On April 7^th, West DeFuniak Elementary School’s kindergarteners went on a field trip to the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Zoological Park. Students are learning about living and non-living things in the classroom. This field trip allowed students were to observe, compare, and contrast different types of plants and animals. Students saw many different types of animals, such as llamas, lemurs, wolves, peacocks, and even a lion! There was a petting area where students could feed and pet goats. After all the excitement of seeing all of the animals, kindergarteners enjoyed eating lunch in the zoo’s picnic area. Students really enjoyed the zoo and want to go back! Submitted by Jessica Dawkins.

On Friday, April 7, FMS AVID students created and implemented an event called “Donuts for Donations” to support Child Abuse Prevention Month for the Children’s Advocacy Center.  It was held in the FMS parking lot for the community to drop off donations for children in need and receive a donut for their generosity-donated by The Donut Hole and Dunkin Donuts. FMS students received over a truckload of items from the CAC’s wish list including diapers, personal care items, clothing, art supplies, snacks and drinks in addition to cash donations.  Brenda Farris, 6^th grade AVID teacher, said,” Seeing my students help their community in such a caring way brought tears to my eyes.  I loved how the kids brought so much fun to the event.”   “Seeing these young adults work with their community to contribute to such a worthy cause was a heart lifting experience,” said Kendra Peloquin, 7^th and 8^th grade AVID teacher. Submitted by Kendra Peloquin.

FES raised $200 for Relay Recess and over $3000 for the family of Scotty Roessler. He is an FES student recently diagnosed with leukemia.  Thank you to everyone for their support.

Submitted by Nancy Currie.