6/7/07

No doubt about it … these kids have TALENT
By Cathy Gilbert

Submitted Photo

TALENT students Candy and Christine work closely together to create a pillow. They learn to use a sewing machine as well as the skills to hand finish their item.

Academically challenged students at Manning High School are doing more than just waiting to get out of school.

“We are developing skills with these kids so that they can transition from school to work,” said teacher Tracy Weeks, one of the instructors in the TALENT program.

TALENT is “Teaching Adolescents Life and Employment skills for Now and Tomorrow,” and according to Weeks, that mission is taken very seriously.

“We place 10-12 kids in jobs in the community each grading period as part of their school curriculum,” she explained. TALENT students have held jobs, at no cost to the employer, as places such as IGA, the Piggly Wiggly and the Sub Station restaurant.

“Linda Eaddy is our job coach and she helps set up real interviews as well as follow the students’ progress through the school term,” Weeks added.

Each TALENT student gets a grade based on their job performance with evaluations by both the job coach and the employer.

There are about 60 kids currently enrolled in the TALENT program’s four separate, self-contained classes and in-class training includes cooking skills and crafting skills.

“We have thought about selling some of our crafts, but once the kids are through with the various projects, they don’t really want to let them go,” Weeks said.

To help fund materials and other costs, Weeks and the other TALENT staff is planning a community yard sale next fall, tentatively scheduled for Sept. 1, right after school starts.

Those wishing to participate will be able to rent a parking space at Manning High School. Yard sale vendors will pay $15 per space and food vendors will pay $25 per space.

Next fall will also bring a new, exciting endeavor for the TALENT kids.

“Ideas in Motion” will be a lawn care/gardening service offered by the students in the program. While they will not mow or edge, which requires the use of power equipment, the students will be available to clean out flower beds, establish new gardens and care for existing flower or vegetable gardens.

“We’ll be picking up where traditional lawn services leave off,” explained Weeks, who designed the program and will work closely with school partners Cindy Vincent (CSD2 Head Nurse, Ideas in Motion Job Nurse), Linda Eaddy (CSD2 Job Coach), Cynthia Pearson (assistant), Alexandria Cousar (shadow) and Eloise Jackson (shadow).

“We will also be working with community partners such as F.E. DuBose, the Manning High FFA, the Clarendon County Master Gardeners, local garden clubs and many local businesses.”

Weeks explained that the Ideas in Motion program would not charge for labor, but would gratefully accept donations for services rendered.

“The Ideas in Motion program is another outlet for vocational training for these kids and we are so excited about the possibilities,” Weeks added.

To learn more about the Ideas in Motion program or the TALENT program, contact Tracy Weeks at Manning High School.