Walton County School District is proud to announce our new Teacher of the Year recipient is Meredith Ness! An enthusiastic and dedicated teacher, Mrs. Ness is currently in her 16th year of teaching, with the last 8 years spent guiding and shaping young minds at Mossy Head School. In addition to incorporating hands-on and brain based teaching strategies that create a positive, engaging classroom learning environment, Mrs. Ness also serves as a First Lego League robotics coach and Odyssey of the Mind coach. Mrs. Ness is highly knowledgeable on innovative research in education and new strategies in technology. She has a deep and genuine love for teaching, and is the model of a true lifelong learner. We are honored to have Meredith Ness representing us as Teacher of the Year for Walton County School District!
Our Educational Support Professional of the Year 2019 is Mr. Eddie Farris! Mr. Farris has been with Walton County School District for 7 years, and currently serves as Plant Manager at Freeport Elementary School. Mr. Farris, in addition to demonstrating excellence in his daily responsibilities, is beloved by his administration and colleagues for his positive attitude, and caring consideration for the needs of the students and staff at Freeport Elementary.
Superintendent Hughes established two additional recognitions this year with the Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year awards.
Congratulations to Tammy Douglass Smith, Principal at Van R. Butler Elementary, for receiving the Principal of the Year Award for Walton County School District! Mrs. Smith has served for 36 years in WCSD, and has been principal at VRB since 2005. Under her leadership, Van R. Butler Elementary has been identified as an A+ school since the 2006-2007 school year.
Congratulations also goes to the 2019 Walton County Assistant Principal of the Year, Mr. James Ross, at South Walton High School! Mr. Ross has served as Assistant Principal at SWHS since 2011, and has made significant contributions as the school has grown and increased in population.
The new addition at South Walton High School is near completion and will soon be ready for students to flourish academically in their new classrooms! A special ribbon cutting was held to mark the official unveiling of the new wing on Friday, January 25, 2019 with remarks from Superintendent Russell Hughes; Principal, Alexis Tibbetts; Mark Gardner, WCSD Director of Facilities; and special guests. Students will soon be thriving in a new 10-classroom environment with state-of-the-art technology and equipment. Opening is anticipated this month! Innovative furniture design will include desks and tables with dry-erase tops for collaboration and brainstorming, and ergonomically designed chairs for optional seating positions. There are courtyard areas that will allow for outdoor classrooms, and an outdoor dining patio. Overlapping and removable dividers are installed in several classrooms to allow for an open concept in teaching.
Students across the district will be studying about the central role of African-Americans in the shaping of our nation as they recognize Black History Month. Activities will include study of the history and milestones in black history; biographies of famous African Americans; Music, Art, and Literary legacy; as well as contributions in Science, Industry and Technology.
Parents can be on the lookout for those mid-term progress reports to be distributed on February 12, 2019. These reports provide an opportunity for parents to stay current on their child’s success in school, and lend insight into ways parents can help their student stay motivated! Walton County School and offices will close on Monday, February 18 in observance of Presidents Day.
Author: SWal Life
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