As we approach the end of our first semester of school, our Walton County School District continues to carry the torch of educational excellence! Teachers, staff, and students have worked hard to maintain high academic achievement, and state rankings show their efforts. Yet, we never rest in our accomplishments but continue to press toward becoming the number one District in the state!
We are proud to announce our District was recognized by the Florida Department of Education as a high-performing school district, meaning our schools have high expectations, academic rigor, and opportunities for extra-curricular growth. Our schools support the development of the whole child, and our endeavors toward excellence have paid off! Several of our schools also were recognized as Schools of excellence; Freeport High School, South Walton High School, and Seaside Neighborhood School. Congratulations to the Principals, students, and staff of these campuses!
As District students and employees return from Thanksgiving break, we reflect on opportunities to celebrate veterans for their unselfish service to our country. Their courage is why we can work, play and pray as we choose. Many schools held programs to recognize the sacrifices veterans have made for our comfort. What better way to honor these men and women than for teachers to accurately share with students the tremendous responsibility of exercising their civic duty? Walton County School District students are learning this, and our state ranking of third in U.S. History and ninth in Civics attests to the fact. There are 67 counties in Florida, and our children rank in the top ten regarding knowledge of civic virtues.
Our academic progress has been phenomenal, but our successes don’t end there. Our 2022-23 year of excellence in sports includes Walton Middle School Football having an undefeated season and ending their year as Conference Champions. All Walton County School District Football teams earned opportunities to compete at the State level. South Walton High School and Paxton Cross Country took part in the State competition. South Walton High School Volleyball team earned the designation of Regional Finalist, and Rhiannon Fountain of Walton High School competed in Regional Tournament Play.
Because of the tremendous work put forth by teachers and employees, the Walton County School Board and Superintendent Hughes have implemented salary increases, and since 2016 these increases, recurring and non-recurring, equal 61.7%! As a result, beginning teachers will now earn a starting salary of 50,000 dollars! This new teacher base salary is unprecedented in the panhandle. The Walton County School Board and Superintendent Hughes made it happen to show every member of the Walton County School District Team and new educators to our team how much they are appreciated!
Remember the Christmas Holidays are upon us, and schools will soon be closed for the season. The second nine weeks and the first-semester end on December 16, 2022. Please encourage your student to stay focused until we begin our winter break. End of Course exams (EOCs) will begin soon, and we want all students to do well! District offices and schools will be closed from December 19 through December 30, 2022. Parents, be on the lookout for students playing and enjoying their break. Drive a little slower and observe all safety signage. Students will return to school after the new year on January 4, 2023.
Superintendent Hughes wishes each student, employee, family, and community member the happiest holiday season!
Author: SWal Life
Visits: 0
