CAPE SCHOOLS TO ENACT EARLY DISMISSAL PLAN

Cape Girardeau School District administrators have developed a contingency plan to take the guesswork out of early school dismissals for parents.

Most of the district's buildings aren't presently air conditioned. Dr. Dan Steska, superintendent, said heat-related dismissals may be necessary until new air-conditioning systems are operable in all of the district's elementary buildings next year.

Until then, Steska said he plans to give parents prior notice of heat-related early dismissals so they can make proper arrangements for their children.

"Rather than wait until 10:30 or 11 a.m. before deciding, I plan to make the decision by 8 the night before," he said. "The prior-day announcement is intended as a convenience to parents so they may plan in advance for the supervision and care of their children."

In the past, parents were unaware of early dismissals and had to rely upon radio and television announcements of early dismissals. This practice often resulted in disruptions to workdays for parents and after-school activities for students. The practice also can result in children being left home unsupervised.

Steska said he will base his decisions on forecasts from the National Weather Service. Half-day sessions will be held whenever the heat index, a measurement of heat and humidity that describes how hot the body feels, is expected to reach 105 or more.

The prior-day announcement will be published in The Southeast Missourian and will be announced on KFVS-TV 12 and KGMO, KWKZ and KZIM radio.