South Walton High A School

[Bobby J]

South Walton High Got an A!!!!!!! I did not know what section to put this under because it is such good news for all of SOWAL!!!! They went from a C school to an A! This is unprecedented, especially for a high school! Congrats to all the parents, teachers and students! Now all SOWAL schools are A level! People always ask me before they move here about the school system. Guess what? The proof is in the grade!!! Way to GO! Just another great reason to live in SOWAL!

Proud Local,

Bobby J

[Beachbummett]

This is great news Bobby J and something you all should be very proud of.
Way to go!

[ShallowsNole]

Very, very proud of SWHS's progress! And so VERY proud of Emerald Coast Middle's A score for its first year!

I am confused about one thing...the NWFL Daily News reported that Butler Elementary fell from an A to a B, but I've been all over the FCAT web site and I can't figure out why. Performance seemed consistent with last year.

Congrats to our schools - and our kids!!!

[Bobby J]

Very, very proud of SWHS's progress! And so VERY proud of Emerald Coast Middle's A score for its first year!

I am confused about one thing...the NWFL Daily News reported that Butler Elementary fell from an A to a B, but I've been all over the FCAT web site and I can't figure out why. Performance seemed consistent with last year.

Congrats to our schools - and our kids!!!

I was informed they had an A. I may have been misinformed... Anyone know for sure?????

[SGB]

I'm sure someone else knows the real answer, but I do remember that last year there was some concern about whether or not Butler would get an A again last year (they did) because progress had to be shown that the school was improving. That meant that the already good scores had to get even better. I think some of it also has to do with how the kids that scored low in the past scored this year. These are all guesses!

[Allifunn]

This is good news for me..if I move there and my daughter comes to live with me she will be entering the 11th grade at that point...good to know the high school will be up to par!!!

[kurt]

South Walton High Got an A!!!!!!! I did not know what section to put this under because it is such good news for all of SOWAL!!!! They went from a C school to an A! This is unprecedented, especially for a high school! Congrats to all the parents, teachers and students! Now all SOWAL schools are A level! People always ask me before they move here about the school system. Guess what? The proof is in the grade!!! Way to GO! Just another great reason to live in SOWAL!

Proud Local,

Bobby J

It is because of all the SoWal High students that read this board. Their reading comprehension has improved dramatically. Also they are not out getting into trouble but instead are spending quality time on their computers. We also encourage all our SoWal High myspace friends to stay off drugs and concentrate on their studies in math and science.

[Paula]

Congrats SoWal! This is one more wonderful thing about the area. We moved to our neighborhood in our town because the schools are known to be very good to excellent (though we don't always get "A"s, it's still pretty consistently good). It makes a difference when parents are involved.

So, congrats again, SoWal.

[RiverOtter]

South Walton High Got an A!!!!!!! I did not know what section to put this under because it is such good news for all of SOWAL!!!! They went from a C school to an A! This is unprecedented, especially for a high school! Congrats to all the parents, teachers and students! Now all SOWAL schools are A level! People always ask me before they move here about the school system. Guess what? The proof is in the grade!!! Way to GO! Just another great reason to live in SOWAL!

Proud Local,

Bobby J

That is great news . Now I can justify moving down there.

[TooFarTampa]

It is because of all the SoWal High students that read this board. Their reading comprehension has improved dramatically. Also they are not out getting into trouble but instead are spending quality time on their computers. We also encourage all our SoWal High myspace friends to stay off drugs and concentrate on their studies in math and science.

Did the FCATs add a "smiley section"?

Seriously, that IS good news. I'm with RO ... it's a good excuse to relocate ...

[Allifunn]

It is because of all the SoWal High students that read this board. Their reading comprehension has improved dramatically. Also they are not out getting into trouble but instead are spending quality time on their computers. We also encourage all our SoWal High myspace friends to stay off drugs and concentrate on their studies in math and science.

Except when they are required to spell funn....ooops....fun....

[ShallowsNole]

It is because of all the SoWal High students that read this board. Their reading comprehension has improved dramatically. Also they are not out getting into trouble but instead are spending quality time on their computers. We also encourage all our SoWal High myspace friends to stay off drugs and concentrate on their studies in math and science.

[Chickpea]

Fantastic news indeed - congrats to all who through their hard work will make Sowal all the more desirable for us!

[Hollibird]

Question, we are zoned for Ft. Walton HIgh School, but live in destiny west. I don't want my kid to take an hour drive at rush hour to go to school. I was considering taking him to South Walton high but EVERYONE I speak to in Destin tells me that it has a huge drug problem. any comments?

[JoshMclean]

I have heard that they recently cracked down on the drugs pretty hard. I can't believe that South Walton has any worse of a drug problem then does Fort Walton!

[30A Skunkape]

Are the SOWAL Seahawks good in football?

[Jdarg]

I hear generally hear positive things about this school and I am looking forward to Will going there next year.

I have spoken with 2 people that were having bad experiences. After talking to them a bit, neither one of them had even set foot in the school, were not aware of the programs offered, and just couldn't figure out why their kids weren't having a great year! Duh.

So Hollibird, who was your source- a very active SoWal High parent, or just someone passing along a bit of news they had heard on the street? Every high school has a "drug problem". Just one kid doing drugs is a problem. If you are an active and involved parent, and keep up with the goings on, and talk to your kids, you are on top of the situation before it starts.

[Hollibird]

You are right. It was a 7th grader at destin middle (straight 'A' student) and few mom's that DON'T go to the school. I'm sure Ft. walton has just as many druggies.

[Jdarg]

You are right. It was a 7th grader at destin middle (straight 'A' student) and few mom's that DON'T go to the school. I'm sure Ft. walton has just as many druggies.

I have learned something about parents and school info- the only positive things they will have to say will be about their own school. For some reason, I think dissing other schools make them feel better about their own choice (or lack of) for their kids. I would talk to parents of current students. Any out there?

[Miss Kitty]

Some of the most successful drug pushers attend private school.

[beachmouse]

Statistics show that the highest rates of student drug use show up in rural schools, where they're even higher than you would find in inner cities. I'd guess that a lot of it has to do with a lack of other entertainment options for teens near where they live.

But in the end, you've got to trust that you've raised your kid to do the right thing and to take care of themself. A good kid will stay out of trouble just about anywhere. A kid that goes looking for trouble will find it sooner or later.

Coworker has a son at FWBHS. It's got problems like any other school will have, but they are extremely Zero Tolerance about bringing drugs to school to the point where you'll get in trouble for a Midol. (like it isn't hard enough being a 14 year old girl as it is, but I digress)

I'd say go visit South Walton HS, Fort Walton HS, Niceville HS, and the OW Charter HS when they've got open house sorts of events to get a feel for the different options you've got. Then hit a couple high school basketball games to get a feel for how the student bodies behave when they're at play.

[ShallowsNole]

Wesley will be at SoWal High alongside Will...and I wouldn't have him anywhere else.

ALL high schools have druggies. ALL high school kids face the temptations of drugs, alcohol, sex with young hotties, etc. And you'd be surprised (maybe not) at the numbers of PARENTS of Wesley's colleagues who are active drug users.

And I'll bet the farm that a student attending FWBHS, or Niceville, or Arnold, and I know for a FACT Freeport, has just as much, if not more, access to drugs as they do at SWHS. This is why you have to go to the school. Make yourself known. Have your child's friends over. Meet their parents.

My cousin, an elementary school teacher in Gadsden County (just west of Tallahassee), faced with the prospect of her children attending Gadsden County public schools, put both of her kids through the private school. The boy experimented with every drug known to man. The girl gave birth in 11th grade.

Heck, another cousin's son, who is an 8th grader at Seaside, stole a truck and went to Panama City a few weeks ago.

I didn't mean to rant, but the point is it's not any worse at South Walton than it is anywhere else. As long as the curriculum is good and the teachers are dedicated, it is as good a place to face the pressures of high school life as anywhere.

[Hollibird]

Thanks, I will definitely make a few visits!

[olive]

Is there a website that shows all of the school ratings for South Walton? I have a client who is thinking of moving here full-time and I am looking for a site with concise info on our schools to send to him.

[supermom262]

Is there a website that shows all of the school ratings for South Walton? I have a client who is thinking of moving here full-time and I am looking for a site with concise info on our schools to send to him.

www.walton.k12.fl.us

I haven't been able to open on my computer for some reason. See if it works on yours!

[beachmouse]

State school grades website is:

http://www.firn.edu/doe/schoolgrades/

[30A Skunkape]

Any truth to the rumour they are dumping the tired old 'seahawk' mascot in favor of the fresh and frightening 'skunkape' nickname? South Walton Skunkapes...I really like that!

[Jdarg]

Any truth to the rumour they are dumping the tired old 'seahawk' mascot in favor of the fresh and frightening 'skunkape' nickname? South Walton Skunkapes...I really like that!

You know Will would vote in favor of your idea. Maybe y'all should come up with a few t-shirt ideas.

[30A Skunkape]

You know Will would vote in favor of your idea. Maybe y'all should come up with a few t-shirt ideas.

I am not sure if the user agreement I agreed to many moons ago surrendered intellectual and creative rights to Kurt. Will have to clarify that with him.

[Smiling JOe]

Skunky, you need to go ahead and sign up to be the SoWal Skunape's Team Doctor.

[30A Skunkape]

Skunky, you need to go ahead and sign up to be the SoWal Skunape's Team Doctor.

Yeah, I was just talking about that this weekend with Rapunz

[Hollibird]

this kid about 15 moved into a neighborhood on the beach recently. looks like a bad seed. Checked up on him with other kids in neighborhood. Turns out he went to South Walton, was kicked out because of drugs and will be attending Ft. Walton in the Fall. I think I am choosing South Walton. At least they kicked him out. Why would Ft. Walton accept him especially if he is not even living in Okaloosa. Oh well, their problem now.

[30A Skunkape]

this kid about 15 moved into a neighborhood on the beach recently. looks like a bad seed. Checked up on him with other kids in neighborhood. Turns out he went to South Walton, was kicked out because of drugs and will be attending Ft. Walton in the Fall. I think I am choosing South Walton. At least they kicked him out. Why would Ft. Walton accept him especially if he is not even living in Okaloosa. Oh well, their problem now.

Actually, he will probably be a problem for everyone if he doesn't complete high school and joins the ranks of aimless kids making babies they can't support and living on petty theft;which in turn leads to the State adopting him in prison, and doling out support for his fatherless children, etc, etc. Still think it is Fort Walton's problem? A kind word tossed in the kids direction may do wonders;why not give that a try? Heck, go on a limb and offer him some money to wash your car or something like that to instill a little self esteem...

[ShallowsNole]

this kid about 15 moved into a neighborhood on the beach recently. looks like a bad seed. Checked up on him with other kids in neighborhood. Turns out he went to South Walton, was kicked out because of drugs and will be attending Ft. Walton in the Fall. I think I am choosing South Walton. At least they kicked him out. Why would Ft. Walton accept him especially if he is not even living in Okaloosa. Oh well, their problem now.

South Walton - and all of our schools down here - is pretty zero-tolerant on drugs and behavior problems. In the months since this thread began, two of Wesley's closest neighborhood pals have been "removed" from SWHS and ECMS are are currently attending Walton Academy.

[Hollibird]

I was being nice to him until he offered 'something' to my son.

[30A Skunkape]

I was being nice to him until he offered my 13 year old pot.

What did his parents say when you reported this to them?

[Hollibird]

don't know the last name. or which house is his. he wandered into our neighborhood, bored because he has been kicked out of school, waiting for a couple weeks until he starts ft. walton. My son doesn't know him personally. Just playing outside when he showed up. The boy just started knocking on doors of known kids in the neighborhood while his poor mom works all day. also he has been told by several parents in my neigborhood to never come back again. He has gotten the message though, haven't seen him in the past 2 weeks. I am sure ft. walton will catch him because if being kicked out of school didn't stop him , then I'm sure he'll be caught eventually.

[dunelover]

Just saw this on the web, It is a sad commentary on our society as to how prevalent these situtations are. Mrs. America is helping this cause as well.

Instead of linking, I copied text, wasn't sure how long the link would work.


South Walton coach Cozzie arrested on molestation charges
May 02, 2007

Early Wednesday morning, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office arrested Mark Cozzie, a recently suspended boys basketball and track and field coach at South Walton High School.

He is charged with seven counts of lewd or lascivious conduct, three counts of simple battery and one count of lewd or lascivious molestation.

Cozzie, 38, is being held in the Walton County Jail awaiting his first hearing, according to a Sheriff’s Office press release.

Cozzie was suspended without pay in April after reports of inappropriate behavior with a student. On March 23, the Sheriff’s Office provided assistance at the school at the request of the state Department of Children and Families.

He began coaching middle school and high school basketball in Freeport in 1991. He moved to South Walton High School in 2002.

According to the Sheriff’s Office release, Cozzie turned himself in after his attorney informed him of the warrants.

[Camp Creek Kid]

This is very sad. Mr. Cozzie was the P.E. teacher at Butler for several years and he was the most popular teacher in the school. All of the children adored him. I can't understand why someone with so much going for him would do something so horrible--his career is over, innocent children have been tramatized. It is senseless.

Not to mention the concern over younger children at Butler being victims. Child abuse is rampant and it is frightening as a parent to let a child out of your sight. There really is no way of knowing who is going to do such things to a child--no way of knowing who to trust. You just can't let your children go to new friends' houses unless you know the parents very well, and even then, it is a leap of faith.

[beachbob]

i thought we lived in a land which has the premise, innocent until proven guilty. yes, it is a news story worth noting, but unless you personally know of instances involving the accusations (and you will probably be a witness and not allowed to discuss this in public anyway), let's stick to the facts, and the facts are unknown to us, other than he has been accused. give the man his time in court and if he admits to doing it, or is convicted, then we can all be ready to want to kick in the balls, then cut them off. remember that anyone or any group can accuse anyone of anything, but lets allow the courts to decide whether he is guilty or not.

[Bob]

i thought we lived in a land which has the premise, innocent until proven guilty. yes, it is a news story worth noting, but unless you personally know of instances involving the accusations (and you will probably be a witness and not allowed to discuss this in public anyway), let's stick to the facts, and the facts are unknown to us, other than he has been accused. give the man his time in court and if he admits to doing it, or is convicted, then we can all be ready to want to kick in the balls, then cut them off. remember that anyone or any group can accuse anyone of anything, but lets allow the courts to decide whether he is guilty or not.

we need you in washington d.c. by dinnertime today!

[jelly bean]

i thought we lived in a land which has the premise, innocent until proven guilty. yes, it is a news story worth noting, but unless you personally know of instances involving the accusations (and you will probably be a witness and not allowed to discuss this in public anyway), let's stick to the facts, and the facts are unknown to us, other than he has been accused. give the man his time in court and if he admits to doing it, or is convicted, then we can all be ready to want to kick in the balls, then cut them off. remember that anyone or any group can accuse anyone of anything, but lets allow the courts to decide whether he is guilty or not.

Without going into detail, this is long overdue and many higher ups in Walton County have been covering for this slime ball for years! I know of "personal instances!" Once the flood gates open it will be discovered he has been doing this since he became a teacher. Thank god, someone finally stood up to him!

[beachmouse]

New batch of FCAT scores have been released today:

http://fcat.fldoe.org/mediapacket/2007/