Superintendent Hughes is committed to, and well loved by our students, both current and past! Best wishes to Walton High graduate Jamie Stanley, currently serving in the US Army, and awaiting deployment in the service of our great country!
Superintendent A. Russell Hughes was the guest speaker at the DeFuniak Kiwanis April 24th meeting at McLain's Restaurant. The Superintendent was invited to speak by retired Walton High School assistant principal and Kiwanis member, Terry Shoaf. Superintendent Hughes shared his commitment to lead with honesty, integrity and transparency in the journey toward excellence in Walton County schools. He reiterated that the primary motivating force driving all decisions in Walton County School District is what is best for our students, stating "My heart will always be with children!"
Mr Hughes discussed some of the serious challenges we face in this time regarding school safety. He addressed his collaboration with the Walton County Sheriff's Office and Walton County School Board to make certain we have the additional manpower and procedures needed on our campuses to keep our students safe.
Superintendent Hughes shared that Walton County School District currently ranks in the #1 position in the state in 9th and 10th grade Algebra 1. In overall achievement scores, Walton County ranks #6 out of 67 districts in the state of Florida. Mr. Hughes shared, "People are wanting to come to Walton County, not only for the value and quality of life we have to offer here, but also for providing a school system that they can be confident in, that is showing itself to be highly competent." We have 5 schools that are designated "Schools of Excellence", and 27 teachers in our school district who were identified as "High Impact" educators by the Florida Department of Education.
The Superintendent also shared with the members of Kiwanis that we are helping provide our community with a strong workforce through the expansion of programs at Emerald Coast Technical College. ECTC has tripled in enrollment since Mr. Hughes took office, growing from 85 students to over 300, and offering programs in Electricity, Automotive, Building Construction, Administrative Office, Information Technology, Pharmacy Tech, Patient Care Tech, Practical Nursing, Cosmetology, Welding, and Air Conditioning/Heating.
Superintendent Hughes shared his efforts to provide authentic and timely information to our parents and community through monthly video updates, our community van, social media and resources on our district website. Mr. Hughes shared "It is important that our constituents know that Walton County School District is a visible, active and credible part of this community."
Submitted by Keitha Bledsoe
Superintendent Hughes Visits Mossy Head School
April 24, 2018
Mossy Head School had a special visitor for student drop off. Superintendent Hughes came to help encourage our students as they arrived at school.
Submitted by Elizabeth Gaither
Congratulations to Akira Jackson for being named Maude Saunders' April Scholar of the Month. Submitted by Krisy Spence.
Walton High School is excited to announce our Students & Employee of the Month for March!
9th grade - Chiarra Whitehead
10th grade - Aaliyah Fields
11th grade - Tenesha Hogans
12th grade - Tori Gratz
Employee - Frances London
Submitted by Christy English
WHS senior Melanie Nowell auditioned for the color guard at the University of South Alabama on Saturday (April 21) and not only made it, but was offered a $2000 scholarship to march with them and participate in the USA Jaguar Marching Band and USA Winter Guard.
Congratulations, Melanie! We are proud of you!
Submitted by Christy English
Walton Middle School Hosts "Middle School Jump"
April 20, 2018
Walton Middle School would like to invite its incoming sixth graders (current fifth graders) and parents to a "Middle School Jump" Title 1 Parent Training Night on Thursday, May 10th, at 6:00 p.m., in the WMS Cafeteria. At this event, students and parents will gain insights about how to have a successful middle school experience. A free meal will be provided, as well as childcare for preschool and elementary students. WMS can't wait to see new students and parents there!
Submitted by Kristen Nelson
Emerald Coast Middle Students Earn CIW Internet Business Associate (IBA) Certification
April 20, 2018
47 and climbing...Emerald Coast Middle students earn CIW Internet Business Associate (IBA) certification. This international industry certification validates student knowledge of important technologies that affect virtually every business and demonstrates they’re prepared to work effectively in today's business environment.
Submitted by Wendy Carter/Angela Vance
Congratulations to the Paxton Kiwanis Students of the Month for April: Carson Leddon and Ragan Butts!
Submitted by Kalli McMillan
Pinwheels are in Full Bloom at MSE!
April 20, 2018
MSE students and staff are creating nearly 600 pinwheels to represent each child in our school. The Pinwheel serves as a national symbol for child abuse prevention, and MSE desires to see all of our students enjoy a safe, carefree childhood. The pinwheels serve as a visual reminder to our commitment to the safety of each and every child in our school.
Submitted by Krisy Spence