Walton County School District moves toward the Spring Break with anticipation but continues its E.P.I.C. standard of work in the process! While the district celebrates its accomplishments of; earning a #3 ranking for student performance on Florida Assessments, #3 in graduation ranking with an unheard of 96.7% of Walton County students graduating, and a #3 overall ranking among Florida School Districts. We know there is much more work to do to reach #1!

In addition to the outstanding state rankings, Walton County is excited to have awarded students over 2,000 CTE (Career Technical Education) course certifications. These certifications document students’ work to become employable and career ready at graduation. Congratulations to all our certificated C.T.E. students!

National School Counselor appreciation week was February 6th-10th, 2023 and we want to recognize the work of all of our school’s counselors. Counselors oversee student’s academic success and help them determine the educational courses that will best help them meet their goals. Thank you, W.C.S.D. counselors, for the excellent work you do!

Our music department hosted the Elementary All County Chorus in Concert on February 25, 2023, in the Freeport High School Auditorium. Students from schools across the county participated in a night of musical enjoyment. Walton County School District supports the whole child by providing extra-curricular activities, such as the arts, sports, band, etc., to help enrich students’ learning experiences. In good faith, Walton County School Board and Superintendent A. Russell Hughes have set aside $300,000.00 to support the purchase of additional classroom instruments for every school.

Other noteworthy happenings included welcoming new additions to Walton County School District. On January 24, 2023 the Walton County School Board, Superintendent A. R. Hughes, Principal Nathan Smith, and Freeport Middle School students pitched the first shovels of sand to commemorate the groundbreaking of a new Freeport Middle School at Hammock Bay. After a brief ceremony, the group moved to the newly renovated Freeport Elementary School for a ribbon cutting and grand opening of principal Kristen Lewis’s new administrative building and student cafetorium. Freeport was buzzing with pride in anticipation of students using these new academic buildings and receiving a first-class education.

Kindergarten registration will open at all Walton County elementary schools March 6-15, 2023. Parents of children who are five years old or will turn five by September 1, 2023, may register their preschoolers to attend any of our Walton County Kindergarten classes.   Students must have a birth certificate, physical, and Florida Certification of Immunization Record (DOH-6980). School of choice is dependent on enrollment capacity. Please check with your school of choice for details.

VPK registration has opened at participating sites.  To be eligible for VPK 2023-2024 students must be 4 years old by September 1, 2023 and should NOT have been previously enrolled in a VPK Program or have attended Kindergarten. Registration participating sites and dates are below.  If you have questions, call the VPK campus directly.

February 27–March, 2023 – Freeport Elementary School    850-892-1211

March 6-15, 2023 -WISE Center – 850-892-1111

Mossy Head School – 850-892-1290

Paxton School – 850-892-1290

Bay School – 850-622-5051

Our school district values parental input and we want you to partner with us in educating your students. Should you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us through our 24/7 communication platform Let’sTalk.  Text your questions to 850-204-9667, and a representative will send them to the appropriate department.

Please mark your calendar to remember the end of the nine weeks grading period is approaching on March 16, 2023. Stay in touch with your student’s teachers regarding their final grades.

Spring Break 2023 is March 20-24, 2023. Parents pay close attention to the roads and sidewalks as children will be out and about. Revisit community and water safety if you have plans to visit the beach with your children. We want to see all our students return safely after the break! Superintendent Hughes sends “wishes for a safe and pleasant Spring Break. Enjoy time with your family!”

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