The roar of buses, zipping of bicycles and the patter of student footsteps and chatter in school hallways signals the beginning of a new school year! Walton County School District welcomed teachers on August 2, 2024, at Freeport High School for the eighth annual Empowerment Leadership Day or EPIC Day! Each year Superintendent Hughes speaks to teachers to thank them for all their hard work the previous year and motivate them for the upcoming. This also is the time each year’s theme is announced. Because this is an Olympic year, Superintendent Hughes chose; “EPI-lympi-C – “In the Boat for the Goal” as our new guiding route! Superintendent Hughes stated “Let’s begin this year with a fresh perspective and outlook while remaining true to our core beliefs, proven systems and EPIC behaviors, concepts and actions.
EPIC Day is prepared for teachers’ refining and growth allowing them to build on the tools in their instructional toolbox assisting them in creating educational environments that are engaging and motivating. District staff facilitated sessions focused on all content areas giving all grade levels to leave with new ideas and resources. Dr. John W. Hodges, president and co-founder of Urban Learning and Leadership Center (ULLC), an organization focused on student achievement and reduction of the achievement gap, was the keynote speaker for the general session. Dr. Hodges has provided training and support to educators in over 300 rural, urban and suburban school districts. His work and expertise are particularly focused on the areas of leadership, student achievement, equity, student resilience, poverty and high academic achievement despite the presence of risk-factors. He is the author of “You Can Get In The Way: How You Can Become A Roadblock to Risk Factors,” a resource for teachers or administrators who seek the keys to reaching students who are not easy to teach or do not respond to traditional teaching practices.
Our District continues to expand, and families are migrating to our area because of our excellent education system. To match this growth Walton County School District keeps a close watch on student station accommodation and builds when necessary. Freeport area has a brand-new Middle school located in the Hammock Bay housing area for grades 5-8. Their previous campus, now Freeport Learning Center has been repurposed as a Pre-K and Pre-KD site. Contact the school with questions about enrollment.
For parents who have questions about student start time, supply lists or dress code, please see the school’s webpage which can be accessed through the Walton County School District website: www.walton.k12.fl.us. Our parents are an important part of our students’ and District’s success. We encourage parents or any community member to become active as volunteers or mentors in our schools. For more information on how to sign up, please visit our district website and search for “parents” on the homepage where you will find all information and forms.
Our school district values parental input, and we want you to partner with us in educating students. Parents and the community may always reach out and ask questions through the Let’s Talk platform. This community digital tool automatically delivers your text questions to the appropriate personnel for a speedy reply. Text (850) 204.9667 or click “contact us” on the WCSD webpage.
We are looking forward to an incredible 2024-25!
Author: Sowal Editor
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