ECMS 2D artists used their talents to show appreciation to their school community by drawing portraits of every ECMS and some Walton County district staff members. Students were inspired by contemporary painter, Chuck Close, and his photorealism style. This unique approach combines grid-like pattern and color to create abstract portraits. Staff names were chosen at random and students used a photo for reference. It was a challenging task but especially daunting to draw a portrait of someone they see so often. This project was a process, but students remained positive and persevered. In the spirt of giving and thanks this holiday season, we hope you enjoy this Gallery of Gratitude presented by 7th and 8th Art grade students. Congratulations to our ECMS aspiring artists on their creativity and determination!

Third grade students at West DeFuniak Elementary strengthened their literacy skills as they took a “trip” around the world learning about holidays in different cultures. Classrooms were transformed into different countries around the world with themed music, crafts, and reading activities to complete with parents. Students had to bring in their ticket to “board” the flight and received a passport to be stamped as they traveled to the different countries. Each 20-minute rotation focused on a different third grade reading skill. Also, first grade students and parents were invited to learn more about reading in first grade. The first grade teachers showed parents different resources, strategies, and learning games to help their child at home. These parent training nights are valuable as they help show parents how they can support their child at home. We are so thankful for the opportunity to offer these parent engagement activities.

COVID Update December 3, 2021

In the spirit of transparency, the Walton County School District (WCSD) will continue to update our stakeholders with COVID-19 data for the 2021-2022 school year. 

We are happy to report yesterday’s single day data at 0%.  As we continue our mitigation strategies below, we want to thank all of our stakeholders – parents, students, teachers, staff, administrators, and our school board – for working together to keep our schools safe. 

Walton County School District COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies for the 2021-2022 School Year

1. If a person is sick (students, teachers, staff, and visitors), they should stay home.
2. Face covering is optional for all, including the bus.
3. Hand sanitizer is available at various areas inside the school.
4. Social distancing from others is encouraged as much as possible.
5. Signs will be displayed to remind those in schools about social distancing, as well as the use of hand sanitizer, washing of hands, and face coverings.
6. Cleaning and disinfecting school facilities/buses which are occupied by students will be done daily.
7. Adequate mitigation supplies are on hand at all schools/facilities (hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, masks, etc.).
8. COVID-19 vaccination is optional for all students and employees.
9. COVID-19 contact tracing is occurring in all schools/facilities (2021-2022 WCSD Decision Tree for employees and students).
10. At this time non-essential visitors and volunteers are not allowed to enter schools. This mitigation strategy will be revisited in the next few weeks.

*Please keep in mind that although COVID positive cases may represent a student or staff member within the WCSD, it does not necessarily indicate that the virus originated within the WCSD.  It is also important to note that a portion of the positive cases involve individuals who may have never entered the school setting while sick due to proper quarantining.