Human Growth and Development

CVUSD Family,

On April 1, 2026, 4th and 5th grade students at Westlake Elementary will be viewing the adopted CVUSD Human Growth and Development Videos from MarshMedia. The videos for grades 4 and 5 are the same as last year and will be shown to all students in class, meaning all students will watch the boy video and the girl video together.

• Grade 4 - Meet the New You for Boys and Girls
• Grade 5 - Puberty: A Girl's Journey and A Boy's Journey, Puberty: Part 2

Below is a link to the webpage for viewing the videos at home.

Please use Passcode : ConejoLearn to access the videos.

After the presentation, students can choose the Q and A group that they will participate with for follow-up questions and discussion with school staff, including a District Nurse for Grades 4-5. The Q and A sessions are optional for all students.

If you have any questions, please contact your student’s teacher or principal.

Human Growth and Development is about the process of growth beginning with pre-adolescence through adolescence. At the elementary and middle school levels, a program is presented to students in grades 4, 5, and 6 to provide them with a fact-based understanding of the changes in their physical development. By becoming familiar with this process, young people can better cope with normal physical and emotional changes. The program also emphasizes the importance of proper rest, nutrition and physical exercise while growing. Ultimately, this program aims to build a child’s self-esteem and healthy behaviors as they move into adolescence. Please review this Information Sheet & FAQ for more information.

As specified in the California Education Code Section 51240, a parent/guardian can excuse their child from watching the videos and attending the follow up Q and A sessions because of personal or religious beliefs. To excuse your child from Human Growth and Development Videos (Grades 4-6), please provide a signed, written note to the Conejo Valley Unified School District, your school site Principal, or your child’s teacher no later than Monday, March 30th.

The Boy and Girl "Meet the New You" video has three main parts.

1. The first part discusses anatomy of the human body including male and female anatomy as well as changes that will occur related to anatomy as puberty begins.
2. The second part shares information for personal hygiene and living a healthy lifestyle.
3. The third part discusses some of the emotional and social changes that happen during puberty.

Included in the video is information regarding:

Changes in the Body

• Puberty as the time when the human body changes from a child into an adult.

• Height and weight changes

• Body shape changes

• Hair growth on the body

• Explanation of male and female anatomy

• Menstruation

• Erections and nocturnal emissions

• Sweat glands, body odor and the importance of being clean

• Oil glands and pimples

• Healthy diet and sleep

• Talking to an adult when you need help

Changes in Thinking

• Feeling self-conscious about body changes and body image

• Spending time with friends and caring what they think about you

• Fitting into social groups

• Peer pressure

• Making good choices, making good friends, and getting to know yourself

• Talking to an adult when you need help

Puberty - A Boy's Journey and Puberty - A Girl's Journey has a part one focused on male and female anatomy. Part 2 discusses social and emotional changes related to puberty.

Included in the video is the following information:

Changes in the Body

• Puberty defined as the time when the human body changes from a child into an adult

• Height and weight changes

• Body shape changes

• Hair growth on the body

• Sweat glands, body odor, and the importance of being clean

• Pituitary Glands and hormones

• Exercise

• Oil glands, pimples, and face washing

• Healthy diet and sleep

• Voice Changes

• Everyone is different and changes happen at different times

• Talking to an adult when you need help

Reproductive System

• Purpose of the reproductive system

• Reproductive glands and organs

• Explanation and diagrams of male and female reproductive anatomy

• Ovulation, egg cells and fertilization

• Menstruation and timelines of the menstrual period

• Menstrual pads, tampons, panty liners, and being prepared

• Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)

• Sperm, erections, and nocturnal emissions

Changes in Thinking

• Body Image and body differences

• Respecting yourself

• Emotional changes

• Self-esteem

• Social Awkwardness

• Being Self-conscious

• Peer groups

• Cliques

• Peer Pressure

• Bullying and what to do about it

• Talking to a trusted adult and asking them questions

Human Growth & Development Videos for Grades 4-6 are aligned with the California Health Education Standards (2008), which include:

• Nutrition and Physical Activity Standards:

• Differentiate between more-nutritious and less-nutritious beverages and snacks.

• Describe how physical activity, rest, and sleep are related.

• Growth, Development, and Sexual Health Standards:

• Describe the human cycle of reproduction, birth, growth, aging, and death.

• Explain the structure, function, and major parts of the human reproductive system.

• Identify the physical, social, and emotional changes that occur during puberty.

• Explain that puberty and physical development can vary considerably and still be normal

• Identify personal hygiene practices and health and safety issues related to puberty,

• Recognize parents, guardians, and other trusted adults as resources for information about puberty

• Personal and Community Health Standards:

• Practice good personal and dental hygiene,

• Demonstrate personal responsibility for health habits