EARLY DISMISSAL PLAN HELPS PARENTS

The Cape Girardeau School District has adopted a new early dismissal plan as a way to take out the guesswork for parents.

The district's new superintendent, Dr. Dan Steska, plans to notify parents of heat-related dismissals the day before. His decision will be based on forecasts from the National Weather Service.

This change is long overdue and should be welcomed enthusiastically by parents.

In the past, the district decided in the morning to release children around lunchtime. The practice often resulted in disruptions to workdays for parents and after-school activities for students. It also meant some children were left home unsupervised.

The day-before notice means that parents can properly plan for their children's care on days school is not in session.

This new plan should give parents a greater peace of mind.