Teachers and staff at all Freeport-area schools explored strategies for building “grit” in a joint virtual professional development. Guest speaker Dr. Lauren Eskreis-Winkler of Northwestern University shared her knowledge on the science of grit and how this unique combination of passion and perseverance leads to long-term success. She evidenced how some of the most successful professionals, athletes, and students all possess specific grit qualities and habits. Freeport schools will look to encourage build this positive trait in their students collectively.  

We so appreciate the dedication of our ESP Employees to include the phenomenal Bus Drivers that make sure students arrive home safely!  Thanks, Mrs. Wilkerson, for leading with a smile and EPIC Measures for all.  Happy Springbreak Bus Drivers and Staff; You have earned it!

Re-opening Update for Parents 3/11/21

On March 13, 2020, just one year ago, I gathered my team on the Friday before Spring Break to tell them that we would be shutting down schools.  What a surreal experience!  Looking back, it seems like just yesterday, but in fact, one whole year has now passed.  What a year it has been!

I am so proud of our school district.  I am proud of our students and parents for being supportive, helpful, and understanding.  I am proud of our employees for staying vigilant with safety protocols and at the same time focused on academics, and I am also proud of our community support and partnerships.  Walton County is so blessed, and I believe our success speaks for itself.

In the spirit of transparency, the Walton County School District would like to continue to provide our updated COVID-19 data.

Knowing many individuals may travel during Spring Break and that numbers in our destination community may rise, the Walton County School District continues to be focused on tracking and contact tracing both positive cases and/or exposures.  Safety remains our number one priority!  In that regard, we would like to once again remind everyone of our top COVID-19 preventive measures.

1. Please social distance.  All schools are announcing this reminder at the beginning of the day and during special events.  You may also notice increased signage at schools and at athletic events.
2. Mask are required for the school bus and are strongly encouraged at school, especially when social distancing isn’t feasible.
3. Please wash and sanitize your hands throughout the day.  All schools and buses have additional hand sanitizing stations for this purpose.
4. Please stay home when you are sick.  Staff will continue mandatory screening each day, and students may be randomly screened throughout the day.

 As we begin planning our final nine weeks, we appreciate your understanding as we begin to navigate through our many spring events and school traditions.  Please know it is our wish that all events and plans continue as normal, but as educators charged with the safety of students, please understand that all future event decisions will be individually weighed based on updated COVID-19 data and where we stand in the vaccination process.  Please stay in tune with your school as specific decisions are revised. 

During the last nine weeks, the Florida Department of Education has released their mandated state testing schedule.  We do have greater flexibility in this schedule, and we are able to spread out testing over a larger period of time than in year’s past.  With that, please take notice of your school’s testing schedule, and if your child is out sick during testing, please speak with your school as make up testing will be available.  Another reminder for ILDA parents, mandated state testing must take place on school campus, so please look for your schools to reach out to you soon. 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns related to safety or COVID-19, please do not hesitate to ask!  Here’s to a great final nine weeks!    

To celebrate National Arts Education Month, Ms. Estes' 7th grade art class at Freeport Middle School is sponsoring a schoolwide student art competition with an exhibit and prizes.  The theme is "Spring Into Spring."  All 5th through 8th grade students are invited to enter the competition.  1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes will be awarded at each grade level.  The prizes are art sketchbooks, markers, and candy.  This class has worked very hard to create, organize, and promote their art competition.  The art will be on exhibit to the students and staff from Tuesday, March 23 until the end of the month.  This is going to be so much fun!