This week, students across the state will show what they know on the FSA Writing assessment.  Last week as a review, Mrs. Gaby Brown’s AVID students spotlighted writing success tips by designing one-pagers.  On a one-pager, an AVID strategy, students creatively share their most important takeaways about a concept—in this case, writing—on a blank sheet of paper.  Not only did AVID student reflect for themselves about what it takes to do well on FSA, but they also showcased their tips for all students throughout campus to see.  These one-pagers are displayed for all to see on the bulletin board just outside the lunchroom, serving as a colorful and vital reminder of what it takes to achieve success on FSA Writing.

Re-opening Update for Parents 4/12/21

As we approach the last seven weeks of school, many different events are quickly approaching. 

First and foremost, we begin state testing on Tuesday, April 13 for students in third through tenth grade.  Third grade will begin with tests in English and Language Arts, and fourth through tenth will begin with Writing.  We have worked with the Florida Department of Education for flexibility in our testing schedule.  This ensures that make up exams can take place if students must quarantine. 

Testing tips were recently shared in our Monthly Video Update.  As a reminder, we always encourage students to get a good night’s sleep and eat a good breakfast before testing.  We wish all of our students the best of luck on their exams, which continue through the end of May.  For a full schedule of your child’s exams, please reach out to your individual school.

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

 

COVID-19 Statistics	Latest Data (4/6/21)	Overall Data to Date (8/17/20 – 4/6/21)
Positive COVID-19 Cases of School District Students and/or Employees	1	500
Quarantined Due to On Campus Exposure of School District Students and/or Employees	11	1001
Quarantined Due to Off Campus Exposure (Community/Family Exposure) of School District Students and/or Employees	10	792
Schools Involved in Positive Cases and/or Exposure	8	20

As expected, our schools did see an increase in COVID numbers after Spring Break, but we are happy to report that the numbers are currently decreasing similar to what we saw before break.  Thank you for all that you are doing at home to help keep everyone safe!

As we also prepare for end of the year activities, like prom and graduation, please know that all schools must develop COVID protocols for special events.  These protocols are much like what we have used all year, such as encouragement of masks and social distancing.  Safety remains our number one priority, and we intend to finish the year strong! 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns related to safety or COVID-19, please do not hesitate to ask! 

Deputy Connor Gunn is teaching flag etiquette to our fifth graders. Each morning, 2 fifth graders meet him at the flagpole to put the flags up and again in the afternoon to take them down. Deputy Gunn also teaches the students a bit of flag trivia while they are at the flagpole. When our fifth graders leave elementary school, they will all know how to raise, lower, and handle the American flag respectfully.

Students in South Walton High School’s Health Sciences Academy successfully completed coursework resulting in them becoming certified nursing assistants.  Students participated in 40 clinical hours where they were expected to perform as nursing assistants in a simulated environment, take and pass a written exam and perform live skills demonstrations.   Upon graduation or turning 18 they will be able to work in the medical