Riversprings Middle School Students Step Back in Time with “Founding Voices”
Students at Riversprings Middle School recently had the extraordinary opportunity to step beyond the pages of their history textbooks when the school participated in Founding Voices, a special educational program presented through the Institute for Governance and Civics at Florida State University.
Rather than simply reading about the people who helped shape the early United States, Riversprings students had the chance to meet them face-to-face—or at least remarkably convincing historical portrayals of them. Performers from American Historical Theater brought Abigail Adams and Thomas Jefferson to life in an engaging, one-hour presentation.
The program explored the fascinating correspondence and contrasting perspectives of Adams and Jefferson, including the roles and expectations of men and women in the 18th century, differences between the northern and southern states, and the developing political disagreements of America's founding era.
For Riversprings students, it was history in a very different form: interactive, personal, and memorable. Instead of asking students simply to memorize names and dates, the program gave them an opportunity to listen to historical perspectives, consider differing viewpoints, and experience the past in a way that made the founding era feel much more immediate. This opportunity reflected Riversprings Middle School's commitment to providing students with meaningful, engaging experiences that bring classroom learning to life.
Students at Riversprings Middle School recently had the extraordinary opportunity to step beyond the pages of their history textbooks when the school participated in Founding Voices, a special educational program presented through the Institute for Governance and Civics at Florida State University.
Rather than simply reading about the people who helped shape the early United States, Riversprings students had the chance to meet them face-to-face—or at least remarkably convincing historical portrayals of them. Performers from American Historical Theater brought Abigail Adams and Thomas Jefferson to life in an engaging, one-hour presentation.
The program explored the fascinating correspondence and contrasting perspectives of Adams and Jefferson, including the roles and expectations of men and women in the 18th century, differences between the northern and southern states, and the developing political disagreements of America's founding era.
For Riversprings students, it was history in a very different form: interactive, personal, and memorable. Instead of asking students simply to memorize names and dates, the program gave them an opportunity to listen to historical perspectives, consider differing viewpoints, and experience the past in a way that made the founding era feel much more immediate. This opportunity reflected Riversprings Middle School's commitment to providing students with meaningful, engaging experiences that bring classroom learning to life.
Please see the flyer for information about the WCSO Sheriff's Explorer's Unit.
Internet service has been restored across Wakulla County Schools. Our IT Department continues troubleshooting remaining issues, and some users may experience intermittent internet disruptions while that work is ongoing.
Regular district and school phone lines are still not operational. Families should continue using the temporary phone numbers previously provided or contact their school-based administrator or identified point of contact by email.
Families needing Transportation assistance may call 850-926-5750 or email scott.payne@wcsb.us.
We would like families to know that the disruption was caused by a failure of the district’s main network switch. As our IT team worked to restore service, additional configuration issues delayed the return to full and stable connectivity. District data and systems remained secure throughout the outage.
We appreciate your patience and flexibility as our IT team continues working toward full and reliable restoration of all services. We will share updates as additional progress is made.
Dear Families,
Wakulla County Schools continues to experience a districtwide phone and internet service outage.
At this time, schools will remain open and operate on their regular schedules tomorrow. Instruction will continue, although some internet-based systems and online resources may be unavailable or limited.
Families should continue using the temporary school contact information previously provided. School-based administrators and identified points of contact may also be reached by email.
Transportation will continue operating on its regular schedule. Families may contact Transportation at 850-926-5750 or email Transporation Director Matt Payne at scott.payne@wcsb.us.
Thank you for your patience, flexibility and understanding.
TRANSPORTATION TEMPORARY CONTACT UPDATE
Families may contact Wakulla County Schools Transportation at 850-926-5750 or scott.payne@wcsb.us while district phone and internet service remains disrupted.
We will continue to share updates as normal service is restored.
Families may contact Wakulla County Schools Transportation at 850-926-5750 or scott.payne@wcsb.us while district phone and internet service remains disrupted.
We will continue to share updates as normal service is restored.
Riversprings Middle School
WCS continues to experience a districtwide phone/internet outage. Riversprings Middle can be reached temporarily at 850-926-2111. Families may also email their school-based administrator or the identified point of contact, bethany.pafford@wcsb.us. We will share an update when normal service is restored.
WCS continues to experience a districtwide phone/internet outage. Riversprings Middle can be reached temporarily at 850-926-2111. Families may also email their school-based administrator or the identified point of contact, bethany.pafford@wcsb.us. We will share an update when normal service is restored.
IMPORTANT NOTICE | DISTRICTWIDE PHONE & INTERNET OUTAGE
Wakulla County Schools is currently experiencing a districtwide internet and phone service outage. As a result, our schools and district offices are unable to receive or make phone calls at this time, and internet-based services may also be unavailable.
We are aware of the issue and are working to restore service as quickly as possible.
We will share additional information and notify families once phone and internet services have been restored.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Rigorous • Resilient • Relevant
Wakulla County Schools is currently experiencing a districtwide internet and phone service outage. As a result, our schools and district offices are unable to receive or make phone calls at this time, and internet-based services may also be unavailable.
We are aware of the issue and are working to restore service as quickly as possible.
We will share additional information and notify families once phone and internet services have been restored.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Rigorous • Resilient • Relevant
PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION FOR SCHOOL-SPONSORED EVENTS
Wakulla County Schools is reminding families that students may request approval to use private transportation for athletic events, extracurricular activities, field trips and other school-sponsored events.
The required Parental Consent and Release of Liability for Private Transportation form must be completed, submitted to school administration at least 24 hours before the event, and approved by the school principal.
Requests involving a student driving themselves or riding with another adult require notarization.
A written note or sign-out sheet alone does not meet current policy requirements.
View and complete the required form here: https://aptg.co/YMxLNj
Wakulla County Schools is reminding families that students may request approval to use private transportation for athletic events, extracurricular activities, field trips and other school-sponsored events.
The required Parental Consent and Release of Liability for Private Transportation form must be completed, submitted to school administration at least 24 hours before the event, and approved by the school principal.
Requests involving a student driving themselves or riding with another adult require notarization.
A written note or sign-out sheet alone does not meet current policy requirements.
View and complete the required form here: https://aptg.co/YMxLNj
LABOR DAY HOLIDAY | SEPTEMBER 7
In observance of Labor Day, all Wakulla County Schools and district offices will be closed Monday, September 7, 2026.
Students, faculty and staff will return on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
We hope our students, families and employees enjoy a safe and restful Labor Day holiday, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday.
Wakulla County Schools
In observance of Labor Day, all Wakulla County Schools and district offices will be closed Monday, September 7, 2026.
Students, faculty and staff will return on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
We hope our students, families and employees enjoy a safe and restful Labor Day holiday, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday.
Wakulla County Schools
RMS Art Club starts Friday, August 21! Students, join us every Friday for 1.5 hours of creativity.
What We Do
Create art: Full access to 25 lbs. of clay, all supplies, and extra donated materials.
Support school events: Build theatre sets, paint signs, and decorate for dances and campus beautification.
Pricing
Per Semester: $50 (includes all supplies).
Full Year Early Bird Special: Save $25 and pay just $75 for the entire year!
Checks made payable to RMS, note Art Club
Sign up now to secure your spot!
📢 RMS Student ID Badge Requirements
To help maintain a safe, secure, and orderly learning environment, all Riversprings Middle School students are required to wear their student ID badge at all times while on campus.
Student ID badges will be distributed tomorrow, August 13, to returning Wakulla County School District students. New students/students who lost their ID badges will receive their ID badges within the next few weeks.
ID cards are universal and if a student changes schools, they are not required to get a new badge.
✅ Student ID badges serve several important purposes:
Help staff quickly identify individuals on campus
Enhance school safety and security
Allow students to scan on and off school buses
Support efficient school operations throughout the day
🎒 Student Responsibilities
Wear your ID badge and keep it visible each school day.
Maintain your badge in good condition.
Report any lost or damaged badge to school administration as soon as possible to obtain a replacement.
💳 Replacement Badge Fees
1st replacement: FREE
2nd replacement: $2.00
Each additional replacement: $5.00
⚠️ Important Reminder: Failure to carry or properly wear an ID badge may result in school-based disciplinary consequences.
Thank you for helping us keep RMS a safe and secure place for all students and staff!
Welcome back Bears! Another fantastic school year is off to a great start!
Don't forget our first SAC meeting is this Wednesday, August 12, at 3:00 pm in the RMS Library.
If you have any questions, please contact the school at (850) 926-2300
Don't forget our first SAC meeting is this Wednesday, August 12, at 3:00 pm in the RMS Library.
If you have any questions, please contact the school at (850) 926-2300
This year's first SAC meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 3:00 pm, in the RMS library. We will review and vote on this year's SIP goals. Can't make it in person? Join the meeting Zoom:
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/84730945530pwd=8XnChYzOTNLTaqBwZHeMoyApHaqHC2.1
Meeting ID: 847 3094 5530
Passcode: 2fy8J6
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/84730945530pwd=8XnChYzOTNLTaqBwZHeMoyApHaqHC2.1
Meeting ID: 847 3094 5530
Passcode: 2fy8J6
Welcome Back Bears! We are excited to start another school year! Check out our newsletter for important information and the map for pick up procedures.
RMS Volleyball will have tryouts on the first day of school. Tryouts will be held on Monday, August 10, after school from 12:30 until 5:00 in the RMS Gym. Students MUST have a current EL2 sports physical and current EL3 consent forms turned in to RMS BEFORE attending tryouts. If you have any questions please contact the school.
Two ways to stay connected for the 2026–2027 school year!
Wakulla County Schools offers families two important tools to stay connected with their child’s teacher, school, and district.
Focus Parent Portal is available online and through the Focus mobile app. It gives families access to your child's information, including schedules, grades, attendance, report cards, teacher communication, and important forms such as Transportation Registration and the Annual Enrollment Update. Families should also review their Focus communication settings and preferences to verify their email address and manage available notifications and alerts. A Focus Parent Portal account is required.
The Wakulla County Schools app mirrors our district and school websites, providing convenient mobile access to school news, social media updates, staff information, event calendars, important documents, emergency push notifications, and more. Families and community members can follow multiple schools in one place. Tired of relying on social media algorithms to see important school updates? The Wakulla County Schools app puts the information you need right at your fingertips.
Access Focus and download the Wakulla County Schools app today to stay connected throughout the school year!
Focus Parent Portal: https://wakulla.focusschoolsoftware.com/focus/
Wakulla County School District App:
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wakulla-county-school-district/id6743448016
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apptegy.wakullacsd&utm_source=na_Med
#WakullaCountySchools #StayConnected #BackToSchool #RigorousResilientRelevant
Ready to volunteer with Wakulla County Schools?
The 2026–2027 Level 1 Volunteer Application is now open!
All volunteers must complete a new Level 1 application for each school year and attend annual volunteer orientation before serving. Orientation dates will be shared by each school after school begins, and options may vary by school. If you volunteer at multiple schools, you only need to complete orientation once.
Interested in becoming a Level 2 volunteer? Please complete the Level 1 application first. Level 2 clearance is required for certain roles, including volunteer coaches, resiliency coaches, overnight chaperones, and other higher-access volunteer opportunities.
New Level 2 fingerprinting is $80 for those not already in the Florida Clearinghouse system and supports our continued commitment to student safety.
Apply today: https://www.wakullaschooldistrict.org/page/volunteer
#WakullaCountySchools #VolunteerWakulla #RigorousResilientRelevant
The 2026–2027 Level 1 Volunteer Application is now open!
All volunteers must complete a new Level 1 application for each school year and attend annual volunteer orientation before serving. Orientation dates will be shared by each school after school begins, and options may vary by school. If you volunteer at multiple schools, you only need to complete orientation once.
Interested in becoming a Level 2 volunteer? Please complete the Level 1 application first. Level 2 clearance is required for certain roles, including volunteer coaches, resiliency coaches, overnight chaperones, and other higher-access volunteer opportunities.
New Level 2 fingerprinting is $80 for those not already in the Florida Clearinghouse system and supports our continued commitment to student safety.
Apply today: https://www.wakullaschooldistrict.org/page/volunteer
#WakullaCountySchools #VolunteerWakulla #RigorousResilientRelevant
Get Ready Bears, Football Season is Coming!!!
There’s Space for Your Child in Wakulla County Schools!
New student enrollment is open for the 2026–2027 school year, and now is the time to complete your child’s application.
Wakulla County Schools is currently accepting 2026–2027 enrollment applications for:
VPK / Pre-K ESE
Kindergarten
Students new to Wakulla County Schools
School schedules and class placements are being developed now. Families should complete the enrollment process as soon as possible.
Ready to begin online?
Register or access your Focus Parent Portal account, complete the enrollment application, and submit the required documents.
Need personal assistance?
Call or visit your child’s zoned school. School staff are ready to help families register a Focus Parent Portal account and complete the enrollment process.
Visit the Student Enrollment page to access the Focus Parent Portal or find more information: https://www.wakullaschooldistrict.org/page/student-enrollment
Enroll your child today so their school can begin preparing for a strong start!
Returning student enrollment updates will be available through the Focus Parent Portal on July 27, 2026!
One Place. Back-to-School planning starts here!
School supply lists are now available on our Back-to-School Hub, giving families time to plan ahead before Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday begins on July 20 and runs through August 20, 2026.
The Back-to-School Hub is your one-stop spot for everything families need to start the 2026–2027 school year prepared and connected, including:
Find everything you need in one place, including:
✅ Open House Dates
✅ 2026–2027 School Calendar
✅ Focus Parent Portal
✅ Dining & Meal Menus
✅ School Supply Donation Lists
✅ Volunteer Application
Visit the Back-to-School Hub: https://www.wakullaschooldistrict.org/page/back-to-school-hub
#WakullaCountySchools #RigorousResilientRelevant #BackToSchool
