NEW, OLDER FACES WILL BENEFIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS

There was a new kind of senior in the Cape Girardeau Public Schools last week senior citizens. It was part of a program to introduce or reintroduce retirees to the public schools. It's an idea that's well worth pursuing, not just for senior citizens but all ages of adults who have lost touch with our schools.

A dwindling number of people have direct contact with public schools. Part of that is due to our aging population, and the fact people are having fewer children. That lack of contact with schools can spawn lack of understanding.

As families and their children grow older, too many divorce themselves from the school system. But the fact is their tax dollars finance the schools. Good schools not only turn out qualified future leaders for our city and state, but affect the value of our property as well. We all have a stake, and a responsibility, in public education.

In addition to introducing senior citizens to the new programs and services, organizers hope to develop a pool of potential older volunteers to work with students. These retirees can share their talents and expertise in careers or hobbies. Organizers feel students can really benefit from an "adopt-a-grandparent" program. A number of today's children come from one-parent families, or may not have grandparents living close to home. This is a way for the schools to bring in new faces to interact with the students in spite of budget cutbacks. Additional positive adult role models can only help our kids.

The public schools also have developed a new "Tiger Card," which gives senior citizens special privileges in the district. That includes free or reduced admission to athletic events and reduced fees at the vocational school. Anyone age 60 or over can apply for the card. Again, it's an enterprising way to build a positive base of support for the public schools.

The Cape Girardeau Public Schools are hoping to bring a lot of new, older faces into the district this year. It's a combination that should benefit both senior citizens and students alike.