Academy reaching out to pregnant, parenting teens

Besides the usual high school curriculum, Polly Fox offers classes that prepare students to cope with the special challenges faced by teenage mothers. Social service support and linkages to appropriate community resources are also provided. It also offers career preparation designed to empower students and encourage independence. The program includes skills assessment, job readiness training and mentoring opportunities. Job shadowing and internship placements are also offered. Seniors create a portfolio that they can use in job interviews.

Subsidized daycare through Toledo Day Nursery is available to care for the children of students while they attend classes. In addition, the academy offers flexible scheduling that is adaptable to the needs of both mother and child.

Polly Fox has a school-based health clinic with a nurse educator who provides health education with a focus on prenatal care. She is available to answer students’ questions about pregnancy as well as medical concerns they might have about their children. The nurse educator can also diagnose medical problems and refer students to a doctor so they don’t have to rely on emergency room care.

The Citywide Baby Shower will be held at 1505 Jefferson Avenue. Free on-site parking is available.