ABC to film at high school for teen mom show

By Amanda McGregor
STAFF WRITER

December 02, 2008 12:26 am

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SALEM — The School Committee gave ABC News the go-ahead to film at Salem High School for a "Primetime" program on teenage mothers.

Television crews will interview students and staff in the Teen Parent Program, one of several such programs in the country to be highlighted and compared in the "Primetime" feature, according to Superintendent William Cameron.

"(The show) would contrast several different programs for high school students who are pregnant or who have recently had children," Cameron said to the committee at its meeting last night, "for a comparative study on the programs."

Cameron said ABC targeted Salem High because of its "model" Teen Parent Program, which is one of the oldest in the state. Founded in 1987, the Teen Parent Program provides on-site day care at the school, as well as parenting classes, counseling and other support services to help young parents raise children and graduate.

It operates in partnership with the Salem schools and Children's Friend and Family Services, which is a Salem-based charity. There are five parents and three expectant mothers in the program, according to Guidance Director Robert Quist.

The superintendent presented ABC's request to the School Committee at its Nov. 17 meeting, but members said they needed more information to decide. Since then, Cameron said he spoke with the program's producer twice.

He said the show will probably be broadcast in the spring.

"It's intended to be an educational program," Cameron said.