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THURSDAY, MAY 7, 1998 High tech parenting at Acto By FRANCES NIBLOCK The New Tanner The demanding, some- times unrelenting cries of two newborn "babies" are echoing through the class- rooms and halls at Acton High as two classes of stu- dents learn what it's really like to be parents. The 8-pound "babies" are expensive infant simulators. They look, feel and smell like real babies. They are pro- grammed to sound like them, too. On-board computers make the babies cry ran- domly and the only thing that will quiet them is to be picked up and have a key inserted in their back. The key is held until the crying stops, which could be immediately or in a half-an-hour. Although the students have been playing parents for the past two weeks, carrying around dolls and sacks of flour, when the simulator dolls, called Baby Think It Over, were unwrapped their "realness" caused concern. "Do I have to hold it?" asked Grade 11 student James Mashinter as teacher Nancy Mistruzzie placed one of the "babies" in his arms on Friday. The answer was yes. Each student will be as- signed a doll for at least 48 hours so they can learn three things: the time and energy it takes to look after a baby, the profound changes a baby makes in a parent's life and Torch run today for Olympics The lighting of the 1998 Flame of Hope will kick off the 12th annual Law En- forcement Torch Run for Special Olympics at Halton Regional Police Headquar- ters in Oakville today (Thurs- day). The run will continue for 9 km to the Oakville Arena to officially open the Ontario Special Olympics Provincial Spring Games. From May 7 to July 7, law enforcement runners will take up the torch in a cross- province relay in support of Ontario Special Olympics, a grass roots, year-round sports program for athletes who have mental handicaps. This year, more than 8,000 law enforcement personnel will cover over 8,000 km and con- verge in Sudbury on July 7 for the Canadian Special Ol- ympic 1998 Summer Games. Last year the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run raised $1.5 million for Spe- cial Olympics. THE NEW TANNER DON'T CRY! Acton High teacher Nancy Mistruzzi (left) introduces two Baby Think It Over dolls to French Immersion parenting class students Amanada Cunneyworth (Grade 10) and James Mashinter (Grade 11). that babies need to be re- sponded to quickly. ~~ "The Baby Think. It Over is primarily marketed as pregnancy prevention, but we're using it to demonstrate how important response is to an infant and that parenting is a very difficult and life- long challenge," explained Mistruzzi on Thursday. Mistruzzie, mother of a 14-month old, understands the student's apprehension and anticipation as they learned to care for the dolls this week. "Some students are won- dering what they've got themselves. I had one girl Sauce and Potatos) 3. Veal or Chicken Parmigiana or Fettucini 4. Stuffed Sole with Broccoli and Cheese, topped with Newburg Sauce Girt CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE -- Open for Breakfast at 9 am -- 13-15 Mill St. E., Acton Eee 519-853-0300 peariane VISA Ads | Mother's oe Specials Treat Mom to dinner on her special day! Sunday May 10th 1. Juicy Tender Prime Rib Dinner $11°° 2. Greek Combo (Chicken & Pork Souvlaki with Greek Salad, Pita Bread, Tzatziki worried that she -wasn't go- ing to be a good enough par- ent," Mistruzzie said, adding the students will keep a jour- nal of their experiences. Grade 10 student Amanda - Cunneyworth takes it all very seriously. "T've told my friends that I'm going to be over protec- tive. I don't want to fail," Cunneyworth said Sunday. "I'm treating the doll I have now like a real baby as much as | can and I know that I'm not having a baby while I'm in school." The dolls have three set- tings, easy, normal and cranky, and a random selec- $9° | $995 $10 a tion is made for each student who gets a wristband with a care key that must be inserted . into the baby's back and held, until the crying stops. The computer records all of the PRIVATE JET TOURS private American Trans Air L-| O11 wide-body stays with you throughout the entire journey. Featuring - jj d full leg rests, two spacious lounges and a stand-up bar. ou will discover a new way to travel --a luxurious, Y jet has been reconfigured for 84 guests and first class seating witi fine leather sleeper seats an As one of Travcoa's guests, you will be pam) wines while enjoying the personal care of 14 selected cabin at all-inclusive featuring deluxe hotels, sightseein, and much more. 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"Often times teen moms come into the school and their babies are so cute and everyone wants to hold them. These dolls are also very cute and everyone wants to hold 3 n High School them, until it's 2 o'clock in the morning and it's scream- ing and you're the only one with the key." Acton High needs some baby items to make the ex- perience as real as possible. The list includes an infant carseat, two infant strollers, two diaper bags, baby bottles and clothing, accessible through the back. you'll Every Sunday 4:30 p.m. Cable 14 If you liked our | ) Christmas shows <»* LOVE <*"~ our TV shows! 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