By Amy Harvey, Principal, A. Gary Walsingham Academy
Opening a new school is the dream of many principals and I cannot tell you how excited I am to have the honor of being the first principal of A. Gary Walsingham Academy.
Our new school, located at 44 Chip Seal Pkwy., will open in August of 2021 as a K-2 school but we will also be home to all of the pre-kindergarten programs for the beach schools. We anticipate adding a grade each year until we’re operating as a K-5 school with a thriving pre-k center. It’s even possible in the future, depending upon direction from the School Board, that A. Gary Walsingham Academy may become a K-8 school like neighboring Breakfast Point Academy.
There’s SO MUCH to tell you about our new school and what we have planned, and I’m grateful for this opportunity to highlight a few things below.
Registration
Registration for the 2021-2022 school year is currently open. Currently enrolled Bay District School students who will be 1st and 2nd graders next school year and zoned for Walsingham Academy will be rolled automatically and do not need to re-register. Students new to the district and all kindergarten students must complete the registration process. New student registration can be completed online or by visiting our temporary office location in the J.R. Arnold High School Pre-K Center. Details regarding registration including the documents required for registration, the link to look up your child’s zoned school, and the link for the online registration platform are located on the Bay District Schools website.
Walsingham Academy will also be accepting students through the school choice process for the upcoming school year. Parents who do not live in our zone and would like the opportunity for their child to attend Walsingham Academy should submit a school choice application in Parent Portal by April 2nd.
Parents are encouraged to register early so that we can effectively plan for the number of students who will be joining us on the first day of school.
Staffing
While I am eager to show off Walsingham Academy’s beautiful campus and state of the art facilities, I am most thrilled to begin the recruitment and hiring process to identify those who will become the founding members of the Walsingham Academy faculty and staff. I will be searching for individuals who are passionate about sharing their love for learning, understand the importance of building positive relationships and are fully committed to empowering every student, every day. The hiring process for instructional positions is estimated to begin at the end of April and non-instructional hiring will begin in June. Candidates interested in being part of an extraordinary educational team are encouraged to watch for job postings on the Bay District Schools website and follow the Walsingham Academy Facebook page for updates.
The Building
Steady progress is being made as construction crews work to complete Walsingham Academy. Upon completion the campus will house up to 800 students PK-5th grade. All our classrooms are designed and furnished to encourage collaborative learning, include the latest technology, share a paired learning space with a neighboring classroom, contain a restroom and a storage area. Our media center is a future-ready learning space consisting of a variety of learning options and environments such as; flexible seating, movable chairs and desks, quiet study areas, collaborative spaces, and technology stations. The cafeteria building includes a stage complete with sound system and lighting for student performances. Outdoor play is so important and we have lots of room to play! Three separate playgrounds, a covered courtyard, an outdoor dining area and a large grassy field along with the adjacent wetlands will give our Wahoos plenty of opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.
Conservationism
Offering students unique learning opportunities that are relevant, meaningful and have a direct correlation to the real world are vital for maintaining student motivation for learning and interest in school. We are extremely blessed to have a campus located in a beautiful coastal community with a diverse population of plants and animals whose existence is dependent on the preservation of their natural habits. The campus location, along with an extremely generous monetary donation from local community member Gary Walsingham, provides the perfect opportunity to incorporate conservation and environmental learning opportunities into our school curriculum. Land conservation is truly an area where individuals can make a difference. Preserve the Panhandle’s natural environment by joining others who value clean water, open space, and diversity of plants
For more information about A. Gary Walsingham Academy, please contact the school at (850) 767-5475.
