OPTIONS FOR YOUNGSTERS TO KEEP BRAINS ACTIVE

Summer break is almost universally embraced by children but greeted with mixed emotions by their parents.

The nearly three-month vacation from school means no more free baby-sitting, and many working parents instead must pay for day care or other supervision for their children.

There is another solution, at least for several weeks.

Most area public schools offer short-term summer classes for remediation -- a needed catching up on certain skills -- or enrichment.

Students whose parents choose enrichment classes are encouraged by school officials to pick something the children don't typically study so the students don't mind tacking on a few weeks to the school year.

Local libraries are offering summer reading programs, which recommend age-appropriate books. On the list for pre-teens and young adults are timeless favorites "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank, "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White and "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis.

The Southeast Missouri Arts Council and Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department offer programs for children.

Southeast Missouri State University is home to academic, athletic and fine arts camps, and the university offers opportunities for youthful visitors to get acquainted with the campus and begin thinking about college. It's never too soon in today's competitive academic environment.

Of course, there are parents who say, "My children work hard during the school year. They deserve a few weeks of relaxation."

True, but a summer in front of the television set isn't beneficial, veteran educators say.

Frank Ellis, principal of Alma Schrader Elementary School, is coordinating Cape Girardeau School District's elementary summer program. He agrees that time away from school helps "rejuvenate minds," but it's important those minds don't let go of what they've learned.

That means long periods of review once the next school year begins, and that time could be used to move forward academically.

One thing is clear:

Balance is the key. It is up to parents to get involved in their children's summer plans.

Instead of worrying about where to deposit them for June, July and August, it makes sense to consider the best way to both give their growing brains a rest and make sure they continue on the right course academically.