Walton County - School District

Friday October 11th is an early release day! Please check your schools social media pages and website for specific times.

WCSD is fortunate to have the best community partners to with which to collaborate, and it's especially rewarding to know those partners are helping keep children safe! Thank you to Walton County Fire Rescue for talking to kindergarteners at Freeport Elementary School about fire safety!

As the sun rose over the wreckage of Hurricane Helene, Suwanee County School District faced damage that could have prevented students from being fully back on campus for weeks. Destructive winds and unforgiving rain left much of Florida’s Big Bend area with downed trees, power outages, and roof damage. Superintendent A. Russell Hughes understands the phrase “to whom much is given, much is required” well and felt compelled to offer aid to anyone in need to the degree that the Walton County School District was able. Six workers from the Facilities Department embarked on a journey of solidarity and service as they traveled to Suwannee County to offer their skills and time to help rebuild and restore hope so that children could return to the classroom and continue learning. The work of these gentlemen is a reminder that in a time of crisis, we never stand alone. The threads of our shared humanity bind us, woven tightly in moments of need. Much of their time was spent removing trees, repairing roofing, and helping ensure the school buildings were fit to welcome students back through their doors. A week of ten-hour days would crumble most, but these six men came back home Thursday full of purpose and accomplishment, knowing that they made a difference. Superintendent A. Russell Hughes has always believed in the power of collaboration and the responsibility to extend a hand when able and remarked, “We are blessed in Walton County, and when there are those in need, we reaffirm our commitment to unity and community. Our strength is not measured by the storm we weather but by how we help others rebuild in their wake. I’m elated that we were able to offer assistance to the children, staff, and community of Suwannee County so that they might find some normalcy again, and let me say this – I could not be more proud of the men who traveled there to help. These gentlemen embody exactly what it means to be EPIC. They offered their time and talent with no expectation of accolade or applause, and they are truly part of what makes this county so special.”

Whew! Students and teachers across the District wore blue today to #blueup for World Bullying Prevention Day!

The District Office decided to #blueup from head to toe in recognition of World Day of Bullying Prevention!

Monday, October 7th is Bullying Prevention Awareness Day! We're asking everyone to BLUE UP against bullying. Wear blue to let everyone know that WCSD won't tolerate bullying!

Based on information from the National Weather Service and with our local weather partners, all Walton County schools will remain closed on Friday, September 27th. Tropical storm force winds and rain are anticipated from approximately 7:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. from Hurricane Helene. Closures are for all students, staff, and SPICE. Extracurricular decisions will be made by individual schools, including Friday football games, so please look to your schools for more information. All schools are expected to open Monday, September 30th. Stay safe, and continue to check our district and schools’ websites and social media platforms for more information. Las escuelas estarán cerradas mañana viernes 27 de septiembre debido al huracán Helene.

Due to the weather conditions expected from Tropical Storm Helene, all Walton County schools will close Thursday, September 26th. Please stay engaged with our district and schools’ websites and social media platforms for more information. Stay safe!

We understand the weather conditions are changing rapidly for Invest 97L. The Walton County School District is monitoring the storm and working closely with local and state weather authorities. Please keep a close eye on our social media channels for updates.

Superintendent Hughes dropped in on Wednesday to check out South Walton's school spirit as they gear up for Homecoming TONIGHT!

Superintendent Hughes dropped into to VRB this week to check on the Bears! They were not doing the “The Bare Minimum” but doing their “Beary Best Work”! It was also "Iconic Music Star" dress up day to support homecoming in the South Walton High School. Go Bears!

South Walton High School is gearing up to battle Florida State University High School this evening for Homecoming. The District office wore green to show our Seahawks some support! Tonight's game against FSUHS is at 7pm @ Emerald Coast Middle School. Grab your green, and cheer on the Seahawks!

It is Homecoming week for our South Walton Seahawks! Today they dressed up as rivals or icon duos! Some took the assignment a step further and had iconic clans! Can you spot Mrs. Borthwick and her pups!

Help us congratulate Hope Allen and Hillary Williams on their recent promotion from TSA(Teacher on Special Assignment) to Assistant Principal! Mrs. Allen is at West DeFuniak Elementary and Mrs. Williams is at Freeport High School. The process of becoming an Assistant Principal can take several years, but is at least two years. Teachers start as a "Teacher on Special Assignment" and spend at least two years working under a Principal while learning the intricacies of the job. After that two years, they are eligible to apply for promotion and go through a rigorous interview. Congratulations to these two dedicated educators!

It's Attendance Awareness Month and Mrs. Laird's Kindergarten class is celebrating perfect attendance in style! Students who have had perfect attendance so far this year were allowed to wear their favorite hat in class! Way to go kids! Did you know poor attendance in early grades has a strong correlation with poor reading skills later?

The Walton County School District received information from students and parents regarding a possible threat on social media. Our safety experts, including the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, have investigated the threat. The post originated outside our state and shared by a Walton County student. We have made contact with that student as well as his family. Through the investigation, the threat has been deemed not credible. There have been additional comments added to the post, which led to misinformation and rumors. These comments have also been vetted and deemed unfounded. We will continue to stay engaged, following through on any rumors that may pose a threat, keeping our students safe and our parents and stakeholders informed. To be proactive, the Walton County School District has increased safety measures and personnel at schools, and we will continue to remain vigilant as our country has experienced an increase in school violence and threats over the past few weeks. Please know we take every school threat seriously, and we encourage all individuals to continue to “See Something, Say Something” and utilize our additional safety tools, such as school administration, The Walton County Sheriff’s Office, and Fortify Florida. As always, the safety of our students and staff continues to be, and will always be, a priority for Superintendent A. Russell Hughes and the Walton County School District.

Today, we remember and honor those whose lives were taken 23 years ago. We also raise up those who answered the call to aid in the recovery, clean up, and restoration effort.

September is Attendance Awareness Month and we'd like to invite YOU to partner with the WCSD to help ensure that students attend classes! Find more at www.walton.k12.fl.us/attendance

There are so many ways to get involved and be a positive influence on the lives of children in Walton County! Superintendent Hughes dropped by West DeFuniak Elementary's School Advisory Council meeting to check in! If you're interested in being a part of your child's School Advisory Committee, contact the school and let them know you're ready to pick up an oar and help us row for the goal!

All Walton County School District campuses and offices will be closed on Monday, September 2nd in observance of Labor Day!