Third grade students at West DeFuniak Elementary strengthened their literacy skills as they took a “trip” around the world learning about holidays in different cultures. Classrooms were transformed into different countries around the world with themed music, crafts, and reading activities to complete with parents. Students had to bring in their ticket to “board” the flight and received a passport to be stamped as they traveled to the different countries. Each 20-minute rotation focused on a different third grade reading skill. Also, first grade students and parents were invited to learn more about reading in first grade. The first grade teachers showed parents different resources, strategies, and learning games to help their child at home. These parent training nights are valuable as they help show parents how they can support their child at home. We are so thankful for the opportunity to offer these parent engagement activities.

COVID Update December 3, 2021

In the spirit of transparency, the Walton County School District (WCSD) will continue to update our stakeholders with COVID-19 data for the 2021-2022 school year. 

We are happy to report yesterday’s single day data at 0%.  As we continue our mitigation strategies below, we want to thank all of our stakeholders – parents, students, teachers, staff, administrators, and our school board – for working together to keep our schools safe. 

Walton County School District COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies for the 2021-2022 School Year

1. If a person is sick (students, teachers, staff, and visitors), they should stay home.
2. Face covering is optional for all, including the bus.
3. Hand sanitizer is available at various areas inside the school.
4. Social distancing from others is encouraged as much as possible.
5. Signs will be displayed to remind those in schools about social distancing, as well as the use of hand sanitizer, washing of hands, and face coverings.
6. Cleaning and disinfecting school facilities/buses which are occupied by students will be done daily.
7. Adequate mitigation supplies are on hand at all schools/facilities (hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, masks, etc.).
8. COVID-19 vaccination is optional for all students and employees.
9. COVID-19 contact tracing is occurring in all schools/facilities (2021-2022 WCSD Decision Tree for employees and students).
10. At this time non-essential visitors and volunteers are not allowed to enter schools. This mitigation strategy will be revisited in the next few weeks.

*Please keep in mind that although COVID positive cases may represent a student or staff member within the WCSD, it does not necessarily indicate that the virus originated within the WCSD.  It is also important to note that a portion of the positive cases involve individuals who may have never entered the school setting while sick due to proper quarantining. 

Learning is no exception for WCSD Leadership to include the Superintendent and School board Members.  Superintendent Hughes, WCSB members Mrs. Kim Kirby and Mrs. Jeri Michie attended the Joint FSBA & FADSS leadership conference this past week where continued education, development, Governance, Legislative Laws and Rules were a few topics of discussion and training.  These board members worked all week with other boards, state leaders and educators to make sure we are doing what is needed to be done for our students as well as helping to assist other boards as they shared ideas of Success!  The entire WCSB was also recognized as one of the few Master Board Trained Teams in the state!  We are proud of our Board and their continued effort to stay in lock step with Best practices for students, teachers, staff and Community!  Thanks for your commitment to this Great Work WCSB!  EPIC 4wRd!!!