SCHOOLS CELEBRATE AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK

Cape Girardeau Public Schools are opening their doors to this public this week in celebration of American Education week.

Nell Holcomb and Jackson schools have also planned special activities to commemorate the week.

American Education Week is designed as a tribute to teachers, administrators and school boards who all work to educate students.

Wylene White, a Cape Girardeau Junior High School teacher, said parents and members of the public are invited to attend open houses scheduled at each of the schools this week.

"Parents can visit classrooms, sit in and watch what happens," said White. "If they would like to follow their child's schedule, they would be welcome."

On Tuesday, open houses are planned at L.J. Schultz Middle School and at Charles C. Clippard Elementary School.

On Thursday, open houses will be held at Washington and May Greene Elementary Schools and at the junior and senior high schools.

And on Friday, Alma Schrader, Jefferson and Franklin Elementary Schools will host open houses.

In addition to the open houses, a variety of other activities are planned during the week.

For example, on Monday the sports department is sponsoring a wrestling exhibition. On Thursday, the department is planning a basketball exhibition. The Thursday event is also called "Jam the Gym," and organizers hope to get 4,000 people in the Central High School gym.

Also during the week, Franklin School is holding a community service fair. At Charles C. Clippard School, a new basketball court will be presented to the school, and Washington School is holding a book fair.

The Nell Holcomb School District has planned a reading program during the week.

On Monday, country singer Lou Hobbs, who is also a parent of a student at Nell Holcomb, will read a book and perform a song which accompanies the story.

On Tuesday, Southeast Missouri State basketball coach Ron Shumate will read students a book about basketball.

On Wednesday, dentist David Crowe will read about going to the dentist and Mary-Ann Maloney, television news anchor, will also read.

On Thursday, State Rep. Mary Kasten will read a student favorite, Amelia Bedelia story.

In addition to reading a story, each guest will talk to students about the importance of reading and education in general.

Jackson's West Lane Elementary School, will display a sampling of student work at Jackson Exchange Bank, the school's adopt-a-school partner.

"We are highlighting education by sharing with the public a representative sampling of some student work," said Principal Stan Smee.

In addition, the fifth grade classes at West Lane will hold their annual Colonial Days celebration Friday.

Students will dress in colonial attire, eat colonial food and learn about colonial crafts and skills. Guests will attend, including a candle maker.