NIE STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF READING BY OUR YOUNG

The Southeast Missourian doesn't participate in Newspapers In Education (NIE) to toot our own horn. We reach into more than 60 area schools each week with more than 5,000 newspapers because we realize the importance of reading. It is not only critical to the future of newspapers, but to tomorrow's use of the printed word.

NIE Week, celebrated through Friday, seems a natural time to pay tribute to the teachers and students who are placing a renewed importance on reading.

Through NIE, newspapers are used in almost every area of study from vocabulary to math, current events to spelling. In all, about 342 teachers in four counties use the Southeast Missourian in their classroom. Monday is the largest NIE delivery day, with 5,292 papers delivered.

Newspapers provide a changing textbook for children. The daily pages chronicle today's region and world. The expense of today's textbooks can translate into older books and outdated information. Newspapers help keep children apprised of current events. For example, students learned a lot about politics and candidates during last fall's elections. The publications also help bring history studies into perspective.

The retail cost of the NIE program is about $150,000. The Southeast Missourian absorbs about half that cost with the remainder donated by area businesses. This year, 17 companies signed on as corporate sponsors. A number of other businesses and individuals have supported the program through YELL for Newspapers.

The NIE program grew from the Southeast Missourian's Adopt-A-School partnership with L.J. Schultz Middle School in Cape Girardeau. The Southeast Missourian assists students in publishing a seventh grade newspaper. The students have outdone themselves with several state and national awards.

This marks the third year that newspapers have been delivered to area classrooms. We are heartened to see that demand grows each year. Teachers and students have been enthusiastic supporters of the program. NIE is simply another example of a successful partnership between education and business.