MAY GREENE HOSTS FIRST SCHOOL CARE FAIR

Getting ready for a new school year can mean lots of errands for parents and children -- purchasing school supplies, getting immunizations, locating a copy of the child's birth certificate.

At May Greene Elementary School Thursday, the Caring Communities project made school preparation a little easier at a School Care Fair.

The event was the first of its kind.

"It's one stop shopping," said Denise Weaver, a school-based social worker at May Greene. Weaver coordinated the fair.

"Our goal is to help kids prepare for school and that they be prepared a little ahead of time," she said.

At the fair, the Cape Girardeau County Health Department nurses offered immunizations and physicals for children in need. They also had paperwork necessary to get an copy of a child's birth certificate.

The Salvation Army gave out school supplies, which are available to needy children at the army's headquarters.

The school didn't pass up a chance for some fun and education. Southeast Missouri Hospital set up a "body walk" for children to experience how the human body functions.

Cape Girardeau firefighters gave children fire safety lessons in their smoke house.

Cape Girardeau police fingerprinted children and offered a few magic tricks.

Parents found some information as well from Educare, a parent education program, Caring Communities and Spiral, a job training program.

The Division of Family Services provided information on the new Medicaid Plus Insurance.

At the same time, children could register for school.

"We hope this idea will grow," said Weaver. "We want to help children get off to a good school year."

Classes in Cape Girardeau public schools start Aug. 31.