1 Welcome To Wilde Lake Middle School! Family Life and Human Sexuality Parent Orientation Meeting

2 Mr. West Maryland Native 9 Siblings! First year in HCPSS Degree in PE from Towson Trained to teach Family Life and Human Sexuality

3 The Parental Perspective… I have a child in sixth grade. I have a child in seventh grade. I have a child in eighth grade. I learned about human sexuality in school when I was a child…OR…I didn’t learn about human sexuality when I was a child. I am ready to learn about what HCPSS schools teach about human sexuality.

4 Outcomes Become familiar with guidelines and curriculum for the Family Life and Human Sexuality unit Have an opportunity to ask questions regarding the Family Life and Human Sexuality unit Preview instructional materials for the Family Life and Human Sexuality unit

5 “Parents are the most powerful influence in a child’s life. Parents have the ultimate responsibility for teaching character to their children, and they have the primary right and responsibility to be involved in their children’s education - especially about value-laden topics such as character and sexuality. ~ Questions Kids Ask About Sex: Honest Answers for Every Age The Medical Institute for Sexual Health

6 Health Education Units Social and Emotional Health Tobacco, Alcohol, and Other Drugs Nutrition and Fitness Disease Prevention and Control Family Life and Human Sexuality Safety and Injury Prevention

7 M.S.D.E. Regulations Comprehensive Health Education (Pre-K - 8) High School Graduation Requirements Family Life and Human Sexuality HIV/AIDS Education Child Abuse Prevention Instruction

8 Goals of FLHS Unit Help students understand and cope with physical and emotional changes associated with puberty and adolescence. Enable students to make healthy decisions regarding sexuality. Gain understanding of themselves as sexual human beings. Promote healthy sexual development - not just preventing problems. To:

9 Abstinence HCPSS Family Life and Human Sexuality units are abstinence-based. A discussion of consequences (i.e. teen parenthood, STI’s) provides knowledge and motivation for choosing abstinence.

10Philosophy Sexuality is an ongoing process throughout life. Parents are the primary sexuality educators of their children. Morals vs. Values * HCPSS educators teach values in the classroom. * Parents are responsible for teaching morals within the home environment. Knowledge about human sexuality contributes to the promotion of healthy interpersonal relationships.

11 Parent Permission Unit Permission Required Exclusion Request Permission/ Exclusion not Permitted Family Life and Human Sexuality Fifth Grade Only 6th through 9th Grades HIV/AIDS Education X Child Abuse Prevention Instruction X

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13 Scope and Sequence Fifth Grade - Puberty Education Communication skills Body image Physical changes - male and female body Social and emotional changes Transitions Sixth Grade Healthy human sexual development Puberty (Physical changes) - male and female body - Internal and external changes Functions of male and female reproductive system Human Reproduction (abstinence- based)

14 Scope and Sequence Continued Seventh Grade Family relationships and communication Human Reproductive Systems Pregnancy (fertilization, signs of pregnancy, stages of fetal development, birth process) Abstinence Eighth Grade Sexuality (biological, psychological, cultural, ethical Dating relationships Teen pregnancy (consequences, prevention, abstinence, contraception) Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) - includes HIV/AIDS

15 Scope and Sequence Continued Ninth Grade Healthy and unhealthy relationships Sexual decision making Abstinence - healthy, safe, responsible Human Reproduction Contraception - abstinence-based Accessing information - parents, clergy, counselors

16 Instructional Methods Co-ed groups Guidelines for Sensitive Topics - Establish and set ground rules All instructional materials are HCPSS Board approved - Print and audio/visual materials Group discussions - “Right to pass” - Question Box

17 Classroom Expectations Ground rules established first day. All questions welcome, however NOT ALL are answered. Proper terminology should be used at all times. Students are strongly encouraged to discuss all lessons with parent/guardians. - I can be reached easily via or phone. Please help me to keep communication lines open so that we can ensure the most positive experience for you and your child!

18 Excused Students An alternate health education student-focused research activity is provided. Students will complete this independent activity during health class in a different classroom. Female students are required by the State of Maryland’s Health Education Regulations to receive information on menstruation at both the middle and high school levels.

19 Thank You For Coming!

20Questions?