“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” This quote by Coretta Scott King could not be any more accurate for what Walton County FFA and 4H students experienced Thursday night at the Walton County Fair Livestock Auction. As witnessed in previous years, many participants, along with buyers, consistently return for the auction in hopes of an opportunity to purchase a hog from our Paxton students. Many have watched our students grow as children into young adults who thrive from the challenge of raising an animal, along with the responsibilities that it presents.  

If you have ever had the pleasure of meeting any of our FFA students, you will understand why a sense of community is achieved; students stepping in to fill a gap, taking over the community booth to meet and greet fair attendees, and making sure everyone had what they needed to be ready for the week of activities. While students are in the FFA program they are challenged to think outside of the box and solve real world problems that the agriculture industry presents. The FFA has much to offer to all students whether it is in the classroom, in an outdoor setting, or in the show ring. These children never meet a stranger and always rise above and beyond the expectations set for them. Thursday night was no exception to their excellence, and it was shown brightly throughout the crowd during the auction.   

Thursday night was a night that the spectators and students will remember for many years to come.  Not only did our loyal buyers from previous years return, but we met new friends and supporters who traveled from as far as Mississippi to provide assistance for our youth. While bidding, the crowd cheered as the amounts climbed higher and higher and old records were broken. Tears were shed by spectators and participants at the extent of support and love given throughout the night.  Our students could truly feel the affection and encouragement from the community, which fosters their love for community and our FFA organization. They learn many valuable lessons each year that they will be able to carry with them for a lifetime as they plan for their future and what it means to be a part of something bigger. On behalf of the Paxton FFA we would like to express how grateful we truly are for all the love and support shown by our community.  

What an amazing Livestock Event at the Walton County Fair Tuesday Night.  Our students were extraordinary in their showings of these “Projects”!  We remain astonished by the work of Mrs. McDaniel, the Agricultural Programs and the vital partnerships with Farm Bureau, parents of students, community members that contributed and collaborated in such an astounding show!  This is more evidence of our commitment to “Preparing the Whole Child for a Life of Success”!  Congratulations students, parents, community members, Principal Brent Jones and all of those who make this happen each year.  We can’t wait for the auction tonight. 

Students in Mrs. Ellis’ Second Grade Class at West DeFuniak Elementary demonstrate the molecules in a solid, liquid, and a gas.

COVID Update October 8, 2021

In the spirit of transparency, the Walton County School District (WCSD) will continue to update our stakeholders with COVID-19 data for the 2021-2022 school year. 

We look forward to a time where these numbers read 0%, likewise is our wish for our county, state, and country. We are glad that we are able to navigate through this second year of COVID like we have with the mitigation strategies in place that allow students to be in school, employees at work, and families enjoying some sense of normalcy.

Walton County School District COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies for the 2021-2022 School Year

1. If a person is sick (students, teachers, staff, and visitors), they should stay home.
2. Face covering is optional for all, including the bus.
3. Hand sanitizer is available at various areas inside the school.
4. Social distancing from others is encouraged as much as possible.
5. Signs will be displayed to remind those in schools about social distancing, as well as the use of hand sanitizer, washing of hands, and face coverings.
6. Cleaning and disinfecting school facilities/buses which are occupied by students will be done daily.
7. Adequate mitigation supplies are on hand at all schools/facilities (hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, masks, etc.).
8. COVID-19 vaccination is optional for all students and employees.
9. COVID-19 contact tracing is occurring in all schools/facilities (2021-2022 WCSD Decision Tree for employees and students).
10. At this time non-essential visitors and volunteers are not allowed to enter schools. This mitigation strategy will be revisited in the next few weeks.

*Please keep in mind that although COVID positive cases may represent a student or staff member within the WCSD, it does not necessarily indicate that the virus originated within the WCSD.  It is also important to note that a portion of the positive cases involve individuals who may have never entered the school setting while sick due to proper quarantining.