Reproductive Health and Safety Lessons (7th & 8th grade families)
Dear HMS Families of 7th and 8th-grade students,
For an upcoming unit of study in Healthful Living, we will be discussing Reproductive Health & Safety (RHS).
Reproductive Health & Safety:
- Teaches that abstinence from sexual activity is the expected standard for all school-age children.
- Teaches peer refusal skills, the benefits of abstinence, and the risks of sexual activity.
- Provides factually accurate biological or pathological information related to the human reproductive system.
- Teaches how sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV/AIDS) are and are not transmitted
- Teaches the rates of sexually transmitted infections among pre-teens and teens
- Teaches the effects of contracting sexually transmitted diseases
- Teaches that abstinence from sexual activity is the only certain means of avoiding pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases when transmitted through sexual contact, including HIV/AIDS, and other associated health and emotional problems.
- Teaches the effectiveness and safety of all FDA-approved contraceptive methods in preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
- Informs students about local resources for testing and medical care for sexually transmitted diseases.
- Teaches awareness of sexual assault, sexual abuse, and risk reduction.
- Informs students about resources and reporting procedures if they experience sexual assault or sexual abuse.
- Provides opportunities that allow for interaction between the parent or legal guardian and the student
Per Wake County Public School policy #5120 parents/guardians may review the RHS instructional materials by making an appointment with the Healthful Living teacher to come view the materials, in person. Additionally, per policy #5120, if you prefer that your child not participate in any or all of this instruction you will need to notify the principal (alight@wcpss.net) and the healthful living teacher in writing. Upon receipt of your written letter, your child will receive an equal, alternate assignment. Requesting an “opt-out” from RHS must be submitted to the school, in writing, no later than Friday, January 31, 2025.
The RHS unit will begin in February but the exact dates will vary depending on the track and healthful living teacher. When taught, the unit will continue for at least three days. Please look upon this unit as an opportunity to talk to your child about making healthy choices associated with their sexuality. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s healthful living teacher; Lisa Chorpenning at lchorpenning@wcpss.net, Holly Dickerson at hdickerson3@wcpss.net, Bradley Fournier at bfournier@wcpss.net, Matthew Hrbek at mhrbek@wcpss.net, or Erin Norris at enorris@wcpss.net.
Sincerely,
The HMS Healthful Living Department