JUNIOR HIGH SETS SPIRIT WEEK

A national PTA representative will speak Tuesday at Cape Girardeau Central Junior High School's Family Spirit Night.

The event will be held at the school from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Parents and teachers will have an opportunity to chose from a variety of speakers. Local celebrities will speak with students about career possibilities.

Elaine Scott of Florissant will speak about PTA (Parent Teacher Association) and what the organization means to community, school system and family.

"She brings with her a wealth of information to share with parents, faculty and administrators," said Bonnie Majors, a member of the Junior High PTA. "Elaine considers herself to be a professional volunteer and a true believer in PTA."

Local restaurants are providing a free meal and members of the school's Beta Club will provide free baby-sitting and activities for children during the program.

Other speakers for parents and teachers:

-- Joe Rodriguez of the U.S. Justice Department will speak about racial team mediation.

-- Jim Hicks will discuss "Developing Capable Children."

-- Police officer Jeannie Dailey will talk about messages in the media.

-- David and Catha Goss will discuss the Young Life organization.

-- Chris Riser, youth pastor at Cape Bible Chapel, will talk about messages in the music.

-- Philip Breithaup with Teen Challenge will discuss life's challenges.

-- School counselors will talk about behavior, how to find a tutor, helping with homework, how to motivate a child and how to keep small problems from becoming big problems.

Local celebrities who will talk with students include Mark Hogan, SEMO baseball coach; Ed Arnzen, SEMO girls basketball coach; Randy Curl, SEMO assistant basketball coach; Robin Hastings, Q-99 radio; Susanna Baylon, KFVS television; Carol Keeler-Daniel, KZIM radio; and David and Catha Goss, Young Life.

Other topics for students will be choices, health concerns of the 1990s and today's music.

Spirit Night is part of a week of activities planned at the junior high school to raise school spirit.

During the week contests are planned with prizes for students and teachers. Career shadowing will be offered for interested students.

On Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. an informal coffee talk is planned in the school cafeteria. Parents may drop in during the hour and visit with teachers, counselors, Dean of Students Richard Payne and Principal Gerald Richards.

For more information, call the school at 334-2923.