Obesity is on the rise, and the health ramifications are far reaching. Our School Board has wrestled with increasing educational requirements from the state, with decreasing emphasis on health, physical education, and funding that supports healthy behaviors. Stillwater is fortunate to have a first-rate hospital, and many senior centers that are involved with our youth. Our community understands the importance of quality health care at all ages; a healthy community benefits everyone. The mission of The Partnership Plan is “To provide special funding and resources for students and staff to enhance the quality of education in Stillwater Area Public Schools. Our vision is: The enhancement of effective long-term partnerships among schools, individuals, community and business that will enrich education in Stillwater Area Public Schools while benefiting all partners. The consensus of our community health care providers is that healthy students make better learners, who’ve stated “The emotional struggles kids experience when they don't fit in, especially low self esteem, are huge, impacting all aspects of their learning” and “Avoidance of Physical Education classes, where kids fatigue more easily, only escalates the problem.” Research and anecdotal evidence supports the need for concerted efforts to combat obesity, with a short-term and long-term view and action plan. Children that are healthy and active are better able to be contributing members of their community and engaged learners. Helping children create healthy behaviors, with a ‘hands-on’ and interactive approach, with partners in our community, is a crucial part of The Partnership Plan’s long-term work.