BAILEYTON, Ala. – Parkside School in Baileyton has been awarded a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Be Healthy School Grant. Parkside intends to use the money to build a pickleball court that will benefit both students and the community.
Parkside Principal Caleb Elrod said he was thrilled to learn Parkside had been selected for the grant. “I was excited, of course,” he said. “It’s always a good feeling when you work hard on a grant, knowing it will benefit the school and, in this case, the community as well.”
The court will be used during the school day for physical education classes, but will also be open in the evenings and on weekends for the public. Elrod said he hopes the project will promote movement, encourage teamwork and that the court will become a shared resource that fosters stronger ties between the school and its community.
“The project allows my PE coach to offer a different activity for our students during PE time,” he said. “He’ll be able to teach mini-lessons on how to play the game, increase movement and promote team sports.”
Parkside School serves approximately 400 students in grades Pre-K through eighth. Elrod said older students, particularly those in second-eighth grades, will see the greatest benefits from the new court. In fact, middle school teachers are already discussing plans for a friendly tournament among students.
Looking ahead, Elrod said, he hopes the court will become a vibrant addition to the school’s daily routine and a source of pride for the community.
“I want the students to have something new and exciting that promotes movement and working together,” he said. “It’s something our teachers will benefit from as well, and I think it will give the community a great resource for weekend play.”
In announcing the grant winners, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama said, “In our commitment to improve the health and wellness of children across Alabama, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama’s Be Healthy School Grant Program is awarding over $339,000 in grants to 22 schools and school boards enrolling grades K through 12. The grants are used to implement school-based health and wellness programs that emphasize increased exercise, nutrition, education and community involvement. We are proud that with this year’s funding cycle, at least one school in all 67 Alabama counties has received a Be Healthy School Grant. Each school or school board will receive a grant of up to $20,000, as opposed to $10,000 in previous years. Furthermore, over 19,000 students will benefit from this year’s grants. Some examples of projects in this year’s funding cycle include playground upgrades, walking tracks, adaptive equipment, movement-based learning and school gardens in collaboration with local organizations.”
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