CAPE CENTRAL JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS' PROJECTS GIVE WELCOME TO NEWCOMERS

Cape Girardeau Central Junior High students will welcome newcomers to the school with a packet of goodies.

Brenda McCowan, Future Business Leaders of America co-sponsor and teacher at the junior high school, said ninth-graders have put together information about the city that is of importance to students.

They compiled a pamphlet listing school sports and extra-curricular activities and junior-high-school hangouts.

"It tells where other ninth-graders like to go, where they like to shop," McCowan said.

The basket also includes free items from a variety of businesses.

"We have things like note pads, magnets, pencils, and coupons for free fries," McCowan said.

The FBLA organization includes students from ninth through 12th grades. But McCowan said the ninth-graders embarked on this project alone.

"The idea came from our guidance counselor, Derenda Holland, who thought it would be nice to welcome new students to the school."

About 100 of the packets have been assembled. Friday the first newcomers received their gifts.

An FBLA student will give each new student a tour of the school and present the student with this packet.

"When a new student is greeted by another student, I think they will feel more secure. And, when something is given to you, it gives you a warm feeling," McGowan said. "The students are real excited about the opportunity to do this.

"They've been out beating the pavement talking with businesses," McCowan said.

"Businesses have been very generous in wanting to help us put this together," McCowan said.

"This is kind of an introduction to the school and the community," she said. New students will be encouraged to take the information home and share it with their parents.

McCowan said FBLA members at Central High School are watching the project closely.

"It's something that will probably be expanded to the high school next year and possibly to Schultz (middle school)," she said.