DISTRICT SURPRISES OTHER SCHOOLS WITH BASKETS

The orange-and-black decorations were a little out of character at the Jackson Board of Education office Thursday afternoon, but no one seemed to mind.

The decorations bedecked a gift basket the district received from the staff at the Cape Girardeau Board of Education office. It was one of some 15 baskets delivered to public and private schools in Cape Girardeau, Scott City and Jackson.

Jackson schools executive secretary Teresa Lambert said staff members were surprised by the gesture. She said the candy and potted geranium were much appreciated despite the Central High School-inspired decorations.

"They said it would bloom a red bloom," said Lambert of the geranium soon after the basket was delivered. "We've still got it sitting right here, although we've already eaten most of the candy."

Cape Girardeau schools Superintendent Dr. Dan Steska personally delivered several of the gift baskets. The idea was developed during a staff meeting to show support for fellow educators and other groups that have supported the district this year.

"We usually do things for each other within the office, but this time somebody suggested that we take the kindness outside of the office, and from there we decided it would be nice to take it outside of the district," said Steska. "We've really had a good time planning this."

Jean Hermsdorfer, secretary at Notre Dame Regional High School, said her school's basket was a wonderful gift in the midst of final exams.

"All of the teachers needed the candy -- desperately," she said. "Final exams take their toll on teachers as well as students. We liked it so much we even gave them the nickel tour while they were here."

The gesture by the Cape Girardeau schools staff was one of many kind acts performed Thursday in honor of Random Acts of Kindness Week. Members of the Town and Country FCE Club gave a party for students at Parkview State School.

And six members of Someone's Treasure Clubhouse picked up litter from their office at 411 Broadway down to Riverfront Park. The organization, a part of the Community Counseling Center, works with mentally ill adults to help get them involved in the community.

The activity was done as a community beautification effort, but members also substituted the work for their weekly fitness activity.

We're so tired," said Tracey Mohdzain, a social worker who works with group. "We just wanted to give back to the community because so many people have given to us to help us out."