Parents use visit to learn about school

It's been a long time since Kinyinna Stevanson has stood in line for mashed potatoes served on a plastic tray.

On Wednesday, Stevanson and 100 other parents found themselves surrounded by milk cartons and clinking silverware as they joined Jefferson Elementary students for lunch in honor of American Education Week.

"My parents never showed up for anything when I was in school. But it was always important for me, so I try to come for my kids," said Stevanson, who has a first- and second-grader at Jefferson.

Southeast Missouri schools celebrated American Education Week Nov. 16 to 22 with special activities and open houses.

Open houses will continue in some Cape Girardeau schools this Friday. The Jackson School District held a luncheon Wednesday for retired teachers at the Jackson Middle School.

Five-year-old Keely Ullman yelled across the Jefferson Elementary cafeteria to get the attention of a friend, then proudly pointed at her father eating lunch next to her.

"It's been a nice little trip back in time for me," Steve Ullman said between bites of turkey and potatoes.

Parents said the open house was a great way for them to learn what their child's day is like.

"They're gone during the day, so I don't get to eat lunch with them," said Jennifer Dugan, who has a kindergartner and first-grader. "I also get to meet the friends they come home and talk about."

"Seeing what it takes to make everything work at school surprises them," said Jefferson principal Mark Cook. "And the kids enjoy the heck out of having their parents here."

cclark@semissourian.com

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