Proven practice: the Marathon Kids

The three-year-old Marathon Kids Club program at Clippard Elementary School in Cape Girardeau has been singled out as a 2007 "proven practice" by Successlink, a not-for-profit group that highlights successful educational projects and programs in Missouri's schools.

Fourth-grade teacher Teri Jones and literacy coach Missy Ashby started the after-school club in 2004. The club encourages third- and fourth-graders to read books, do good deeds and exercise.

During each school year, each club member must read 26 books, do 26 good deeds and run 26.2 miles. The students run a mile as part of their weekly club meeting. Their final run is 1.2 miles.

Check back at www.semissourian.com or read Thursday's Southeast Missourian for more details about the club and the recognition.