Niu Valley Sexual Health Education

Overview

In order to support students making decisions that promote healthy behaviors, schools are required to provide comprehensive sexual health education that follows the requirements set forth in the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) 321-11.1, Hawaii State Board of Education Policy 103.5, and aligns with Hawaii Content and Performance Standards III.

At this time, 4 sexual health lessons will be embedded into the 6th Grade Health Unit and will include approved curriculum from HealthTeacher.com:

Lesson 1: Ground Rules & Recognizing Boundaries/Respect

Lesson 2: Changing Bodies

Lesson 3: Abstinence & Preventing STI/HIV

Lesson 4: Communication, Decision Making and Community Resources

For curriculum details, lesson overviews and alternative assignment options, please feel free to visit Niu Valley’s Front Office and review the Sexual Health Binder made available to parents.

Opt-Out

Parents and legal guardians have the right to opt-out their child from participating in the approved Sexual Health curriculum. If the Opt-Out form is signed and returned, it will act as a written request to excuse your child from the above lessons. In that case, alternate heath assignments will be provided at a separate location for your child. If a signed copy of this form is not received by the beginning of the instruction, it will be assumed that your child has approval to participate in the curriculum.

To Keep It All in Perspective

Our society has experienced a lot of changes in the attitudes and behaviors surrounding sexuality and sexual behavior. Explicit messaging permeates our lives and has an impact on adolescents who are not yet mature and educated enough to filter appropriately. When adolescences lack the knowledge and skills to set boundaries and practice healthy behaviors, they are vulnerable and at risk of premature sexual encounters, unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, regret and many other undesirable outcomes.

The reality and support for sexual health education:

There are over 1 million teenage pregnancies each year in the U.S.; 84% are unintended.
8 out of 10 boys and 7 out of 10 girls aged 15 to 17 have had sexual intercourse.
1 out of 6 teenagers contracts a sexually transmitted infection.
The U.S. has one of the highest teenage pregnancy, birth, and abortion rates in the developed world.

Research consistently shows that open, honest communication about sex can reduce the risk of a child having unwarranted consequences. There is often fear surrounding the myth that by addressing such topics/issues it condones, encourages or promotes sexual activity and give kids ideas. Research consistently proves that this is not accurate and that due to hormonal changes occurring during puberty, the intrigue is already there. This fact promotes the need for discussing, providing information and sharing family values — most parents recognize the importance of these discussions.

It is common for parents to be intimidated and nervous to start the conversation…don’t let that fear hold you back from providing necessary insight and support for your children. For most adolescents, their exposure to sexual acts is limited and therefore can be discussed in a more non-threatening and less personal level because they are not yet involved (mostly just embarrassed!). As they get older, the difficulty of starting these conversations increase because teens take it more personally and they may have already had experiences that they do not want to discuss. In short: Now is the time – sooner is better than later!

For support in being prepared to have more in-depth conversations about: puberty, changes to be expected during adolescence, sexual relationships, birth control and sexual protection, sexually transmitted infections, teenage pregnancy and much more, refer to the resources provided below.

Partnership

It is with great responsibility that parents and adults within the school and community partner as the ‘village’ to support and empower our youth to make responsible decisions that represent them and their families well and to lead healthy lives! At school, the discussion will be factual and age appropriate – it is with great hope that the conversation continues on a more personal level at home.

Please refer to the attached documents and review the Sexual Health Binder in the main office for more information. You may also contact 6th Grade Health and Physical Education Teacher, Emily Hahn (email: emily.hahn@k12.hi.us) with any questions you may have.