CAPE UPDATE: BRIDGING THE GAP PARENTING CONVERENCE SET FOR SATURDAY

The second annual parenting conference sponsored by the Cape Girardeau and Jackson public schools will be held Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Show Me Center. The conference, titled "Bridging the Gap," is appropriately named because it serves a dual mission. First, the origination of the conference last year and its continuation is an attempt on behalf of the sponsoring school districts to strengthen the collaboration of the communities of Cape Girardeau and Jackson. It is believed the synergy of our two communities is greater than the separate communities working apart.

Secondly, the Bridging the Gap conference has always had as its main focus the bringing together of parents, children and schools. The conference was so successful last year and continues to develop and grow so rapidly, which attests to the need of such a conference, that this year's conference is expanding to more of a regional conference. Other communities throughout Southeast Missouri have been invited and encouraged to participate and attend this year's conference.

The guest speaker this year is Richard Eyre, co-author of "Teaching Your Children Values." Mr. Eyre is a nationally known speaker and authority on the topic of working with children and the development of their values. The conference also provides a teen-to-teen theater which emphasizes parent and teen communication. Other workshops include grief and loss, overcoming fears, sibling rivalry, kids helping each other, a showcase of innovative programs, teens and legal issues, preschool creative arts, and "Mom, Dad, Can We Talk?"

The cost of the conference is only $5, which includes full registration for the entire conference and lunch. If you are interested in attending the "Bridging the Gap" parenting conference you may obtain registration forms by contacting your local superintendent's office or by contacting Becky Kies at 651-4644 or Donna Boardman at 243-7778.

Coming soon: "The Sound of Music" and "The Secret Garden."

The Cape Girardeau Central Senior High School spring production of "The Sound of Music" will be presented Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Central High School auditorium. This Rogers and Hammerstein musical is a wonderful way to witness the talents and hard work of our students. Don't overlook the opportunity to see this outstanding performance. Tickets are available by calling 335-6439.

On April 7-10, Notre Dame High School will present its spring production of "The Secret Garden" at Notre Dame High School. Tickets are available by calling 335-6772. Welcome spring to Southeast Missouri by attending one or both of these student productions.

Neyland Clark is superintendent of Cape Girardeau public schools.