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Teen Parents Keeps Moms And Dads In High School

KATHY WATERS/HIGHLANDS TODAY

Sebring High School senior Nahyetta Sparks reads to her son, Jamaa, recently at the school. Through the RCMA Reading is Fundamental program, the students in the teen parent program got to take home books for their children.

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By Gary Pinnell | Highlands Today

Published: January 6, 2008

Just before Christmas, there was a party in the portable classroom on the southwest corner of Sebring High School's campus. Eleven mothers and a father, from freshmen to seniors, were with their children as they visited Santa and picked out three free books for the Reading Is Fundamental program. Choices included "Rub A Dub Dub," "Pat A Cake," and "Old King Cole."

Parents spent 45 minutes here, then went back to their own educations. And while parents were in class, teachers made sure the kids brushed their teeth, played outside, washed their hands, ate breakfast, and learned to read.

Both Teen Parents and Reading Is Fundamental are Redlands Christian Migrant Association programs. Teen Parents keeps high school students — and one middle school mom — going to class and working toward a diploma, said Katrina Caldwell, family support worker.

"If they get their education, they'll be better parents to their children, said Sandy Hankerson, center coordinator. "It empowers kids and lets them know they are not alone."

Toni Stivender, principal at Sebring High School, advocates for Teen Parents. "Because they're both on campus, moms and dads can walk to the portable classroom on the southwest corner of the campus on their lunch hour or any time if their child is sick. They can take care their babies, right there on the spot."

"We had a program years ago, but it was not on campus, and it took kids out of their regular routine at high school," Stivender said.

"Breaking the cycle of teenage pregnancy gives the next generation a much better chance at success," said Barbara Mainster, RCMA's executive director. "Again, RCMA is focusing on opportunities."

"They're less likely to have a second child, and that what it's all about, in terms of outcomes," Mainster said.

— GARY PINNELL

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