MO HCR29

Designates March as "Missouri Whole Child Month" to recognize the importance of supporting students who are challenged academically, engaged in learning, supported by qualified adults, healthy, and safe.

Cites that nearly 20,500 Missouri students failed to graduate high school in 2009, resulting in lost lifetime earnings exceeding $5.3 billion according to the Alliance for Excellent Education.

Notes Missouri spends over $53 million annually on community college remediation education for recent high school graduates lacking basic skills for college or work success.

Identifies current challenges including child poverty rates increasing from approximately 15% in 2005 to nearly 20% in 2009, obesity rates rising 13.4% over 10 years, and 23% of public schools reporting daily or weekly bullying incidents.

Encourages parents, educators, and community members to support a whole child approach to education and calls on Missouri schools to promote at least one whole child tenet during the designated month.