Washburne Update

As part of the science curriculum at Washburne, all seventh grade students complete a 2-week Sexual Health Education Program that will begin the week of June 3rd. This unit was developed after teachers completed a series of district-sponsored professional development seminars with Lurie Children's Hospital in 2020. This unit meets national sexuality education standards and incorporates principles of gender inclusive puberty and health education.

As part of teaching sexual education, it is important to note that student privacy and respect are paramount. Students are not asked to share anything regarding their own sexual orientation, and teachers take time before the lessons to review the privacy of these issues and that students are not required to participate.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s science teacher.

Below, please find an outline of the unit, as well as a link to the materials that will be used in the classroom.

Topics:

1. Brave Spaces

2. Sexual identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation

3. Puberty and the reproductive systems (anatomy)

4. Menstruation

5. Healthy relationships, social media, and consent

6. Sexual Health

Here is a link to the curriculum materials:

Sexual Education Unit Materials

Sexual Education is a critically important part of a young person’s development. The District ensures that the topics are taught comprehensively and in a developmentally appropriate manner. Nonetheless, we understand that some parents may wish to address sexual education outside of school.

All parents have the right to opt their child out of the sexual education unit, either for the entire unit or for particular class days. If you would like to do so, please reach out to your child’s science teacher.

Take Care and Be Well,

Dr. Andrew Fenton

Principal, Carleton Washburne School