The Freeport Elementary School Lego League team, FES Engineers, competed this past weekend and qualified for upcoming Regionals in Tallahassee on February 21^st & 22nd. “It was very exciting when they announced that our team made it,” said Mark Siefke. They were one of 24 teams to qualify out of 94.  Teams were judged on multiple criteria including presentation of their project which was building a safe playground, the missions completed, their robot, and their robot design executive summaries.  The team accomplished 4 successful missions. Will Ludwig shared, “It was amazing that a young team like ours did so well at this competition.”  The teams were also judged on core values and how well they worked together. 

FES Engineers team members are Dani Rae Maliszewski, Will Ludwig, Amberly McDermott, Mark Siefke, Annabelle Carl, Selena Vosper, Michael Aresco, and Conner Spiva.  They are coached by 4^th grade teacher, Nicole Ludwig, and parent volunteer, Amber Spiva. 

First Lego League is for elementary and middle school-aged students (grades 4-8).  They research a real-world engineering challenge, develop a solution, and compete with LEGO-based robots of their own design.  For more information, visit www.firstinspires.org.

Attendance Notifications

FES is excited to announce the new FOCUS Absent Texting feature starting on Tuesday, January 7, 2020.  The new feature will automatically send you a text when your child is marked U-unexcused in FOCUS.  You will be automatically enrolled using the cell phone number on file in FOCUS.  If that number is not capable of receiving texts, the message will either be converted to a voice message or you will receive nothing at all, depending on your cell phone provider.

How it works:

• Text messages are sent out at the quarter hour for Unexcused absences within 30 minutes.

• You can turn the texts off for the rest of the day by responding “TODAY” to the text.

• You can opt out completely by replying “UNSUBSCRIBE” to the text.

• Be aware if attendance is taken and your child is marked U-unexcused, but then comes in tardy, you might still receive a text about the absence if the attendance is not changed before the message is sent.

We look forward to this exciting new feature in FOCUS.  Please contact the school if you have any questions.

Every month, Mr. A. Russell Hughes, Walton County, Florida Superintendent of Schools, will share a video message with an update on the exciting things happening in the Walton County School District, Walton County, Florida. Check back often to stay informed on all the activities, events and accomplishments of teachers and students in the Walton County School District.

This month's video was filmed in the historic Walton County Heritage Museum in the former Louisville & Nashville Railroad Depot in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Superintendent A. Russell Hughes shares important upcoming dates, and a brief overview of some exciting new projects and collaborations in the district. Special guest for this month is Mrs. Donna Simmons, our newly appointed principal at Freeport High School!

https://youtu.be/rwCUWJ29Ado

Students and staff celebrated Kindness Week November 13th-15th. The staff was treated to a snack from the Social Committee Sunshine Cart. Students received kindness bracelets, special lunch messages, and were able to write compliments to each other in the lunchroom. Every grade level participated in Random Act of Kindness by surprising another class with notes and treats and Mrs. Saltsman's 4th grade music class surprised the office with a song. https://youtu.be/TuHQ3aLVMzE

Check out our Facebook Page Story to see more pictures!

Every month, Mr. A. Russell Hughes, Walton County, Florida Superintendent of Schools, will share a video message with an update on the exciting things happening in the Walton County School District, Walton County, Florida. Check back often to stay informed on all the activities, events and accomplishments of teachers and students in the Walton County School District.

This month's video was filmed at Maude Saunders Elementary School where Superintendent Hughes introduces Mrs. Cindy Neale as the new Principal at MSE. Superintendent Hughes shares important information about mid-term progress reports, along with upcoming events and holidays in our schools. Make sure to watch the video to the end to see the MSE House of Courage presenting their House Cheer!

https://youtu.be/O-TMGmDN_SY

Don't forget to stop by Di'lishi tonight from 3:00-7:00! A portion of the proceeds support our school!

At least 8 million students miss 10% of the school year nationwide. Let’s help all students be in #SchoolEveryDay bit.ly/1oqfID7

Congratulations to our Kiwanis Students of the Month for October! Great Job, Maddy Farris and Devin Bilbruck!

Every month, Mr. A. Russell Hughes, Walton County, Florida Superintendent of Schools, will share a video message with an update on the exciting things happening in the Walton County School District, Walton County, Florida. Check back often to stay informed on all the activities, events and accomplishments of teachers and students in the Walton County School District.

This month's video was filmed at Paxton School where Superintendent Hughes welcomes and introduces new Paxton principal, Brent Jones. Superintendent Hughes reminds parents of important dates for the end of the first 9 weeks of school, and the Walton County Fair. Mr. Hughes also shares some exciting news about our newly recognized "Schools of Excellence."

Watch the Video!

Get ready for an EPIC Day of Learning!

FES Teachers are preparing to flip their classrooms for an unforgettable, EPIC day of learning!  Check back later this week for full details and pictures of this fantastic event.  FES Rocks the House!