SUMMER EDUCATIONAL HELP OFFERED

The state of Missouri and the Southeast Missourian newspaper have teamed up to help kids think over the summer.

State education officials have created a summer calendar with nearly 100 ideas and suggestions for activities families can do together at little or no cost.

Parents may obtain copies of the complete calendar free of charge, by writing Summer Reading Program, Southeast Missourian, 301 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701, or calling Kim McDowell at 335-6611.

Robert Bartman, state commissioner of education, said: "Children always look forward to summer vacation and a break from school. Parents know, however, that kids can quickly get bored during the summer and forget much of what they learned at school."

Activities include keeping a summer reading chart, sampling ethnic foods, planning a vacation in Missouri and becoming involved in a local recycling project.

"Parents who spend just a few minutes each day on simple educational activities can give their children a head start in school and make summer vacation an enriching experience for the whole family," Bartman said.