ADOPT-A-SCHOOL BENEFITS EDUCATION AND BUSINESS

When business and education form a partnership, the opportunities for learning flourish. Such is the case with the Adopt-a-School program in the Cape Girardeau public schools. Established in 1985, the program has become an integral part of the educational program.

Now, the Adopt-a-School concept has spread to Nell Holcomb. Procter and Gamble has "adopted" the kindergarten-through-eighth-grade school. The company seems a natural partner. Many of the Nell Holcomb parents work at the plant, and it represents a large portion of the district's tax base. P&G also has been a seasoned adopter with the Cape Girardeau schools for many years. The company has made a two-year commitment to the new partnership.

Nell Holcomb will no doubt reap many benefits from Adopt-a-School, and P&G workers should also prosper from the partnership.

Adopt-a-School is beneficial at all levels. In the elementary grades the adopters serve as important role models for the students. They provide added encouragement and motivation as adopters sponsor programs, tutor, and display student projects at their offices. At the secondary grades, adopters can help schools understand the practical skills graduates need. They can also provide career insight for students.

Adopters provide a new perspective to students giving a relevance to learning. They explain why taking science in third grade is important, or why advanced reading skills will help students excel in the workplace. While it may be the same message teachers convey, it often carries more meaning when told by outsiders.

But it's not just the students that benefit. The business people also gain new insight into what the schools are doing. It becomes evident in what areas schools are doing well, what areas need work, and how businesses can work to improve education.

These partnerships are not based on monetary consideration; the money is really incidental to the educational experience they are providing to students. The schools want businessmen and women to work directly with the kids. The businesses share practical information through career shadowing, speakers' bureaus and tours.

As a partnership, the schools are also expected to give back to the businesses. It may be in small ways, through Christmas caroling, treats or student art displays at the business. But it's a way for students and teachers to express their appreciation, and an opportunity for adopters to show off what their "kids" have done.

In-service programs also allow the teachers to tour the businesses, providing them a perspective on the "real" business world. The businesses can share with teachers the skills that graduates need today, and what the demands of tomorrow may be. It will help teachers better prepare their students.

Adopt-a-School fits in nicely with the national effort working to build transitions between school and work. This program is certainly a step along the way, and it helps build understanding between business and education.

As fewer people have children in school, the schools need more direct ties with the community. Adopt-a-School has been a wonderful success in the Cape Girardeau public schools. With an experienced adopter such as P&G, Nell Holcomb should enjoy the same rewards.