EMERSON SPEAKS TO KELLY STUDENTS

BENTON -- U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson kicked off her annual "Congress in the Classroom" program Friday at Kelly Middle School.

Emerson spoke to the seventh-grade class, explaining the work of Congress and answering questions.

Each year, Emerson meets with students throughout the 8th Congressional District. This year, the Cape Girardeau Republican is looking at communicating with students through video conferencing and the Internet.

"I always enjoy meeting with students and try to accept as many invitations as I can," said Emerson. "But the congressional schedule does tend to keep me in Washington for the majority of most school weeks."

She said, "Fortunately, new communications technologies can make it possible for me to be in a classroom even while I'm in Washington."

Emerson is sending letters to school superintendents in her district to find out which schools have the ability and interest in participating in long-distance sessions.