September 15 to October 15 is celebrated nationwide as National Hispanic Heritage Month. It traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries. During this month and throughout the year, we, and our partners, share history, heritage, and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino Americans of past and present.

On Monday, September 13, 2021 First Lady Casey DeSantis announced the theme for Hispanic Heritage Month would be “Celebrating Untold Stories and Contributions of Hispanic Americans in Florida.” Lady DeSantis also released information regarding student art and essay contests and Excellence in Education awards. Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized and celebrated in the United States from September 15 to October 15.

“There are thousands of Hispanic-American community leaders and champions across Florida, and I’m proud that as a state we will honor them this month,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “During Hispanic Heritage Month, the Governor and I look forward to celebrating and recognizing these individuals who have made our state, nation and world a better place including those on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s theme encourages students to take a deeper look into the local leaders, innovators and community members who have contributed to Florida’s successful history and bright future.”

Students in grades K-3 are invited to participate in an art contest while students in grades 4-12 are invited to participate in an essay contest based on this year’s theme. Additionally, students, parents, teachers and principals are invited to nominate full-time educators of all student grades for the Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award.

Walton County is excited to encourage students to participate in celebrating the history and culture of Hispanic Americans by participating in the art or essay contest.  If students or parents are interested in submitting an entry for either competition, please contact the Fine Arts, Spanish or Social Studies Departments at your school for further information.   Please note however, that all entries must be received by 5pm on Monday, October 11, 2021.

Click Here to View the Announcement

COVID Update September 10, 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 look forward to a time where these numbers read 0%, likewise is our wish for our county, state, and country. We are glad that we are able to navigate through this second year of COVID like we have with the mitigation strategies in place that allow students to be in school, employees at work, and families enjoying some sense of normalcy.

We are pleased to announce a new partnership in our efforts to help make COVID-19 testing more accessible to our students and employees, allowing students a speedy return if quarantined due to possible exposure and families immediate information and results.  Beginning immediately, COVID-19 testing will be offered through Stone Clinical Laboratories in each geographic location of the WCSD every day that school is open.  The tests are conducted by clinically trained personnel who are both vaccinated and tested on a weekly basis.  Those wanting testing need to pre-register at https://forms.office.com/r/RyAf0H6Yqr.  Results are provided within 24 hours of testing.  As always, we want children in safe schools and experiencing educational success – this new partnership ascertains this goal and our moving 4wRd!

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. 

We'd like to give a shout-out to Walton High's AVID classes, who started the tutorial process for this year.  Ms. Warren's 10th grade class helped show Ms. Bell's 9th grade class how to:

- Be prepared for the tutorials

- Have strong point of confusion questions

- Organize their notes

- Begin the group collaboration process of presenting their own personal tutorial to their peers

Way to go, Braves!

WICOR Wednesday:  Organizing Thinking to Learn Science Vocabulary
  Science vocabulary can be challenging for students because scientific concepts are complex and precise. When studying the Nature of Science unit, sixth grade science teacher Paige Lawson wants to ensure students comprehend and connect key terms in meaningful ways.

The Frayer model is an AVID WICOR graphic organizer for building student vocabulary. This technique requires students to define target vocabulary and apply their knowledge by creating examples and non-examples, listing characteristics, and/or drawing pictures to illustrate definitions.
 

After modeling a Frayer model, Mrs. Lawson instructed her students to start by choosing a vocabulary word that puzzles them and then use multiple classroom resources to help them organize their thinking about the word. Mrs. Lawson knows that when students tangibly connect unfamiliar words, their learning expands and sticks. This year, she is making that happen in sixth grade science at WMS.

The Freeport Middle School Art Department studied Japanese Sumi Ink Painting.  They made these beautiful Kakemono, ink scrolls, using India ink, bamboo brushes, and their talent.  Way to go Bulldogs!