District News

South Walton High School celebrated their long-awaited new 10 classroom addition with a ground-breaking ceremony on Tuesday, May 15, 2018!

The ceremony began with performances by an ensemble from the South Walton High School band, and the SWHS Cheerleaders. The National Anthem was performed by senior Logan Lawrence, followed by the leading of the Pledge of Allegiance by Greg Garrett, SGA President

SWHS Principal Dr. Alexis Tibbetts stated that the addition would serve to accomodate the incredible growth both in student enrollment, and in course offerings. Dr. Tibbetts thanked the Walton County School Board members, Superintendent Hughes and Mark Gardner for their diligence, support and patience during the long, and sometimes tenuous journey that led to the actual berginning of the construction project. Mark Gardner, WCSD Facilities Director, stated that there were some definite legislative obstacles getting approval of the project, and thanked his staff, Superintendent Hughes, and the School Board members for their determination and committment. Mr. Gardner indicated that December 23, 2018 is the expected target date for completion.

"Today will be the start of a brand new chapter for this campus...At the end of the day, we are all a united, growing and developing South Walton family" stated Sophomore Class President Pablo Robles as he addressed the attendees.

Other guest speakers included: Sydney Balfanz, SWHS STEM student; Mrs. Mary Bess Wilson, community representative; David Vencent, JRA Architects; Chris Sumner, Culpepper Construction, and Superintendent A. Russell Hughes.

Seventh grade critical thinking students at Paxton worked with local business owners to create a custom soap mold for an upscale bed and breakfast. Watch the video to see a snapshot of how they used the engineering design process and 3D printing to bring their creation to life! Special thanks to Dave Palmer of the Florida Farmer’s Market and Ann Shanklin of The Lake House for allowing these students to assist in this real world project.

Submitted by Heather Stewart

Main Photo - Mrs. Ford's FES kindergarten students participated in STEM activities to build dino-caves for their dinosaurs and measure large footprints using non-standards forms of measurement.

Photo Below - Dinosaur Day was a day to remember!!! Today, we became paleontologist and we created vest and hats! Then, We learned about herbivores and carnivores. We were able to identify how they are similar and how they are different. Each student got to pick their favorite dinosaur and decorate it and graph it! Our favorite part of the day was when each student got a chocolate chip cookie and picked out the fossils! Finally, I loved our writings... “if you had a dinosaur I would”...the students were very creative! Each student loved our Jurassic Park set up!!! Submitted by Nancy Currie

FES Dino

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Land of the Florida Chautauqua Theatre this coming week to see a wonderful performance of The Wizard of Oz, presented by the incredible actors and singers of the Florida Chautauqua Theatre!

The production showcases a cast of 25 local performers, most from Walton County schools, ranging in age from elementary thru middle school.

The performances will take place May 18 and 19 at 7:00 PM, and May 20 at 2:30 PM at The Florida Chautauqua Theatre: 840 Baldwin Avenue, DeFuniak Springs, FL.

For more info and to reserve tickets, call 850-892-9494. Oz is waiting just Over the Rainbow!

A non-profit based in Santa Rosa Beach, FL, Food for Thought has worked to fight child hunger throughout Walton and Okaloosa Counties since 2010, providing 3,000 backpacks weekly that are filled with healthy ingredients for students who are dependent on free or reduced school meals.

With the support of a three-year $125,000 grant from the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, Food for Thought launched its Full Circle Kitchen program in September of last year. Offered to high schoolers enrolled in Food for Thought, the program introduces students to fundamental cooking skills through classes taught by community restaurant partners and local chefs.

Walton Academy High school senior Lucy Lopez and junior Donnell Reed are two students benefiting from the program’s efforts to provide youth a foundation for basic cooking skills and access to kitchen equipment in a safe learning environment.

Submitted by David Schmidt

The entire Bobcat family would have been flooded with pride over the STEM Club at the LEGO League Jr. EXPO in Fort Walton Beach. Students nailed their interview with the judges, and impressed everyone with their LEGO creation. A judge said their presentation and board was EPIC and E.P.I.C. is what they were striving for!

Submitted by Kalli McMillan

On Tuesday, May 8th, Walton Middle School recognized outstanding scholars at its annual academic awards night. Many talented and conscientious students received certificates and trophies for their exemplary efforts during the school year. At the end of the evening, eighth grade students McCaid Paul, Billie Hall, and Noel Dahl received "Special Honor Roll" trophies for earning all A's all three years at Walton Middle School. Congratulations to these students for their outstanding achievement!

Submitted by Kristen Nelson

On Friday, May 11^th students from Mrs. Gina Ealum’s WDE class participated in the Special Olympics at ECMS. Students placed in many events and we are proud to announce the following awards:

Autumn Patterson (4^th grade) – 1^st place 50m dash; 1^st place 100m dash; 6^th place shot put

Tyler Penn (5^th grade) – 1^st place Long Jump; 3^rd place 50m dash; 3^rd place 100m dash

Demonte’ Clark (3^rd grade) – 1^st place 50m dash; 1^st place 100m dash; 2^nd place softball throw

Congratulations to these students for their amazing accomplishments!

Submitted by Jessica Dawkins.

The PHS 2nd graders enjoyed a fun and educational trip to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, where they they were able to learn about and interact with different types of marine life that inhabit the Florida Gulf.

Submitted by Kalli McMillan

The WHS baseball team recently got to watch a Northwest Florida State College baseball game and go to FCA to listen to guest speaker Darryl Strawberry. They had a great time and represented Walton High well!

Submitted by Christy English