Child Wellness Grant given to middle school

— Gravette Middle School has been awarded a Child Wellness Improvement Grant from the State of Arkansas. The grant of $15,271 will provide a new physical education curriculum with equipment included. Jeff Gravette, Gravette School District wellness chairman, wrote the grant under the direction of Gravette Middle School principal Duane Thomas.

The grant is funded through the Arkansas Tobacco Commission, which received the funds through a settlement with the tobacco companies. Arkansas currently ranks eighth in thenation in childhood obesity. The state provided the grant to 38 school districts in Arkansas this year. As part of the grant, Gravette Middle School has access to Fitness Gram and Health Teacher. These two programs provide online lessons and fitness monitoring.

“This grant provides supplemental revenue to greatly expand our physical education program. It will be a great asset to our students for years to come,” said Thomas.

Coach Jana Hardgrave and Coach Kevin Cole will be trained to administer the program.

News, Pages 5 on 04/25/2012