravity, where they have developed a jet suit that literally allows mankind to fly. Yes, you read that right.

Sam Rogers, a pilot for Gravity, showed a group of 8^th grade science students the groundbreaking technology via teleconference from across the pond last week. The jet suit includes jets on each arm and one larger jet on the back that allows the suit to travel up to 70 miles per hour. Students were treated to a tour of the design workshop at Gravity headquarters where Rogers emphasized the role that the engineering design process has played in the different iterations of the jet suit as the team has repeatedly re-designed and retested the suit to improve performance.

After showing students how many parts of the jet suit are created through 3D printing, including arm mounts and the electronic housing, Rogers, who is an additive design lead at Gravity, encouraged students to try their hand at engineering their own ideas through 3D printing. “I encourage you to really try out 3D printing,” he said. “You can design anything you want, test it, and iterate it until you get what you want.”

A huge thank you to Rogers and Gravity for sharing this phenomenal technology and inspiring our students do EPIC things!