EDUCATION CONSULTANT IS KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT NAACP'S SHUT-IN

Slots are still available for parents and children wanting to attend the NAACP Back to School/Stay in School Family Summit Shut-In scheduled for Aug. 15-16.

Michael Sterling, president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Cape Girardeau chapter, said about 100 people have already registered for the event, which will be held at the Salvation Army, 701 Good Hope. Space is still available for about 50 more participants, he said.

The shut-in is part of a national effort by the civil rights organization to deter students from dropping out of school and to promote family involvement in education. The group hopes the effort will "agitate, motivate and educate" students.

Education consultant Luther G. Bellinger will be the guest speaker at the local event. Bellinger, a noted educator and counselor who lives and works in Hazelwood, will discuss educational issues with parents and students during the shut-in. He will also be the keynote speaker on Saturday morning.

Bellinger uses the PREP, or Personal Responsibility Education Process, to cultivate an interest in math. He uses storytelling and visual aids to help people master math skills.

"He's going to be really dealing with teaching children about math, responsibilities and talking to adults about their responsibilities to the child and community," said Dr. Bernice Coar-Cobb, NAACP vice-president. "We have seen research that says if you have algebra, trigonometry and calculus, you have a great opportunity to pursue post-secondary education without any difficulty. We'll be working to get more African-American students in those higher math classes."

The theme of the shut-in is "R.E.A.C.H.: Reaching Educational Achievement by Completing High School." Participants will receive information on a variety of family- and education-related issues during the event. School-aged participants will also receive a school starter pack that includes, paper, pens and a dictionary.

Participants should register for the shut-in before Aug. 15. Children must be registered by a parent or guardian, and the event lasts from 6 p.m. Aug. 15 until 2 p.m. Aug. 16.

There is no cost for the shut-in and all meals will be provided. For more information, contact any NAACP executive board member or call 334-9043.