CAT Tracks for May 2, 2002 DAY 5 LIKE DAY 4 - QUIET

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

Still looking good...IEA UniServ Coordinator Dale Boudreau joined us on the line yesterday...and was IMPRESSED! Not only do we have the numbers...(No, Steve...not THAT kind of numbers...someone stop him!), you are showing the spirit and comraderie that it takes to remain strong and united in the face of an unresponsive Board of Education. As Dale remarked during yesterday's "noon meeting", YOU ARE THE IEA...The IEA is a force in Illinois today because its members (now, over 110,000 strong) have always had the courage to stand up for what is fair and right. HATs off to the CATs!

KICK IT UP A NOTCH

Our new trifold brochure hit the streets yesterday afternoon...and by all reports, it was favorably received by parents and public. Prepared by our ever-efficient support staff in Marion, the brochure - in clear and simple terms - identifies the NUMBER ONE PROBLEM in Cairo School District Number One...the Board of Education! Four unions...no contracts. The "teachers' fault"?...I don't think so! If the Board of Education really wants to find the reason for the decline of the District...instead of trying to dump it on the backs of its employees (most of whom were here when times were good), they need look no further than a mirror.

A FRIEND IN NEED...

As most of you know, one of our own suffered personal loss in the latest round of storms to hit the heartland. Darrel Dexter, CJHS computer teacher, lost his home and most of his personal belongings in the tornado that caused so much damage south of Anna - Dongola, in particular. Not surprisingly, members of the CAT are doing what they can to alleviate Darrel's loss. Those of you who attended Tuesday's membership meeting know that we "passed the hat" and collected $300 to assist with immediate essentials. Other efforts are in motion. If you still want to contribute, the CAT would certainly appreciate it!

THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT!

"BOB" (Bennett off Broadway) made its first appearance yesterday, opening to "rave reviews"! Critics could find no reason to "dog" the performance. The standing-room-only crowd was especially excited when the group announced that an entirely new show would be presented on Thursday. Tickets remain on sale at all ticket locations - in front of Emerson, Bennett, CJHS, CHS, and Garrison. Box offices open at 8 a.m. and close at 11 a.m. Lengthy lines have been observed, but they seem to be moving fairly quickly. Incidentally, the parent company...CAT Productions...is currently auditioning other groups to either open or close for "BOB". "Get YOUR ACT together!"