ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL IN CAPE

Cape Girardeau's public school system has embarked on an alternative high school program that should gear up this month.

The program represents a cooperative effort to help troubled students and families. The school district, Community Caring Council, the local office of the Missouri Division of Youth Services and local court representatives all worked together to set up and fund the school.

Thirty students who might have dropped out of school will be served. It also takes them out of the regular classroom. The academic program differs from the traditional curriculum as a way to get these students a second chance to be successful in school.

It will operate off-campus, and a $48,000 state grant has been obtained to fund a portion of the program costs. Other in-kind donations such as computers are being sought to get the program off the ground.

The alternative school program is a good start. It may not solve the district's dropout problem, but it seems like a win-win plan for everyone involved.