SOUTHEST MISSOURIAN JR. TO COLLECT SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR TEACHERS

Russell Grammer, a fourth-grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School, estimates that he and his wife, Amy, spend about $100 to $200 per year for teaching supplies out of their own pocket.

"There are all kinds of supplies that teachers have to supply on their own," he said.

But this year, the Southeast Missourian Jr. hopes to help area elementary teachers like the Grammers save some of their money by sponsoring a school supply drive to help alleviate the out-of-pocket costs.

Tracker, the Southeast Missourian Jr. mascot, will be accepting donations at the Southeast Missourian or other drop-off locations throughout the community.

Missourian Jr. editor Cheryl Ellis said the idea was given to her by Donna Sternickle, another Missourian employee, and she thought it was a great thing for the Jr. to get involved in.

Working with teachers

"At the Jr., we work closely with the teachers, and any time we can do something to help them and the kids out it's a great thing," Ellis said.

Jefferson Elementary principal Mark Cook said that many teachers spend well more than $100 to $200 out of their own pocket on supplies for their students.

"Sometimes you take those little things for granted, but if they're not there, it's difficult to learn and difficult for the teachers to conduct class," Cook said.

Cook also said that the drive was great because the supplies don't magically appear -- they have to come from somewhere. "No matter how inconsequential the supplies may seem, they need to be there to ensure a smooth beginning for the classes," he said.

Children benefit

Ellis said there will be a box at each drop-off location, and each location will also have a list of needed supplies. She said the supplies will be distributed as fairly as possible between area elementary schools.

"This doesn't just benefit the teachers," she said. "The kids who don't have these supplies will be able to get them, too."

Grammer said the drive speaks highly of the teacher support in the area. "It's nice to work in a community where people value their teachers and education," he said.

Teachers in Cape Girardeau or northern Scott counties requesting supplies not on the list may call Ellis at 335-6611, extension 111.

Supplies may be dropped off until Sept. 5.

Want to help?

Needed supplies

Sharpies (black and colors); blank cassette tapes; Fiskers safety scissors; wet wipes; Clorox wipes; notebook paper (college and wide ruled); markers; tape; sticky tac; paper fasteners; highlighters; rulers; No. 2 pencils; index cards; pencil top erasers; Zip-Loc bags (any size); spiral notebooks; hand sanitizer; pocket folders; 3-ring binders (1 inch); colored pencils; ink pens; paper towels, Kleenex; dry erase markers; 409; gift certificates to stores such as Kidsmart, 3 R's, Target or other office supply or discount stores.

Drop-off locations

Southeast Missourian, Fox 23; Southeast Missouri Hospital, Horizon Screen Printing, Inc.; Schnucks; Soskin Cape Toyota; K103; The Way Books and Gifts; Nearly Perfect Shoes (Cape and Jackson); Thriftway Drugs; Target; Howard's Sporting Goods; Bank of America; Jackson USA; Scott County Signal