Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter

CAT Tracks for January 12, 2009 WKRO 1490AM

Well, since you were teaching, you missed the debut of Cairo Superintendent of Schools Leotis D. Swopes' new radio program which aired at 10:45 a.m. this morning...a new 15-minute monthly event.

I tried taking some notes, but couldn't keep up. There was about 30 minutes of material squeezed into a 15-minute slot.

Superintendent Swopes began by giving his resumé...an extensive listing of positions and places...all levels of the educational spectrum in at least a half-dozen states.

The remainder of his remarks were aimed at parents...for them to find out what their children were learning at school and to supplement those efforts at home.

Specifically, he emphasized "teachable moments"...giving an example of such that occurred at his favorite coffee stop.

A parent in front of the line was with his 4-year old daughter. The parent allowed the child to pick the place for them to sit. However, the parent made the experience a "lesson in directions"...having her indicate whether the table was to the left or right...whether the parent should sit on her left or right...or opposite.

Superintendent Swopes encouraged all parents to look for similar opportunities when visiting stores or restaurants with their children...or even while watching television.

Superintendent Swopes went on to a "recognition section"...giving a "shout out" to Cairo students who recently participated in a chemistry competition at Murray State University. Officials from the university sent a letter to Cairo officials, praising the students and their teachers.

Superintendent Swopes concluded his remarks by announcing an assembly for CJSHS students to take place on February 6th...a speaker who will address health issues such as AIDS.

As a public service, CAT Tracks would be happy to publish a "transcript" of Superintendent Swopes' remarks for the educational personnel and parents who were unable to listen to the program. This offer is for publication...without comment/criticism.

The broadcast date for February's program is TBA...