SCHOOLS MARK AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK

Parents and community members are invited to "take a new look" at public schools during American Education Week.

Open houses, classroom guests and recognition programs highlight activities this week. The theme for the nationwide celebration is "America's Schools: Take a New Look."

Melanie McVay, chairman of activities in Cape Girardeau public schools, explained that open houses planned at each of Cape Girardeau's schools fit that theme nicely.

"Parents and community members, anyone who wants to attend may come," McVay said.

Open houses are scheduled today at L.J. Schultz and Charles Clippard schools.

On Wednesday, open houses are scheduled at the vocational school, Franklin and May Greene schools. Thursday is open house day at Central junior and senior high schools and Washington school.

Jefferson and Alma Schrader have open houses Friday.

Student art work is on display at the Cape Girardeau Public Library this week.

Cape Girardeau's senior citizens are invited to acquaint themselves with the city's public schools at a rally Thursday.

In addition to introducing the senior citizens to what's going on in schools and the services and programs available to them, organizers hope to develop a pool of potential older volunteers to work with students in the district.

Washington school is conducting a "rock 'n roll" read-a-thon during the week. Responding to a challenge from Chaffee Elementary School, Washington students have signed up for 15 minute reading slots throughout the week. They are reading in a rocking chair at school.

Reading teacher Carol Brice said the goal is to have someone in the rocking chair each day during the week. They may read to someone or to themselves. Some parents and other adults are participating also, she said. In addition, alumni and other individuals are coming in during the week to read to students.

Alma Schrader today plans two programs featuring the LaPetite ballet to expose students to ballet.

Franklin school has planned silent reading from 2:45-3 p.m. each day this week. On Thursday, the Parent-Teacher Association is sponsoring a book fair from 7-8:30 p.m. in the school gym.

Charles Clippard School is hosting an assembly today on seat belt safety. Buckle-Up Bear will attend a 1:30 p.m. assembly for younger students and the crash dummies will attend a 2 p.m. meeting for older students.

Jefferson school is holding a read-a-thon this week. Parents, grandparents and students at the school have signed up for 15 minute blocks of time. They are reading on a couch at the school from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day this week. Principal Gary Kralemann said the purpose of the event is to show that everybody reads.

Jackson Public School has events centered around community and parent involvement with students, said assistant superintendent Fred Jones.

At Orchard Drive elementary school, people from community including county commissioner, media personalities, a dentist, bus driver, cook, custodian, secretary will all be reading to groups of children in first through third grades.

At the kindergarten annex and at outlying attendance centers, parents and grandparents will be coming to classes this week to read to children.

On Friday, an assembly is planned emphasizing National Safe Kids Week, Jones said. He added that teacher appreciation activities are being planned by parent-teacher organizations and the high school's Future Teachers of America organization.

At Nell Holcomb school, superintendent David Fuemmeler said special recognitions are planned each day this week. Monday was student appreciation day. Today is non-certified staff appreciation day. On Wednesday, the superintendent, principal and Board of Education members will be honored. Thursday is teacher appreciation day, and Friday is Hawk Community appreciation day.

Saturday is the Parent-Teacher Organization's annual chili supper, from 4-8 p.m. "The chili supper gives the public a chance to visit our school," he said. Monday raised at the chili supper is used for projects at the school.

Fuemmeler said guests have been invited to the school during the week to read to students, a poster decorating contest is under way and the school is observing "dear" time drop everything and read.

Jean Graham, chairman for American Education Week at Scott City public schools, said the Community Teacher Association has started a Future Teachers of America chapter at the high school.

The organization is open to students in grades 7-12.

In addition, the teacher's organization is conducting a series of fund raisers to generate money for a student scholarship.