As summer draws to a close, families in South Walton, Bay County, and Okaloosa County are gearing up for the new school year. Here’s a comprehensive schedule to help you plan for the back-to-school season, including important dates, events, and community activities.
Walton County
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First Day of School: August 10, 2024
- Orientation:
- South Walton High School:
- 10th-12th Grade: Drop-in between 9:00 & 11:00 AM
- 9th Grade & New Students: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Back to School Bash:
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Date: August 5, 2024
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Location: Walton High School
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Activities: Games, food trucks, school supplies giveaways, and health screenings.
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Bay County (Panama City Beach)
- First Day of School: August 7, 2024
- Orientation:
- Arnold High School:
- Freshmen Orientation: August 3, 2024, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- All Grades: August 5, 2024, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Back to School Festival:
- Date: August 6, 2024
- Location: Frank Brown Park
- Highlights: Live music, vendors, school supply drives, and fun activities for kids.
Okaloosa County (Destin)
- First Day of School: August 12, 2024
- Orientation:
- Destin High School:
- Freshmen & New Students: August 8, 2024, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Returning Students: August 9, 2024, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Community Events:
- Back to School BBQ:
- Date: August 4, 2024
- Location: Henderson Beach State Park
- Details: BBQ cook-off, beach games, and local vendors.
- Destin Charity Cornhole Tournament:
- Date: August 11, 2024
- Location: Destin Commons
- Purpose: Raising funds for school supplies for local children.
Additional Community Events
- Back to School Blessing Service:
- Date: August 13, 2024
- Location: St. Rita Catholic Church
- Time: 11:00 AM
- Purpose: A special service to bless students, teachers, and staff as they begin the new school year.
School Supply Drive:
- Hosted by: Destiny Worship Center
- Date: Ongoing until August 10, 2024
- Drop-off Locations: All Destiny Worship Center campuses
Charity Events
- Backpack Giveaway:
- Date: August 5, 2024
- Hosted by: United Way of Northwest Florida
- Location: Panama City Mall
- Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Details: Free backpacks filled with school supplies for children in need.
Books for Kids Drive:
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Date: August 1-14, 2024
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Location: Various local libraries
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Purpose: Collecting new and gently used books for distribution to local schools and students.
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As the new school year approaches, take advantage of these events and resources to ensure a smooth transition for your family. From orientations to community festivals and charity drives, there’s plenty to engage in and prepare for the exciting academic year ahead!
