Marlins begin their transition to become Vikings

Next week, Destin Middle School students officially begin their journey toward transitioning to their high school education.  

This transition represents a significant change in the lives of students and their parents. Ensuring success requires dedicated support from our “entire village” — parents, teachers, counselors and administrators at both the middle school and high school level.  In other words, a strong supported bridge is required between both schools to ensure we do not lose a student (or parent) along the way.

To support local students, Charlene Couvillon, Principal from Fort Walton Beach High School, and Jennifer Drew, freshman guidance counselor from FWBHS, will be spending time at the middle school next week talking with students who will begin the registration process on Monday, Feb. 1.  

Couvillon looks forward to this time with the rising ninth grade students. She said that each year the school welcomes a special group of students entering high school with unique requirements and needs.  She works with her staff of guidance counselors and faculty to ensure that each individual student’s needs are met or exceeded.  

“This is what we do at FWBHS,” she said. “ ‘Every Student Known and Valued’ is our motto, and we do not take that lightly.”

Parent Cynthia Wilson said that she is impressed with the open door policy at FWBHS and the quality of the faculty.  She went on to recommend that parents and students visit FWBHS during the summer and enjoy a tour of the campus while discussing interests and concerns with Couvillon in a one-on-one environment.

“My son is an 11th grader this year and transitioned from Destin Middle School three years ago.  It was a successful journey and one filled with some apprehension and much support from both schools,” Wilson said.   

FWBHS is planning an open house for rising freshman on Feb. 3. It begins at 6 p.m. and parents and students are encouraged to attend. Teachers from all academic areas will be available for parents and students to speak with, and a special advance placement session is planned to begin at 7:30 that same evening. Couvillon will speak to the parents and students about the numerous transition tools that FWBHS has in place to support parents and students.