Reproductive Health Information Night How fast they grow!

THEY ARE CURIOUS AND EXCITED... If you aren’t THE reliable source, your child may turn to a peer or perhaps an older child for information about sex, sexual organs, and reproduction (and chances are slim that the facts will be correct and that the words learned will meet your approval!) *This is the first formal instruction to each student and they will not receive formal instruction again until 8th grade in EGRPS. *Permission forms

If your child isn’t asking questions…initiate them! Open communication is so important and should begin now if it hasn’t already. Welcoming the questions about your child’s changing body and sexual issues makes it more likely that your child will use you as a resource for information and guidance. Be honest because kids jump to conclusions when they are missing information. “Family Involvement” assignments

What we are Teaching The East Grand Rapids School Board has approved our current Reproductive Health materials. Topics covered under the Fifth Grade instruction include: A study of the reproductive system as one of the many body systems Use of correct anatomical terms for reproductive organs The process of approaching puberty and body changes Personal Hygiene and Health Respect for yourself and others as it relates to this topic Abstinence as the only 100% safe method for prevention of pregnancy or AIDS AIDS information that is factual in basis

What We’re NOT Teaching Subjects which are not taught within our instructional program include: use of condoms information on sexually transmitted diseases information on birth control homosexuality as an alternative lifestyle abortion If, as a presenter in our classrooms, questions arise about these topics, the response to students would be, “That is a good question, however, that is a topic best discussed within your home according to the values taught in your family.”

Where do we begin? The groundwork for appropriate behavior will be laid out for each class by going over the rules provided in the packet. All students will be encouraged to ask at least three questions over the course of the unit. There will be a question box provided. Boys and Girls learning together, except for: Videos: Wed., May 16 and again Thurs., June 7 Doctor Visit: Wednesday, June 6 Dr. Robyn Hubbard: Girls Dr. Robert Bowes: Boys

Self Esteem and Media To increase each student’s awareness of his/her physical self Looking at media influences on self- image and behavior Building self confidence in ourselves and others

Lesson and video: Date TBA SAYING “NO!” refusal skills Role Plays Bullying Peer Pressure Personal Safety “When Should You Tell?” Lesson and video: Date TBA

Tissues and Cells Body Systems both Male and Female: Organs, Parts, Body Tissues, Cells This will be revisited during the AIDS lesson.

from Kent County Health Clinic AIDS Talk: Ms. Johnson from Kent County Health Clinic The difference between AIDS and HIV. A factual explanation of “What are T cells?” The need for a caring and compassionate attitude toward people who are dealing with AIDS Abstinence is stressed as the only method for certain avoidance of AIDS Avoiding the use of drugs and alcohol, as they lead to high-risk behavior

Videos: Just Around the Corner: For Boys 11 min Videos: Just Around the Corner: For Boys 11 min. Just Around the Corner: For Girls 14 min. When Should You Tell? Dealing with Abuse 11 min.