Braves Bulletin

Dear Walton High School Families,

Over the past several weeks, our school community has faced two deeply troubling situations involving staff members and allegations of inappropriate relationships with students. These incidents have understandably shaken our school community and raised concerns for many of you as parents.

First and foremost, I want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students remains our highest priority. In both situations, the information that led to these investigations came forward quickly, and the appropriate authorities were immediately notified. The fact that these situations were reported and acted upon reflects something important about the culture within our school: our students and staff know that when something is wrong, they must speak up—and that when they do, it will be taken seriously.

I want you to know that we will always act decisively to protect students. We work closely with district leadership and law enforcement whenever concerns arise, and we follow strict protocols to ensure that any allegation involving student safety is investigated thoroughly and appropriately.

While these events are deeply upsetting, they do not define Walton High School or the incredible educators who serve our students every day. Our staff members are professionals who care deeply about the young people in this building and dedicate themselves daily to supporting, teaching, and mentoring them. Their commitment to students is genuine and unwavering.

These situations have impacted our entire community, including our staff, who are equally heartbroken and committed to ensuring that Walton High School remains a place where students feel safe, supported, and respected.

As parents, if you ever have concerns about your child’s safety or well-being, please do not hesitate to reach out. We also encourage students to speak with a trusted adult at school if something ever makes them uncomfortable. Creating an environment where students feel safe coming forward is one of the most important protections we can provide.

It is an honor and responsibility I take seriously to serve as your child’s principal. Please know that every decision we make is guided by what is best for our students.

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership as we move forward together in support of our Walton High School community.

Sincerely,

Brianna Leavins

Walton High School Principal

Beginning July 1, 2026, all new and returning student-athletes will be required to complete electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) screenings in accordance with Florida Senate Bill 1070, the “Second Chance Act.” These screenings will be held in the WHS media center on 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟏𝟎, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thanks to the generous support of the St. Joe Foundation, these screenings will be provided at no cost to our athletes. Optional $20 donations will be accepted. If selecting the free option, scroll to the bottom of the page and check "yes" on the "financial assistance" question.

Quarter Exams will be held on Wednesday, March 11 and Thursday, March 12. No early exams will be administered. If your child misses exams, they can be made up on Friday, March 13 or Tuesday, March 24.

The Walton High School Prom will be held from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. on 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟏𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, at The Barn at Water Oaks Farm (4080 Second Avenue, Laurel Hill, FL 32567). All students planning to attend prom must carefully read the guidelines and dress code information below with a parent/guardian.

𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬:
- Tickets cost $40 and are available for purchase during all lunches on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The last day to purchase tickets is 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟏𝟏.
- WHS seniors are not required to purchase tickets for themselves. They must only pay for their date if he/she is NOT a senior at WHS.
- All WHS juniors and their guests must purchase tickets.
- Guests must be in grade 9 or above AND not older than 20 years old.
- Guests attending that are non-WHS students must pick up a guest form from the front office and return it by 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟔. Guest forms may also be downloaded at https://aptg.co/NXNFY6

𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐝𝐞:
Students are responsible for knowing the dress code for prom. We have the right to refuse anyone at the door for improper attire, so please ask before you buy.

- No backless dresses (meaning nothing is holding the dress up)
- No two-piece dresses that show your stomach (They must be attached when you come in the door.)
- No dresses with excessive cut-outs (meaning we see more skin than fabric)
- No deep plunging necklines or excessively high slits (that would expose areas that need to be covered)
- Short dresses may be worn, but they should be long enough to keep the wearer adequately covered while dancing, including when hands are fully extended above the head.
- Tuxedos and suits may be worn. Dress pants and a blazer or sport coat are also acceptable semi-formal attire. All male students must wear a tie and a suit coat, sport coat, or blazer.
- Jeans, shorts, clothing with objectionable images or statements, and attire that does not align with the formal tradition of prom are not acceptable.

A professional photographer will be on-site at the prom. No other professional photographer will be allowed to take pictures at The Barn before or during prom.

The prom queen & king will be announced at 9:45 p.m. Appetizers, desserts, and drinks (tea, lemonade, and water) will be provided.

If you have additional questions regarding prom, please contact Capri Zodrow at zodrowca@walton.k12.fl.us.