Superintendent Hughes and members of the WCSD District Office staff donned their blue attire to join students, administrators, faculty and staff in schools all throughout Walton County today in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month.  Administrators, Staff members, and Superintendent Hughes gathered to plant a Pinwheel Garden to serve as a visual reminder that we all have an important role in preventing child abuse and nurturing the children of our community.  Superintendent Hughes spoke of his intense efforts to ensure that all the staff and administration of the Walton County School District completed the Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect course offered by the Florida Department of Education.  Mr. Hughes reiterated that WCSD has a strong collaboration with the Walton County Sheriff's Department, the Department of Children and Families, and the Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center to meet the needs of children in the district who may be the victims or potential victims of abuse.  

The color blue has served as a reminder to end child abuse since 1989, when one grandmother made a personal commitment to wear a blue ribbon after her own grandson died as a result of abuse.  The pinwheel is an uplifting symbol of childhood, and a reflection of hope, health and safety…something we wish for ALL children. 

Throughout the month of April, students and teachers across the district will be participating in activities that focus on awareness, and administration and staff will be involved in professional development activities that highlight recognition, support and prevention.  The goal of the Walton County School District is to help end child abuse through education, enlightenment, awareness, and compassion!

Submitted Keitha Bledsoe.