MHS welcomed Dads to school on September 28^th for “Dads Take Your Child to School” Day which is part of Florida’s State Initiative to get fathers more involved in their children’s academic life.  The intent of this initiative is to highlight the significant difference fathers and father figures can make by taking a more active role in their children’s educational experience. When fathers play a more active role in a child’s education, children perform better academically; have fewer discipline problems; and become more responsible adults. We were pleased that so many fathers took this opportunity to become more familiar with our school and staff. Submitted by Elizabeth Gaither.

Walton Middle School, in its second year as a Title 1 school, hosted the first parent training of the school year on Tuesday, September 20th, from 6:00-8:00.  The event's theme was "Back to the Future of Learning" to symbolize the school's recent move back to its original location into a brand new facility with state-of-the-art, twenty-first century capabilities.  Parents, grandparents, and students who attended enjoyed a free dinner of pizza, desserts, and soft drinks, followed by the annual Title 1 parent meeting presentation and transitional demonstrations focused on organization, digital citizenship, and middle school survival techniques.  Though no one showed up in a time machine made out of a DeLorean, over 350 people did attend the event, tremendously enjoying their journey back to the future at WMS. Submitted by Kristen Rhodes.

Maude Saunders welcomed 329 Dads to school on September 22^nd as part of Florida’s State Initiative to get fathers involved in their children’s academic life.  The dads at Maude Saunders helped plant vegetables and herbs, built diaramas, created solar systems, built boats and planes, launched rockets, simulated oil spills, and much more.  Several Walton County Sheriff’s deputies also participated as male role models to students whose dads were unable to attend.  Submitted by Krisy Spence.