Since January of this year, three Paxton students have been working towards the Hog and Ham Competition in Gainesville (Hydie Varnum, Cassie Varnum, and Jeffrey Wilson). Students from all over the state participate in this event. Paxton students traveled to Gainesville three times this year. The first visit was the introduction of the program for students who had been selected to participate. The second visit was to butcher the hog and prepare it to be taken home. During their last visit a few weeks ago, the students presented their presentations on a subject related to the swine industry. Paxton's own, Jeffrey Wilson, placed 5th place overall in the competition. The entire Paxton family is very proud of these students. (Pictured: Hydie Varnum, Cassie Varnum, and Jeffrey Wilson).
Submitted by Kalli McMillan

Over 200 students and family members attended the Annual Title 1 meeting and K-2 Open House last night at Maude Saunders Elementary. Parents learned about school goals, the new HOUSE System, and what it means to attend a Title 1 school. Students shared with their parents what they have learned so far this year. It was a great night at MSE! Submitted by Krisy Spence

Walton Middle School operates under the “we, not me” philosophy, the belief that it takes a tribe to help Warriors succeed.  This week, September 11-13, the school hosted Doughnuts and Data, a very successful Title 1 annual meeting and parent training event, with 272 parents and guardians in attendance.  Families were invited to take a seat alongside their middle schoolers during SPEAR class to gain insight about their child’s progress and to establish attainable goals for success.  Families were given data folders that contained midterm grades, STAR reading and math data, classroom goal sheets, and FSA/EOC reports.  While enjoying doughnuts, families worked together to discuss the student’s strengths and challenges, craft a realistic goal, and develop a game plan for success.  Additional school and district employees were on hand in classrooms to support students whose families were unable to attend.  WMS looks forward to hosting a similar event again in February to follow-up on students’ progress.  WMS teachers, parents, and students all have eyes on success this A+ school year.