District News

January is National Mentoring Month!

January 9, 2019

January is National Mentoring Month! Mentoring guarantees young people that there is someone who cares about them, assures them they are not alone in dealing with day-to-day challenges, and makes them feel like they matter. Research suggests that youth who have a mentor are more likely to attend and be more engaged in school, finish high school and continue on to post-secondary education, and form more positive social attitudes and relationships.

If you are interested in making a difference in the life of a child and changing the world for the better, Lori Hughes, the WCSD contact for our mentoring program, will be happy to assist! Contact her at (850) 892-1100 ext. 1443
or by email at [email protected]

https://youtu.be/gcnX-wvp98Q…

YOUTUBE.COM
'If You Mentor Me...'
Youth voices share research-backed statistics about how having a mentor can help them realize their potential and help them thrive in school, at work,…

Paxton 8th Graders put a Scientific Spin on Christmas Cookies

January 9, 2019

Paxton students never miss a learning opportunity, even on the last day before Christmas break. Mrs. Heather Stewart’s 8th grade Science students took a new perspective when they created their Christmas cookies to look like the Solar System. This project was definitely a fun AND delicious take on space. Submitted by Kalli McMillan

Pictured (L to R): Haleigh Drake, Jocelyn Jones, Summer Pryor, Abby Murphy, Mara Aplin, Bailey Howell, and Anney-Kate Araneo.

The Florida Chautauqua Winter Assembly is Coming January 24-27, 2019!

January 9, 2019

The Florida Chautauqua Winter Assembly will take place January 24- 27 in DeFuniak Springs. The Florida Chautauqua has partnered with the Walton County School District to provide educational activities for our students, to include the annual Lakeyard visits for our 4th graders that are designed to enhance their study of Florida history.
This year’s theme delves into the topic of the importance of small town America. There are multiple events and activities for the entire family that are free of charge.
The public is encouraged and invited to attend these events.
 

Paxton and Walton Key Clubs Volunteer at Grace Rides

January 9, 2019

On Friday, Paxton and Walton Key clubs came together for a service project at Grace Rides’ stables. They helped with keeping the barn and facilities useful for the special needs children that ride the horses with this wonderful organization. These students understand the importance of teamwork to help others. Submitted by Kalli McMillan

The "Snow Queen" Comes to West Defuniak Elementary!

January 8, 2019

Students at West DeFuniak Elementary enjoyed a performance of Hans Christian Anderson’s “The Snow Queen”  presented by the Atlantic Coast Theatre.  Special thanks to the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation for making this experience possible.  Submitted by Darlene Paul

Local VFW Presents Awards to Voices of Democracy, Patriot's Pen and VFW TOY Recipients

January 8, 2019

At the December 18th School Board meeting, Wade Wilmouth, Commander VFW Post 4437, presented the winners of the Voices of Democracy competition for high school students, the Patriot's Pen competition for middle school students and the VFW Teacher of the Year with their awards. 

Pictured are as follows: 

School Board Chair, Mr. William Eddins, Jr

Teacher of the Year 
Lance Climer.    South Walton High

Voice of Democracy
1st    Guadalupe Hernandez.  Freeport High
2nd   Makena R. Kimball.        South Walton High
3rd.  Alivia B. Campbell.         South Walton High

Patriots Pen.   (Paxton)
1st     Kaylee M. Aplin
2nd.  Gabriel I. Schofield
3rd.   Case L. Thompson
Superintendent Russell Hughes.

Congratulations to each of these students!

West DeFuniak Teachers using Avid for their Learning!

January 8, 2019

West DeFuniak Elementary teachers spent their professional day on January 4th learning about grading and reporting of student learning.  WDE teachers are making the progression of grading from “earning” to “learning”.  After reviewing four challenges to take our grading and reporting to the next level, WDE teachers participated in the AVID strategy of engagement using Philosophical Chairs to dig deeper into two types of grading:  Traditional grading practices vs Standards-Based grading practices. Teachers had to read two articles and take a stance on which type of grading they thought was the best.  Submitted by Darlene Paul

SWHS Faculty and Staff Honor Retiring Foreign Language Instructor!

January 7, 2019

The faculty and staff at South Walton High School congratulated Mrs. Felicitas Asteinza on her retirement. Mrs. Asteinza has been a beloved member of the Foreign Language Department at SWHS since our school opened in August of 2002. We wish her and husband Jerry many happy years ahead. Muchas gracias and Dios te bendiga! Submitted by Barbara Stratton

Atlantic Coast Theatre Company Comes to Van R Butler Stage!

January 7, 2019

Butler Elementary K-2 students enjoyed Hans Christian Anderson’s “The Snow Queen”  presented by the Atlantic Coast Theatre.  Thanks to the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation for providing our students with this wonderful experience! Submitted by Tammy Smith
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