West DeFuniak Elementary School

10/16/2026

📚🍂 Our Fall Book Fair is almost here! Get ready to stock up on some great reads while supporting our WDE library! Check out the flyer for all the details! 📖https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/westdefuniakelemschool

10/16/2026

We are so proud of these students for working hard, making great choices, and reaching their goals. Keep reaching for the stars, Cosmic Achievers! 💫

10/15/2026

The WDE Bee Bops Are Hitting All the Right Notes!

Mr. Nathan Hight and our talented WDE Bee Bops took the stage at the Walton County Fair last night, and we couldn’t be prouder of these shining stars!

Did you know that participation in music programs is associated with positive academic outcomes for students? Music helps build skills that reach far beyond the stage!

Keep singing, keep growing, and keep hitting those high notes, Bee Bops! We are so proud of you!

10/15/2026

These students were selected to participate in the 2026 FEMEA Northern Regional Honor Choir and Orff Ensemble. They will be traveling to Panama City on November 14th alongside other students from our region to perform. They are (from left to right) Ella Hicks, Willow Sayers, Delaney Rhodes, Cainan Spencer (Orff Ensemble), Nathalie Andrade, Alex Barea (Orff Ensemble), and Zyion Hobbs

10/15/2026

If there’s fun to be had at WDE, you can bet Mrs. Gautney will be right in the middle of it! From rocking the craziest hairstyles on Crazy Hair Day to spreading Christmas cheer as Mrs. Claus, she brings energy, laughter, and a whole lot of personality wherever she goes!

Mrs. Gautney is hardworking, full of energy, and has a wonderful sense of humor that makes her such a special part of our WDE family. She doesn’t just encourage our students to join in the fun, she leads the way right alongside them! Her enthusiasm, dedication, and ability to make others smile are just a few of the many reasons she is so deserving of this recognition.

We are honored to celebrate Mrs. Gautney as our Educational Support Professional of the Year! Thank you for all you do for our students, our staff, and our school community. We are so lucky to have you at WDE!

10/15/2026

The House of Justice is currently in first place with an AMAZING $140 collected! 🎉 Students in the House of Justice are encouraged to wear their BLUE shirts tomorrow to show off their victory and celebrate their lead!

But the fun doesn't stop there! We've collected $390 toward our $500 goal, which means we're just $110 AWAY from earning a PAJAMA DAY on November 2!

There's still time to help us reach our goal! Students can bring in change now through October 30. Every penny counts, and every donation brings us one step closer to a cozy day in our pajamas!

Will we make it to $500? Let's go, Little Braves!

10/15/2026

Permission slips will be coming home tomorrow!
&&& This will be a free dress day!!!

Students must have a signed permission slip to stay for the dance!
Dance tickets are $5 and concessions will be sold. Concession prices will range from $1-$2.

10/14/2026

A little visit that means so much!

As our school community returns following the recent hurricane, we appreciate Superintendent Hughes, taking the time to visit our school and check on our students and staff.

It's reassuring to know we have leadership that cares, supports, and shows up for our school communities when it matters most. Thank you for your continued dedication to our district and for reminding us that we are all in this together!

We appreciate you!

10/14/2026

Our students' artwork is hung and ready for the judges at this year’s Walton County Fair! 🎡

We are so proud of our talented WDE artists and can't wait for everyone to see their amazing creations! The Walton County Fair is happening October 12–17, so be sure to stop by and check out the incredible artwork from our WDE students and other talented artists from across the county!

10/13/2026

We understand that storm recovery looks different for every family. Some families may be ready to return to their normal routines, while others are still navigating challenges and working to put the pieces back together. We fully support parents in making the decision that is best for their child and their family's circumstances. We understand that storm-related challenges may prevent some students from returning immediately, and grace will be given to families who need additional time. Our priority is the well-being of our students and families. We appreciate your patience, understanding, and continued support as our community recovers. We are in this together! Additionally, WDE shirts are not expected this week.

A Message to Our Walton County School District Families

As we prepare to welcome students back to school, we want our families to know that we understand, we care, and we are here for you.

We all have a part to play in helping our community recover. Ours is to open our doors, welcome our children back, and provide the comfort, care, and normalcy they deserve.

Parents, you know your situation best. The choice to send your child to school is ultimately yours. Please know that we understand and respect your decision. Send a note explaining the circumstances when your child returns, and the absence will be excused.

We also recognize that some of our students have gone an extended period without electricity, air conditioning, or even a warm meal. We want you to know that our schools have power, internet access, and our cafeterias are ready to serve real, freshly prepared meals.

Every family is facing its own challenges, and there is no single path to recovery. Whether your child is ready to return or your family needs a little more time, please know that our hearts are with you.

Our schools are ready, our doors are open, and our people are here to welcome your children with open arms.

We are more than a school district. We are a community, and we will move forward together.

Walton County School District
To Heights Unseen