The Pattonville School District was awarded a grant from Missouri Healthy Schools (MHS), a program sponsored by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The five-year grant will provide at least $70,000 annually and will allow Pattonville to continue to promote the well-being and academic achievement of students.

Missouri Healthy Schools, an organization committed to enhancing the health and well-being of students across the state, selected Pattonville as the sole recipient for this grant because of its diversity, highlighting Pattonville's dedication to advancing the health and academic outcomes of its students. This commitment to fostering a comprehensive approach aligns with the principles of the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) Model, emphasizing the interconnectedness of health and learning. 

Funds will be utilized strategically over a five-year period. The first year will be dedicated to research, with a focus on completing the School Health Index (SHI) survey. This comprehensive assessment, facilitated by the CDC, will serve as the foundation for shaping the subsequent years of the program. The research findings from the SHI will guide the district in identifying key areas of focus. This approach ensures that the program is tailored to the unique needs in Pattonville. The implementation process will involve collaboration with School Improvement Teams (SITs), which will be expanded to include wellness captains, physical education teachers and the school nurse. This multi-stakeholder approach ensures a comprehensive and inclusive strategy for addressing the diverse needs of the student body. The program’s goal is to promote equity and enhance the health, academic achievement and overall well-being of students. 

"This grant will have an outstanding impact on the students at Pattonville," said JoAnn Greenwell, director of community and staff engagement. “The added funding will allow us to grow the current K-8 after school athletic programming the district offers. We know that students who are involved in extracurriculars feel more connected to their school and that involvement has a positive impact on their academics. Additionally, we will be able to expand our focus to include wellness, nutrition and physical activity. We are excited to see the positive impact this will have throughout the district.”

Through the support of this grant, Pattonville can continue to create a learning environment that not only promotes academic excellence but also prioritizes the health and well-being of every student. 

In September, staff from Missouri Healthy Schools spoke to Pattonville students and staff to highlight the K-8 cross country program and its positive impact within those grades and beyond. See the video below.