Dr. Komando’s South Walton High School Drawing Honors class had the opportunity to discover the power of music through an on-line interactive classroom presentation. Via live stream, concert Pianist, Jihye Chang treated students to a live classical performance. The virtual event hosted by Rosemary Beach Foundation Director, Malayne Demars, engaged students in creative drawing inspired by Ms. Chang’s performance. The students interacted with Ms. Chang as she played and posed questions to challenge their thinking. Students were able to respond and share their ideas using the chat feature of the meeting platform. Walton County School District is dedicated to educating the whole learner and seeks to provide opportunities for artistic creativity. The correlation between music and the visual arts forms the foundation of The Rosemary Beach Foundation’s goal in sponsoring the Music in Pictures program for art students of Walton County Schools. Created in collaboration with professional musicians and university faculty, Music in Pictures encourages lifelong appreciation of symphonic music, enhances learning, and provides educational enrichment.
Superintendent Hughes had the honor of welcoming and spending strategic conversation time with Chancellor Henry Mack of Florida’s Department of Education. Mr. Mack was in our County to tour Emerald Coast Technical College. Chancellor Mack serves the FLDOE by overseeing workforce education and training programs for the state. The Chancellor’s trip follows Governor Ron DeSantis’ announcement of the “Get There Florida” program; a new workforce education initiative aimed at raising awareness of short-term, high-value career and technical education programs across the state. Principal Crozier was able to share the valuable work our teachers, staff and students are doing to maintain their number five (#5) rank among technical colleges in the state of Florida! ECTC is no exception to the Walton County Way!
On Monday, October 5, 2020 District Employees wore blue in recognition of National Bullying Prevention Month! The first Monday of every October is recognized as World Day of Bullying Prevention. On this day, students, schools and communities all over the world wear BLUE together in solidarity against bullying. The Campaign, #Blue Up kicked off National Bullying Prevention Month. Walton District Staff is committed to ensuring our students are educated in bully-free schools that practice our “see something – say something policy.” District employees and schools wore blue as an outward allegiance to educate, raise awareness, and encourage mindfulness and kindness.
October also marked the observation of Red Ribbon Week; October 23-31st each year. The mission of the Red Ribbon Campaign is to present a unified and visible commitment towards the creation of a Drug Free America. The National Family Partnership is the sponsor of the National Red Ribbon Week Celebration and the organization helps citizens across our nation work together to keep our children, families and communities safe. Each school observes the week in their own way with door contests, art contests or wearing the color red.
A highlight of the month of October is our collaboration with the Walton County FAIR. Although adjustments had to be made for social distancing the community was able to enjoy evening entertainment. Customarily, Walton School District has a booth at the FAIR to greet families and answer questions but, because the only planned activities would include the Midway and Livestock Shows this interaction was not available. Staff and students, however, volunteered and assisted FAIR staff with ticketing and admission. Students from Paxton participated in livestock shows with animals they raised and prepared for auction. We understand the new FAIR format and precautions were necessary to keep everyone safe, but we look forward to next year’s FAIR.
Student success begins with our parents. Mr. Hughes wants to thank parents for “being good partners and helping us keep students safe by adhering to guidelines such as keeping sick students at home, encouraging mask wearing, hand washing and frequent sanitizing.” Superintendent Hughes says, “Parent diligence and attention to helping us maintain a safe environment has made us one of the few districts with the highest brick-and-mortar attendance in the state!” Superintendent Hughes continues and states this couldn’t be possible without parent and community help. With 86% of students learning in face to face environments (9% ILDA and 5% WVS), Superintendent Hughes believes the district will be able to “Hang On and Gain On (2020-21 district theme)!” Additionally, the Superintendent says “Some districts in the state have reported having only 40-60% of their students face to face. This is how we continue to make ground! We must take advantage of this time!”
Author: SWal Life
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