A big red firetruck replaced big yellow school buses outside of Pattonville Early Childhood Center on Thursday when members of the West Overland Fire Protection District joined students for lunch. 

Teacher Lindsey Jones said it was a really good experience for the group of 3- to 5-year-old students. 

“It's letting them get to know the firefighters as members of the community,” she said. “They’re getting to see that it's just a person under the suit and they don’t need to be scared. It’s really helping break down that wall and a good learning opportunity.”

Students from Pattonville School District participated in the Missouri National Education Association’s (MNEA) Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay-Poster Contest. The theme for this year was “Fulfilling Dr. King’s Dream: Reading to Lead and Transform.” Four students placed in the state competition after winning at the district level.

Each year, Pattonville School District honors those who serve in the district with its Pride of Pattonville award. These awards are given to recognize excellence in performance, service, character and contributions demonstrated by those who serve in the Pattonville School District. Any district employee, parent, volunteer or other friend of Pattonville is eligible to receive a Pride of Pattonville honor. Nominations can be submitted online at www.psdr3.org/nominate and paper nomination forms are available throughout the district.

On Feb. 21, the Pattonville community came together for the third district Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) meeting. The meeting began with district updates and an overview of the district CSIP plan, which was approved by the Pattonville Board of Education on Feb. 14.