CAPE SCHOOLS OPEN WITHOUT A HITCH

What some thought would take a miracle was accomplished with few glitches Thursday when Cape Girardeau public schools opened their doors to students.

"The administrators promised that it could happen, the maintenance people said they would see to it it would happen, and working with the contractors, they did what some people might call a minor miracle," said Board of Education President Dr. Ferrell Ervin during a tour of buildings Thursday morning. "I'll be in every one of the buildings today to check on the progress, to encourage teachers and to look at a lot of smiling faces."

Ervin said many students, teachers and parents were happy with the condition of their schools despite extensive remodeling taking place at Clippard and Alma Schrader.

Work on the buildings fell behind schedule after delays in shipping materials. The delays caused some school officials and parents to speculate whether the buildings would be ready by Thursday.

Superintendent Dr. Dan Steska said construction probably will continue at Alma Schrader and Clippard until early October, but all-out efforts by staff ensured a delay in school openings would not be necessary.

"We ought to call this the miracle school," said Steska as he watched students and parents entering Alma Schrader. "This one was really important, being literally finished at the last minute."

Alma Schrader principal Frank Ellis said teachers and custodial crews worked late into the night Wednesday to prepare classrooms and walkways for students. Ellis said he also put in a last-minute effort, purchasing and then installing some 20 pencil sharpeners in classrooms Wednesday.

"There were some things that teachers were concerned about that some people might not feel were areas of concern," he said. "To teachers, pencil sharpeners are a necessity."

All but one of the buildings opened as planned. School officials said construction of Blanchard Elementary School probably won't be completed until late September or early October.

The delay was expected despite projections by contractors that the building possibly would be completed before next Tuesday. As a result, classes for Blanchard were organized, then divided between Washington and May Greene elementary buildings. Kindergarten through fourth grades are based at Washington, while fifth- and sixth-graders are attending May Greene.

All of the classes will be moved to Blanchard after the building is completed.

Blanchard principal Dr. Barbara Kohlfeld said things were hectic as she divided her time between the two schools but the day progressed well overall.

"I think we had a nice start," she said. "It's going to be different, but different can also be exciting and challenging and rewarding."

Kohlfeld said she is proud of the students and teachers for the extra help they are voluntarily providing to anyone who needs it.

I'm real proud of the fifth- and sixth-graders here at May Greene," she said. "Everybody is just starting in and acting like they've been here forever."

Most principals reported few problems with students adjusting to their buildings. Only a small number of children reported to the wrong schools as a result of new boundary lines approved last spring.

"I think it's going pretty well," said Mark Cook, principal at Jefferson School. "With the redistricting there were a few problems, but overall we haven't had very many" report to the wrong buildings.

Steve Trautwein, chairman of the redistricting committee that studied boundary changes, said he thought parents and children were handling the transitions well. Trautwein's two children were moved from Franklin to Jefferson when the boundaries were redrawn.

"Everybody's excited and they're happy," he said. "I think a lot of it helped because we had an open house this week. I think most of the kids will adjust in a day or two."

Like many students, district staff sported a new look for their first day of school. Every employee wore a T-shirt that included the district's motto, "Renew the Vision, Maintain the Mission."

Steska said the T-shirts were an effort to uplift morale and signify the start of a new year and attitude.

"Everyone has a T-shirt so we can send a message to our parents and students that we're proud of our district and really support the motto," he said.

The T-shirts were well received by parents.

"I think it's good for morale. I think it's good for my morale," said Laura Ritter.

Ritter, whose family opted not to grandfather their four children at Alma Schrader, said her children were nervous but prepared for their transition to Clippard.

"They're scared because they're afraid they won't know anybody, but they handled it well," she said.

Debra Mitchell-Braxton said she thought the T-shirts would be especially welcome to parents new to the district or a particular school.

"It helps parents, especially newer parents, to be able to identify who the staff are so they can get help," she said. "I think it's a wonderful idea because it sends a message of unity."

Braxton, who has two children who attend Clippard, said she hoped parents would work with teachers and administrators to create positive learning environments for every child.