Patton Junior High History:

Patton Junior High School is a seventh through ninth grade junior high school located on the Fort Leavenworth Military Post.  The current building was originally constructed in 1958 and has gone through several additions and renovations.  Our current enrollment is 385 students with just over 30 staff members.

Patton Junior High is named after four star General George S. Patton, Jr.  General Patton was one of four legendary World War II generals. He was known for being a fearless military leader who was a master of the art of war.

The unique features that define Patton are:

An emphasis upon technology:  There are at least four computers in every classroom as well as two full computer labs, one of which is available for teachers on a sign-up, class project basis.  All computers are connected, by fiber optics, directly to the Internet for easy access (we monitor this access closely to protect our students).  We recently added a LAN cart of wireless laptops that affords us a third "traveling computer lab".

A telephone on every teachers' desk to facilitate communications with parents as well as e-mail access to every teacher.

A state-of-the-art 7th Grade modular learning science lab where students rotate to modules that stimulate their oral and visual senses as well as challenge them, academically.

An exciting and engaging modular "Tech Lab" that combines what used to be called "shop" and "home economics" that has to be seen to be appreciated.  Our students love it!

A conservative behavioral and academic environment where classroom activities are featured and classroom disruptions are not tolerated.  The Board has established and supported a "zero tolerance policy" for drugs and violence.  It is a safe, friendly atmosphere in a modern, clean building.

Patton is a comprehensive Junior high school which also offers a range of after-school athletic opportunities enhanced by the fact that our relatively small size (approximately 400 students) allows a student who wants to be on a team greater possibility to do so. We also have programs in vocal and instrumental music, drama, art, journalism and a representative student council.

A preponderance of students who attend Patton do so for only one year, due to the program of the Command and General Staff College.  Others spend a full three years at Patton.  Our challenge is to quickly get students screened for math and foreign language and placed into the correct subject area level.  We always look to parent input and expect that parents will help us remedy academic and social concerns.  We view early intervention -- both for academic concerns as well as student-to-student problems as far more effective than just waiting until something happens.  And, we have been quite effective with that approach.  What's the message?  CALL or E-MAIL US with any concerns.  We can't guarantee to quickly repair any situation but we definitely can't do anything if we don't know about the problem.

We are members of the greater Leavenworth Special Ed CO-OP, a group of local school districts that have joined together to provide staff for a range of special needs students, from structured learning (autistic) classes to I.D.E.A., which is the Kansas form of gifted education.  The rules and norms for admission to our I.D.E.A. program are established by the State of Kansas and are keyed to scores on certain I.Q. and ability tests.

All students at Patton are given a STUDENT AGENDA on the first day.  This is the Patton version of a day-planner.  Our students are instructed how to use their AGENDA so that they don't forget that extended assignment until the night before it is due; or so that parents can communicate with the classroom teacher to ensure that their children are doing what they are supposed to be doing.  There will be a NEW STUDENT PARENT MEETING early in August when you will hear about the academic options available for your child's grade level.  You will also receive the paperwork you will need to complete for enrollment so you can fill it out before-hand.  For 7th graders, the program is set (with the only option being for those who wish to be in Beginning or Intermediate Band).  Please see the link for the grade level listing of courses appropriate for your child or children.

Patton, as well as the other Ft. Leavenworth schools, is fortunate to have a full-time nurse who monitors medications at school as well as acting as a resource for teaching CPR in Physical Education/Health classes and assists the science teachers in organizing and teaching a unit in sexually transmitted diseases.  We invite parents to preview our materials in this area: we think they are very appropriate.

Our cafeteria does an excellent job providing nutritious and tasty food.  We have a handsome salad bar every day as well as two choices of an entree (one of which is usually that favorite staple of the teen-age diet, pizza).  Weather permitting, we allow students to go outside after lunch for a brief recess.  Patton, as well as the three elementary schools, hire lunch aides.  If you are interested in such a position at Patton let us know.  We prefer to hire parents.

Summary:

We hit the ground running at Patton but are never too busy nor too bureaucratic to be able to quickly respond to parental concerns. We strive for the "personal touch" and will do all that we can think of to help your child be successful. I have heard from many parents, including those returning for a second tour of duty, that the Ft. Leavenworth schools were one of the reasons they wanted to come here.  I hope that you find that to be true.

Dr. Martin Gill, Principal