Superintendent Hughes Joins Bay Students at Rockin’ B&B Ranch!
October 25, 2019
Spending time at Rocking B&B Ranch was all it should be for Superintendent Hughes and our Bay School PreK Center Students. We had a blast!
Superintendent Hughes spends time at WDE in the Fine Arts and 1st Grade area today! Students were working on their Red Words, Picasso and other rigorous subject matter.
Mr. Hight was galvanizing Core Mathematical Content with Number Value, patterns and fractions through music instruction at West DeFuniak Elementary during Superintendent Hughes' visit!
Boeing Electrical Engineer Visits Paxton’s Aerospace Career Academy!
October 24, 2019
Boeing Electrical Engineer Ian Weaver visited Paxton High School’s aerospace career academy this week to speak with students about his career in engineering. One of 45,000 engineers at Boeing, he has worked much of his career in the development of the flight controls of the V-22 Osprey, a tiltrotor military aircraft capable of vertical and short takeoff and landing. A huge thank you to Mr. Weaver for taking time to share his expertise with our students!
WCSD Hosts the Florida Department of Education State Standards Tour
October 24, 2019
The State Wide standards tour was hosted by the WCSD last evening at Walton High School. Chancellor Jacob Oliva and Vice Chancellor Paul Burns and the FLDOE members enlightened attendees on the direction of the new standards, and fielded questions from all who desired to share their thoughts as the state works towards dissolving Common Core as directed by Governor Ron Desantis. Over 100 attendees participated to include six(6) Panhandle Superintendents, Administrators, teachers, community members and students. Representing our WCSB Members are Jason Catalano and Marsha Winegarner. FES Principal Kristen Lewis and TSA Laurie Campbell are pictured with Superintendent Hughes.
Mossy Head Honors Mustang Scholars!
October 22, 2019
Mossy Head School held Mustang Scholars assemblies to recognize students for their academic success the first nine weeks. Students that made A and A/B Honor Roll were called up to the stage to receive a certificate and reward. The assemblies included grades Kindergarten through Fifth.
Walton High School Announces Homecoming Queen and King!
October 22, 2019
Congratulations to this year's 2019 Homecoming Queen and King, Jenna Adams and Austin Thacker, as well as to the Court attendants and escorts!
Reading students recently worked as detectives in Mrs. Amber Proffitt's seventh grade class at Walton Middle School. Students closely and carefully read a set of texts for evidence regarding how Edgar Allen Poe died. Through this CSI-style lesson, students investigated Poe's childhood, military years, writing career, and his death. Students used their investigative reasoning skills to formulate a theory about Poe's mysterious demise. The historical lesson was intriguing and challenging--an ideal combination for engagement and learning.
The Fall Garden is Thriving at WMS
October 22, 2019
"Gardening is the art that uses flowers and plants as paint and the soil and sky as canvas." --Elizabeth Murray
The Walton Middle School agriculture program's fall garden is thriving. Mr. Joe Proffitt's classes are working hard to maintain healthy beds of broccoli, cauliflower, red and green cabbage, mustard, collards, turnips, Swiss chard, and brussel sprouts. Ag students anticipate a bountiful harvest. Just another exciting real-world learning experience at WMS!
Math & Science Matters in the ECMS Art Room
October 22, 2019
ECMS Art students adapted several math skills in their current collage and painting lessons through the use of protractors, t-compasses, and stencils. These techniques enhanced both their drawing of geometric shapes and understanding of spatial concepts. These thumbnail sketches and collage brainstorming pieces were also inspired by the art of 19th century abstract painter Sonia Delaunay, and will develop into final paintings.
The study of symmetrical balance was also explored while learning about the current migration of the monarch butterfly through our area. Overall, this connection between math, science and art encouraged students to use their creativity to bring awareness to the annual journey monarch butterflies take through our area every fall and the importance of preserving such a colorful, delicate species.
At Walton Middle School, Students Learn When They Lead!
October 18, 2019
This week, Walton Middle School seventh grade ELA teachers Ms. Tara Manson and Mrs. Chastity McLaney designed a lesson that afforded students the opportunity to engage in a lively academic discussion about a text they read in class. After reading the essay "America the Not So Beautiful" by Andrew Rooney, students participated in a Socratic Seminar. In a Socratic Seminar, students help one another understand the ideas, issues, and values reflected in a text through a group discussion format. After tracing and evaluating the author's claim, students responsibly facilitated a group discussion around the question: Does the author use sound reasoning and sufficient and relevant evidence for his argument? Students must rely on the text's details as they articulate their ideas. Through this type of discussion, students practice how to listen to one another, make meaning, and find common ground while participating in a conversation. Through thoughtful lesson design, the teachers created a safe space in which students felt safe to collaborate and contribute. Throughout the academic conversation, students were productively engaged and invested in their learning.