Walton County - School District

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝙒𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 The awards ceremony for the Music in Pictures - Rosemary Beach Foundation was held last night at Freeport High School. Superintendent A. Russell Hughes' commitment to preparing the whole child was on EPIC display! The event featured the artwork of students across Walton County. To set the tone, attendees were treated to a pre-program concert featuring a flute and clarinet duo as they entered the auditorium, and as they waited for the program to begin there was a slideshow featuring all the incredible art submitted this year. If you caught even a small glimpse of the artwork, you would know there is no doubt that we have some extraordinarily talented young artists in Walton County! Thank you to the Rosemary Beach Foundation for putting on an event that incorporates art and music. The arts are an integral part of our society as the new global market values aesthetics equally with innovation. Thank you to all of the art teachers in Walton County for encouraging our students to explore their creativity. The ability to think creatively and "outside the box" will undoubtedly serve our students well as they continue their EPIC journey in the Walton County School District.

Talk about brilliant! FHS students presented their Capstone projects today and put on a display of careful, thoughtful, and innovative research. You may hear "Kids these days..." but in Walton County, the kids these days are doing EPIC things! Superintendent Hughes was on the edge of his seat the entire time and these scholars showcased their dedicated research.

Shark Tank 2024 was an EPIC success! Teams from each high school in the District presented the next big idea that could change the world! Congratulations to Freeport High School on being named the winner! The future of our county is in remarkably capable hands. You never know, one of these students just may end up being a shark of their own! Thank you to the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce, CHELCO, and the SanDestin Golf and Beach Resort for their support in making this event such a success!

🎵🎬🎥Congratulations to the Walton High School band on an innovative and musically astute spring concert! Featuring music from the renowned American film composer John Williams, the program opened with a trumpet ensemble performing "Pure Imagination" before moving into a thrill ride version of Indiana Jones. The rest of the concert featured music films like Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, and Star Wars. The entire concert featured film clips of these landmark Hollywood masterpieces, almost feeling like a night at the movies with a live music score! What a display of the "Whole Child" by the students of WHS and their director, Grady Gomillion. No matter what your passion is, you can explore it in the Walton County School District!

Meet Corissa Duggar! Corissa is a junior at Freeport High School and a published author! Corissa's first book "A Kingdom of Hoarfrost and Ichor" is available at BarnesandNoble.com, and her second book will come out very soon! Way to be EPIC Corissa! https://youtu.be/myi8wFNKqr8

Eighth-grade students at Freeport Middle School recently participated in a Holocaust Remembrance project, creatively utilizing butterflies and prisoner ID cards sourced from the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. Under the guidance of their dedicated teachers, Ms. Behr and Mrs. Collins, they approached the project with sensitivity and respect. The teachers praised their remarkable efforts, highlighting the depth of understanding and empathy displayed by the students throughout the process. The result of their labor transformed the school's 500 Building hallway into a moving tribute, capturing the attention and admiration of all who passed by. Each butterfly and ID card served as a symbol of remembrance, honoring the lives lost during one of history's darkest chapters. Through their meticulous work and heartfelt dedication, the students demonstrated their commitment to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and ensuring that its lessons are never forgotten.

Deputy Superintendent Hawthorne enjoyed Bay School's art walk. The art from these young students is stunning! Thank you to the Cultural Arts Alliance for art supplies for our Pre-K students!

The Walton County School District was just award Scenic Design Excellence award by Scenic Walton for the design of Dune Lakes Elementary School. Leigh Moore, Executive Director of Scenic Walton, explained that this was the first time a public organization was bestowed this award. Thank you Scenic Walton!

Last week, the Walton County School District hosted a Career Fair at the Tivoli Gym! Thank you to all of the exhibitors who attended to help our students gain a more clear vision of their future and what career they would like to pursue after graduation!

EPIC congratulations are in order for the Walton County School District's Academic Team which just placed 6th at the Commissioner's Academic Challenge Finals in Orlando, FL.

The Walton County Academic Team has advanced to the FINALS of the Commissioner's Academic Challenge! The finals are Saturday, April 13th at 9am Eastern. Watch it live tomorrow! https://academic-challenge.org/division-3-live-stream/

Help us cheer on the Academic Team for an EPIC performance at the 2024 Commissioners Academic Challenge in Orlando, FL! Eli Smartt (MIC), Summer House (MIC), Zack Hirschinger (MIC), James Stephenson (WHS), Aiden Wigley (SWHS), and Allie Saunders (Paxton).

Superintendent Hughes was a guest on the morning show at Maude Saunders Elementary! Our Elementary Scholars are learning valuable skills that aid in public speaking, posture, communication, leadership, teamwork and effective COLLABORATION! EPIC! Superintendent Hughes was able to recite the powerful MSE Pledge: I am an MSE Scholar. The me I see is the me I'll be. Respectful and kind to all I meet, Responsible for what I do and say, Resourceful and work hard each day. A peacemaker in every way. I will see the scholar in me succeed!

Out of an abundance of caution, and based on updated weather data that has changed from yesterday’s Emergency Management briefing, all Walton County Schools will dismiss 90 minutes early today, Wednesday April 10th due to a severe weather system that is moving faster than anticipated. The 90 minute early dismissal includes all students and employees. To give just one example for students, if your child’s bus typically leaves school at 2:30 p.m., for today, that bus would dismiss at 1:00 p.m. This is just an example. If you need help understanding the early 90 minute dismissal, please call your child’s school. In addition to the early dismissal, all after school activities, including tutoring, athletics, and SPICE, are canceled. Based on data from Emergency Management and additional weather resources, severe weather is expected in Walton beginning in the late afternoon and lasting through the early morning on Thursday, April 11th. At this time, schools are anticipated to be back in session tomorrow, but please stay connected with our website and social media outlets in case there are any changes. As always, safety is our number one priority. Everyone stay safe!

The Walton County School District is currently monitoring the weather with both local and state experts. At this time, all schools will continue with our regular school day Wednesday, April 10th. We do not expect inclement weather until well after school hours.  Individual or district-wide decisions regarding Wednesday's after school activities will be made in the morning based on additional weather data.  Continue to stay engaged with our website and social media outlets as we provide any updates. As always, the safety of our students is our first priority.

Fun Fact: Monday is the first total solar eclipse since 2017 and the last total solar eclipse visible from the US until 2044. As you may know, a total solar eclipse is on the horizon Monday, April 8th. The weather forecast shows partly cloudy skies the entire day and the panhandle will only experience 70-80% coverage during the eclipse. The whole event will last about two hours. At this time, there will be no alterations to school or transportation schedules. However, while under our care you can expect students will be guided not to look directly at the sun. The safety of our students is always our top priority. We ask that parents and guardians also speak to their children about avoiding direct eye contact with the eclipse. This is an incredible opportunity for science to come to life in real-time for our students, and if teachers can do so safely, they may use this as a teaching tool. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to your school.

Congratulations to these Won-One Award recipients from Freeport Elementary School! Congratulations Mrs. Evans, Mrs. T. Williamson, and Mrs. Carl! Thank you for your hard work to help change the lives of the students in Walton County!

The Walton County School District would like to recognize our TSAs (Teacher on Special Assignment) who serve in an administrative capacity. Thank you for all you do! Pictured (R to L): Hope Allen, West DeFuniak Elementary Hannah Gomillion, Van R. Butler Elementary Kristen Nelson, Mossy Head School Hillary Williams, Freeport High School Dustin Shroyer, South Walton High School Dennie Smith, Walton High School Deans: Emily Kent, Walton Middle School Kevin Cipriani, Emerald Coast Middle School Not pictured: Steven Valkenaar, Freeport Middle School Nate Moore, Paxton School

This week is National Assistant Principals Week! We'd like to take a moment to express our appreciation for the work these administrators do for the students of our District. Take a moment to thank your Assistant Principal this week!

Superintendent A. Russell Hughes shares his April Monthly Update from Dune Lakes Elementary with guest Brian Michie. April is a month full of celebrations and important dates. Be sure to watch to stay current on everything happening in the District! https://youtu.be/AaZ-4kx203M