Panama Public Schools lands $47,285 TSET grant for inclusive playground

Panama Public Schools has been awarded a $47,285 Healthy Incentive Grant from the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust to fund the development of an inclusive playground.

The new facility is designed to serve students of all abilities and will include adaptive equipment specifically for students with physical and intellectual disabilities.

TSET Healthy Incentive Grants provide funding for projects and equipment that promote wellness, improve access to physical activity and encourage tobacco-free living. The program is designed to reward school districts that adopt and implement policies promoting healthy lifestyles.

Panama Public Schools qualified for the grant by strengthening district wellness and tobacco-free policies to meet TSET requirements. During the application process, the district demonstrated a commitment to student health through a youth initiative, increased prevention awareness and support for resources like the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline.

“We are honored to receive this grant from TSET,” said Jennifer Toney, Panama special education director. “Over the past few years, our life skills program has continued to grow, and we have seen firsthand the impact of creating meaningful, inclusive opportunities for our students with disabilities alongside their peers.”

Toney said the inclusive playground represents another step in ensuring all students have a place to play and belong.

“These funds will allow us to provide accessible and engaging physical activity opportunities that will benefit our students for years to come while continuing to build a culture of inclusion within our school and community,” Toney said.

Since 2013, schools across Oklahoma have utilized TSET grants to fund projects aimed at improving student well-being and academic success.

More information about the TSET Healthy Incentive Grant Program is available at oklahoma.gov/tset/tset-programs/incentive-grants.

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