This story is about fifth-graders.
“Half a year shy of her 12th birthday, Imuneq Johnson is a child walking around in a woman's body. Her older brother stopped inviting his friends to the house months ago because they couldn't keep their eyes off her. Her uncle started picking her up at the school bus stop to spare her the stares and wolf whistles of men three times her age. And more than a year ago, the family pediatrician issued this warning to her mother: You have to tell her about boys and what can happen. She could become pregnant at age 10.”
Imuneq and the other girls at Campbell Park Elementary in St. Petersburg are growing up faster than many people can imagine. And who’s coming to the rescue? The school.
(Times photo by Cherie Diez)
Get inside the world of Florida education with St. Petersburg Times staff writer Jeffrey S. Solochek and the rest of the Times education reporting team. We'll bring you up-to-date information about the latest education trends, fads and news and dig deep into Tampa Bay area school issues.
What a great program and a great idea. There are so many young girls who mature at an early age, that this program can really be a help to them. The little class they give you in fifth grade doesn't explain enough about the real world and what is going on with your body. Hopefulyy they will open up in a class like this and ask questions and get some good and correct answers.
I'm glad I have boys!!!
Posted by: BBMOM | July 14, 2009 at 12:18 AM