“People learn most when teaching others.” –Peter F. Ducker

WMS seventh grade math teacher Mrs. Makala Ellenburg strives to make learning both straightforward and challenging for her students.  During instruction, Mrs. Ellenburg guides students toward standards-based understanding using the AVID note process.  She models how to work problems and walks students through the thinking processes involved.  She then allows students timed practice opportunities to work problems independently.  As they work, she circulates the room, checking answers and awarding tickets to those with the correct answers and work.  She then selects students to work out the problems and explain their thinking to their peers.  These students also earn tickets for their work.  At the end of class, Mrs. Ellenburg holds a prize drawing for all ticket recipients.  Mrs. Ellenburg creates an environment for students to OWN their learning while having fun doing it.

Superintendent Hughes made a visit to Brave Country where he served as principal for 10 years, had a chance to see some amazing advanced math coursework that will challenge the best students at the highest cognitive level! EPIC leadership and teamwork happening in these halls!  Also, spent some time in the band room welcoming new band teacher Mr. Austin and some of the most talented musically gifted students in the state. Shout out to the Tuba section (instrument Mr. Hughes played in Middle School)!

This week, Mr. Joe Proffitt shared one of his ag class’s tower gardens with Mr. Tommy Martin and students at Emerald Coast Technical College.  These aeroponic growing systems can be found throughout campus at WMS, providing an easy way to grow fresh produce, both indoors and out, year-round.  The teachers are excited to share this unique gardening experience with students at both schools.  And undoubtedly, the products of their learning will be both healthy and delicious.

In the 2A Region 1 meet South Walton girls finished second and boys finished third. They both ran a solid race with four girls finishing in the top fifteen. Both teams qualified for the state meet in Tallahassee on 11/14. Results on fl.milesplit.com