Tallahassee, Fla.— April 25-29 is Every Kid Healthy^TM Week and the Florida Department of Health in Walton County is promoting Healthy physical activities at Walton County elementary schools in DeFuniak Springs to promote and celebrate their school’s wellness achievements. This week, local health offices statewide are partnering with schools to host events related to nutrition, physical activity and learning. 

Holly Holt, Health officer, DOH Walton stated “we are pleased that all elementary schools in Walton county are participating in a Zumbathon during their Physical Education classes this week. “ “Unhealthy weight puts children at risk for a variety of health complications and chronic diseases. Evidence shows students who eat right and are physically active in school learn healthy lifelong habits and are better equipped to succeed academically”, stated Ms. Holt.

Launched nationally by Action for Healthy Kids in 2013, Every Kid Healthy Week is an annual observance held in the last week of April that shines a spotlight on the great efforts schools are making to improve the health and wellness of their students. The observance also provides an opportunity for everyone in the country to get involved by supporting sound nutrition, regular physical activity and health-promoting programs in schools. 

The Department of Health in Walton County provided the Zumba DVD’s with several dances to choose from so they can be used the entire week.  All 7 elementary schools will be entered into a National Data Base and will be recognized for participation.

1st graders colloaboratively worked on STEM projects where they designed and recreated the Three Little Pigs' houses. The Big Bad Wolf (a hair dryer) came to try and blow their houses down! They weren't afraid of the Big Bad Wolf!

Please congratulate Mrs. Brianna Leavins for receiving the WJHG Golden Apple Award. Her class nominated her, and she was presented her award this morning. The news segment will air on 4/21 @ 6:45 am and 5 pm. After the 5pm airing, it will be available at WJHG.com. Way to go Mrs. Leavins!!

Students in Mrs. Leavins’ Third Grade Class recently competed against each other to construct the strongest newspaper tower. Each group was given 6 newspaper dowels and 1 foot of tape. Groups had to construct a tower using the materials, and the tower that could hold the most weight was the winner.  After the competition, students realized that a strong base was necessary to support the additional weight.

To conclude their study of Landforms, Mrs. Meyer's class became Paleontologists and went digging for dinosaur fossils.

FES kindergarten students entered the "castle" each day during a unit of study on fairy tales and castles. They did projects and even held a medieval feast to celebrate their new learning. A big thanks to several creative and diligent volunteers who helped build the castle and all of it parts. When visiting the kindergarten wing, you truly felt you were entering into a castle! Great job FES!