2021 Best U.S. High Schools Ranked by U.S. News & World Report—Niceville HS in Top 5% in the Nation!
In U.S. News & World Report national and state rankings of High Schools, Okaloosa and Walton Schools ranked among the best in the state and nation! Niceville High School is #49 in the state (top 3%) and #886 in the nation (top 5%)! South Walton High School ranked #99 (top 6%) in Florida High Schools and #1,711 in National Rankings (top 9%). Ft. Walton Beach High School is #145 in the state (top 10%) and #2627 in the nation (top 15%). Freeport High School ranked #157 in Florida High Schools (top 10%) and #2,801 nationally (top 15%). Choctawhatchee High School is #174 in the state (top 12%) and #3148 in the nation (top 17%).
“In fact, every high school in Okaloosa County is on the cusp of being ranked in the top 20% of schools in the state ranging from the top 3% to the top 22% of high schools,” said Okaloosa County Superintendent Marcus Chambers on Facebook, including Crestview, Laurel Hill and Baker.
The U.S. News Best High Schools rankings include data on nearly 24,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Nearly 18,000 schools were ranked on six factors based on their performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college.
Florida has 1,485 public high schools. “I could not be more proud of our students, teachers, staff and administrators for their hard work and commitment to excellence,” said Marcus. “Our elementary and middle schools share in this honor as they also play a critical role in the success of our students. Congratulations to each of these terrific schools for this outstanding designation!” Visit www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/rankings-overview for more information.
Stuff The Bus!
United Way Emerald Coast (UWEC) has partnered with Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) and Walton County School District (WCSD) to “Stuff the Bus” with school supplies to ensure that every local child has the tools they need to be successful in school.
All donated supplies will be distributed to students in Okaloosa and Walton counties, targeting schools with the greatest need where many students would otherwise lack necessary supplies. In 2020, UWEC’s school supply drive distributed supplies to 14 local schools, impacting more than 7,000 students.
There are many opportunities for community members to get involved with Stuff the Bus. On July 31, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., OCSD busses and volunteers will be stationed in the parking lot of the Walmart locations in Crestview, Niceville and Fort Walton Beach to collect supplies. Several local businesses are hosting supply collection boxes. A full list of locations and virtual giving options can be found at united-way.org/schoolsupplies.
Businesses who would like to host a collection drive are encouraged to contact Marlee Tucker, UWEC Director of Development, at (850) 812-3390 or marlee@united-way.org. Volunteers who would like to help at a collection site on July 31st, please contact Aubrey Robbie, UWEC Development and Engagement Coordinator, at (850) 812-3387 or aubrey@united-way.org.
Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday
Saturday, July 31 – Monday, August 9th
Consumers can purchase qualifying back-to-school supplies exempt from tax during the 2021 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday. Passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the sales tax holiday begins Saturday, July 31 and extends through Monday, August 9. Items exempt from sales tax:
• Most school supplies selling for $15 or less
• Clothing, footwear and accessories selling for $60 or less
• The first $1,000 of the sales price of computers and accessories (when purchased for noncommercial and personal use)
For more information and a list of qualifying items, visit https://floridarevenue.com/backtoschool or the following documents:
• Taxpayer Information Publication on the 2021 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday
• 2021 Florida Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday FAQs for Consumers.
WCSD Superintendent of Schools A. Russell Hughes July 2021 Update
Classroom educators and District personnel have been busy participating in common professional development pre- paring for students’ return. These continuing education professional development sessions focus on reviewing state curriculum guidelines, gathering instructional tools, updating instructional strategies, and preparing instructional materials. Education for all is part of the fundamental principles upon which our founding fathers established this nation. Walton County continues this legacy by preparing every child for a life of success. Community partners, parents and student advocates help us to create this thriving atmosphere.
Walton County Superintendent A. Russell Hughes and the Walton County School Board recognized one of these community partners at the July 6, 2021 school board meeting. Mr. Joe Johnson, president of the Walton County Farm Bureau Federation, was awarded one of the 10 finalists in the 2021 Commissioner’s Business Recognition Award competition. Florida’s Commissioner of Education, Richard Corcoran, and the Florida Education Foundation sponsor this award yearly based on the nominations of Florida area school districts. The goal of the Commissioner’s Business Recognition Award competition is to recognize Florida’s business leaders and partners that have shown the most commitment in bringing positive change and implementing bold, innovative approaches to improve the academic performance of students in Florida’s education system. The Walton County Farm Bureau was Walton County’s nominee for this prestigious award.
Bureau programs support Agritechnology/STEM pro- grams in our schools by pro- viding space for rural and urban communities to connect. Agrotechnology encompasses the study of environmental re- source conservation and management, plant growth and reproduction, animal systems, and livestock management, along with mechanics and business, placing emphasis on applications to agriculture, food and natural resource systems. Consistent with this, Walton County Farm Bureau Federation has granted over $60,000 in the last few years to improve the Walton County Agri-business programs with equipment, livestock, crop and livestock supplies, hydroponic systems and real estate. Be sure to visit our district website for school registration opportunities.
