Students in Mrs. Ellis’ Second Grade Class at West DeFuniak Elementary demonstrate the molecules in a solid, liquid, and a gas.

COVID Update October 8, 2021

In the spirit of transparency, the Walton County School District (WCSD) will continue to update our stakeholders with COVID-19 data for the 2021-2022 school year. 

We look forward to a time where these numbers read 0%, likewise is our wish for our county, state, and country. We are glad that we are able to navigate through this second year of COVID like we have with the mitigation strategies in place that allow students to be in school, employees at work, and families enjoying some sense of normalcy.

Walton County School District COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies for the 2021-2022 School Year

1. If a person is sick (students, teachers, staff, and visitors), they should stay home.
2. Face covering is optional for all, including the bus.
3. Hand sanitizer is available at various areas inside the school.
4. Social distancing from others is encouraged as much as possible.
5. Signs will be displayed to remind those in schools about social distancing, as well as the use of hand sanitizer, washing of hands, and face coverings.
6. Cleaning and disinfecting school facilities/buses which are occupied by students will be done daily.
7. Adequate mitigation supplies are on hand at all schools/facilities (hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, masks, etc.).
8. COVID-19 vaccination is optional for all students and employees.
9. COVID-19 contact tracing is occurring in all schools/facilities (2021-2022 WCSD Decision Tree for employees and students).
10. At this time non-essential visitors and volunteers are not allowed to enter schools. This mitigation strategy will be revisited in the next few weeks.

*Please keep in mind that although COVID positive cases may represent a student or staff member within the WCSD, it does not necessarily indicate that the virus originated within the WCSD.  It is also important to note that a portion of the positive cases involve individuals who may have never entered the school setting while sick due to proper quarantining. 

“The Walton County School Board would like to thank Mrs. Russ’s students from Walton Middle School and Walton High School who provided the District Office with new art work that is now centrally displayed in the Tivoli Complex Board Room.
We are student driven and displays of this nature forever remind us of the lives we touch on a daily basis from the district level to every classroom. We look forward to seeing what future successes and greatness these students embark upon.”

After the Superintendent thanked the students for their art work and contribution to the beautification of the board room he (Superintendent of Schools) Mr. A. Russell Hughes treated the students to a guided tour of the District Offices where employees and department leaders shared with students their job responsibilities in making WCSD an Amazing place to work, serve our community and do what’s best for students.”