Walton County - School District

Monday, October 9th is a teacher workday. Students, take a well-deserved day of rest and we will see you back on campus on Tuesday, October 10th!

Congratulations to our students on successfully completing the 1st Nine Weeks! Today, October 6th, is the last day of the 1st Nine Weeks grading period. Reports will go home on Thursday, October 12th!

This is SPIRIT WEEK for Freeport - all three Freeport area schools have banded together in their effort to celebrate! Monday was MOVIE STAR day - check out these spirited students and teachers!

New Worlds Reading, Florida’s free literacy program, helps build your child’s reading confidence with free books and activities like these throughout the school year. To see if your child is eligible and learn more, visit www.newworldsreading.com!

Principals from across the District took a trip on Thursday, September 21st to visit the construction site of the new Freeport Middle School. Our contractors are working hard to be ready for the 24-25 school year!

𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 A shared vision implemented with great clarity, unity, and collaboration holds the power to transform the trajectory of a student, a school, and a community. Henry Ford said “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” Superintendent A. Russell Hughes gathers Principals from across the District every month to ensure that our administrators are united in their efforts to transform the lives of their students.

This morning, the Walton County School District received a report of a broken gas line near Freeport Elementary School. Out of an abundance of caution, students were moved to a safe portion of the school. All students are safe, the gas leak has been addressed and shut off, and students are back to learning. Thank you to all involved, WCSO, Fire Department, and Freeport Elementary administration, staff, and teachers for a safe, and expeditious return to the classroom.

Freeport QUEST students gathered at Freeport Elementary on Monday for the dedication of the agamograph created by students from Freeport Elementary, Middle, and High School. An agamograph is a 3D multi-image mural that changes in appearance depending on the angle of the viewer - the QUEST students created a set of images showing the unity of Freeport schools. Freeport students remarked about the meaning behind the agamograph images and how proud all of them were to show their community spirit and leave behind a long lasting piece of art for their school and community. Special thanks to Amanda Adams of Sherwin Williams for providing the paint, Sandie Taunton, Maia Meredith, and Brookelyn Bolin from DAG Architects for consulting on the design as well as Jill Smith (Director of Facilities), Nathan Smith (Principal, FMS), Donna Simmons (Principal FHS), and Kristin Lewis (Principal, FES), Stefanie West, and Tania Eastman.

Today we remember the tragic events of September 11th, 2001. We remember the lives lost, the resilience of our nation, and the heroes who emerged in response.

Superintendent A. Russell Hughes stopped by the WISE Center today to interact with students and staff. Education isn't just about facts, it's also about making a genuine connection to students. In the end, it’s not just about the lessons they learn, but the love and support they feel that will leave an indelible mark. In Walton County, we nurture the seeds of greatness within each child and watch them flourish into the EPIC individuals they are destined to become.

Keeping a school running is no easy task - the Walton County School District is blessed to collaborate with excellent volunteers who give their time and talents to the students of our District. On Tuesday, September 5th, Superintendent A. Russell Hughes and the Walton County School Board recognized our 2022-2023 Outstanding School Volunteer Award winners for their service to the students of Walton County: Ms. Hannah Kent - Maude Saunders Elementary Mrs. Donna Jackson - Freeport Elementary School Mr. Don Sandt - Van R. Butler Elementary Thank you to these volunteers for giving so much to our students!

Superintendent Hughes delivers his September Monthly Update! September is a busy month full of holiday, remembrance, and celebration. Make sure to watch the monthly updates to ensure you are up-to-date on all of the EPIC happenings in Walton County! https://youtu.be/qzxVY7PoUzY

According to the National Center on Family Homelessness, 2.5 million children are homeless. We are fortunate in Walton County to be well below the national average. Still, our mission is to ensure that every child has access to the world-class education the Walton County School District offers. If you have a passion for helping children, come be a part of the EPIC team that changes the life of a child in need. APPLY ONLINE at www.walton.k12.fl.us/employment

Monday, September 4th is LABOR DAY! All schools and offices will be closed. DID YOU KNOW?? • The largest union today is the National Education Association. • Labor Day became a Federal holiday in 1894 • You can wear white any time you like!

Friday is an early release day for students! Please check with your school for the release time. We sincerely hope everyone enjoys the long weekend, but please be SAFE!

Walton County teachers participated in a Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation training this Saturday at the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center in Freeport. This training was made possible through a partnership between the St. Joe Foundation and Guy Harvey. Teachers received items to utilize in their classrooms for labs and projects.

We are still hiring! We have several positions still available. Come work for the largest employer in Walton County and the #3 school system in the entire state! Join our EPIC team!

Photos from the first day of school! Superintendent Hughes visited students around the district to check in on their first day!

2023 was the sixth iteration of EPIC Day for the Walton County School District and marked the first year that an EPIC Day was held for the Educational Support Personnel. Superintendent Hughes delivered an address that brought attendees to their feet in uproarious applause, brought tears to their eyes at times, and most importantly had everyone excited to begin a new year in the service of children.

Superintendent A. Russell Hughes delivered a powerful and inspiring address at the 56th Annual PAEC Leadership Conference. The crowd rose to their feet on fire to begin a new school year!