West DeFuniak Elementary hosted the First LEGO League Jr. Expo at the WISE Center Gym in DeFuniak Springs. There were sixteen FLL Jr. teams present representing grades 1-5 from five different schools. West DeFuniak had 9 teams present. During the year students focused on the Mission Moon theme. Students researched what they would need in order to live on the moon, how they would breathe, and other problems related to living on the moon. Then students built a moon base using their LEGO set and showed how they would solve one of the problems with living on the moon. Students used iPads to program at least one piece of their base to move. Students created a Show Me poster to share what they had learned with others. At the Expo, reviewers talked with each team about their project and noted the amazing thinking from students. One of the reviewers shared that one team learned that when astronauts drill into the moon that oxygen is released. That team built a drill as part of their moon base. They problem solved some issues with their drill such as the height and weight of the drill. (Great engineering skills!) Another reviewer noted that one team was having difficulty with their iPad. Another student offered to share their team's iPad and to help program it. (Great teamwork skills!) The Expo was a high energy event where teams were able to come together to share what they've learned this season. Special thanks to Mr. Rick Soria and Doolittle Institute for their sponsorship of our LEGO teams this season.

Ellis Island comes to life at WDE! From 1892 to 1954, over twelve million immigrants entered the United States through the portal of Ellis Island, a small island in New York Harbor. Second grade students at WDE had the unique opportunity to experience life as an immigrant. This included choosing a foreign country, new name, and reason for immigrating to America. Students experienced waiting in a long line to enter Ellis Island, going through a medical exam, and a questioning session with an Ellis Island official who determined whether or not they could enter the United States for a better life. Special thanks to Mrs. Jennifer Schovan for becoming the Statue of Liberty, and to Becky King who did a wonderful job taking pictures.

Walton Middle School invites the families of next school year's sixth grade students to attend "Middle School Jump" on Thursday, May 2, 2019, from 6:00-8:00.  At this Title 1 parent training event, WMS administration, faculty, and even students will help incoming sixth graders get a jump-start on what it takes to be successful middle school students.  Free dinner and childcare will be provided.  WMS can't wait to meet the families of its new Warriors!

Mrs. Amanda Callahan’s 3rd grade class at WDE explored this week’s character trait - Love of Learning - by completing a STEM project about the strength of cylinders. The class asked the question, “How many books will one piece of paper hold, when it is rolled into a cylinder?” Students were amazed at how strong a paper cylinder could be! One group was able to stack 16 books!