Submitted by Mariluz Nunes, Jun 15, 2007 18:27

The Department of Education (DOE) has failed to provide teen mothers
with an education. We have a right to education. The Superintendent made this decision and did not discuss it with us. She didn't even let us know us. It is not fair that we are not going to have a school
next year. It is not fair for students and teachers to find out through a news article that they will not have a school in September. I am not only trying to keep the schools open for myself but for other teens who are currently pregnant and need somewhere to come back to in September. The school is safe and I like the one floor environment without stairs. You feel comfortable in the school with other teen moms. You don't feel awkward or left out. Teachers are reasonable with you and help you gain your credits. It?s just safer overall. I came to Martha Nielson with 2 credits and now I?m leaving in June with 20 credits. It helps build your credits with special programs that other high schools will not have. I attended a Saturday program at
BMCC that focused on leadership development for young mothers. It took life studies class and I found very helpful. It's funny how DOE requires us to meet regular school standards but we are actually a
specialized program and not a full school. They claim there are 36 schools we can attend but they haven't helped us get into any of those schools. I want to get a high school diploma and I don't want to
enroll in a GED program. I want to do well for myself and my child.

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