Over 390 Walton County School District 3^rd and 4^th graders joined students from Okaloosa County for the Sinfonia Gulf Coast “Carnegie Link Up” performance on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at the Emerald Coast Conference Center!  Students from Maude Saunders Elementary and Freeport Elementary sang, danced, and played recorders along with Sinfonia Gulf Coast Orchestra following a yearlong curriculum through the Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute (WMI). They have been practicing and learning the music since September! Over 2500 students from Walton and Okaloosa Counties participated in the interactive orchestra concert with Maestro Demetrius Fuller and Sinfonia Gulf Coast as they learned how “The Orchestra Sings!” The performance included stunning visuals for the students to follow and perform along with the orchestra, as well as on-stage direction and entertainment by some of the district’s teachers. 

Special thanks to Sinfonia Gulf Coast and their sponsor, St. Joe Community Foundation, for providing this unique opportunity for the students of Walton County School District!

Submitted by Keitha Bledsoe.

Forty–one fourth and fifth grade student leaders from Maude Saunders Elementary took a field trip to Walton High School to learn about the leadership opportunities they will have when they become Braves.  Mr. Brown and Mr. Smith gave the students a school tour, and representatives from various clubs and organizations talked to the students about the many ways they can become involved in extra-curricular activities in high school.  The highlight of the trip was a special Drone demonstration by the Embry Riddle Aerospace Program, and the opportunity to pose for this aerial photo of the group! Submitted by Krisy Spence.

On Friday, April 14^th, West DeFuniak Elementary kindergarten classes had an Easter egg hunt. Parents volunteered to come hide the eggs for each class, then all of the kindergarten classes took turns going out to the playground to search for the eggs. All of the eggs had candy inside, so students really enjoyed trying to find the eggs. Submitted by Jessica Dawkins.

First grade at WDE recently went on a field trip to Gulfarium in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. The students had a great time learning about different ocean animals! During our visit, students were able to watch a dolphin show and a sea lion show. They were also able to learn interesting facts at animal chats, led by the trainers. These sessions were mini-lessons that taught students about the animals’ feedings, environments and lifestyles. After spending the morning at the Gulfarium, lunch took place at a nearby state park and students enjoyed the beach view. It was a great time for all of the kids!

Pictured below is first grade student, Ava Shoaf, who had the privilege of meeting a Gulfarium dolphin trainer while on a field trip!  Ava is holding a book that her class published about what they want to be when they grow up.  She wrote about being a dolphin rider.  Submitted by Jessica Dawkins.