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ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵapp HIV/AIDS Prevention and Sexual Health Education

Following state law, Kent School District (ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵapp) provides HIV/AIDS Prevention Education and Sexual Health Education to students in grades 4-12 as part of the human growth and sexuality curriculum in health classes. Both units are designed to meet the  established by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). As per ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵapp Board Policies, these lessons are intended to supplement, not replace, what is being taught at home. 

HIV/AIDS Prevention Education

Required Curriculum for Grades 4-12

Kent School District (ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵapp) provides HIV/AIDS Prevention Education to students in grades 4-12 as part of the human growth and sexuality curriculum in health classes. 

The HIV/AIDs lessons are designed to meet the? established by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).  

Since HIV/AIDS can be a sensitive topic, students may be excused from class by a parent/guardian and assigned an alternate activity. 

Annual Preview & Opt-Out Process

Before excusing your student from class, state law and district policy require you to preview the HIV/AIDS materials each school year even if you have previously reviewed the materials for that grade level for another student.

Step 1: Receive Notification

The district provides notification in October of each year and your student’s teacher should notify you 30 days before the HIV/AIDS lessons are presented so you have an opportunity to preview materials and exempt your student from instruction.  

At least one month before teaching HIV/AIDS prevention education in any classroom, the district will conduct at least one presentation concerning the curricula and materials that will be used for such education.

Step 2: Access Lesson Materials

You may preview the materials for your student’s grade at . These materials are intended to supplement, not replace what is being taught at home.

Step 3: Preview Materials & Decide

If, after previewing all HIV/AIDS materials you choose to opt your student out of participation, you will be prompted to an online form.  An alternate activity will be assigned to your child during this instructional time.

Sexual Health Education

The Kent School District, when providing sexual health education,?must comply with?the Comprehensive Sexual Health Education act, at . The law defines comprehensive sexual health education, which must be age-appropriate, medically accurate, evidence-informed, address both abstinence and other prevention methods, and inclusive of?all students, using language and strategies that recognize all protected classes. 

The Kent School District believes the primary responsibility for education about human sexuality rests with the family. The school can assist families by developing programs that teach abstinence, responsibility, honesty, integrity and caring in human sexuality. The goal in all cases must be healthy and responsible behavior.  

Grades K-3 

As prescribed by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), instruction must be in Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) – learning to do things like manage feelings, set goals, and get along with others.  Instruction must be consistent with the . Currently district approved curriculum for SEL is Health and Wellness and Second Step and Health. You may contact Cheri Simpson for more information on the Second Step curriculum.  

Grades 4-12 

Instruction must be consistent with the , must use language and strategies that recognize all members of protected classes, and must include age-appropriate, medically/scientifically, inclusive information about: 

• The physiological, psychological, and sociological developmental processes experienced by an individual. 
• Abstinence and other methods of preventing unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. 
• Health care and prevention resources. 
• The development of intrapersonal and interpersonal skills to communicate, respectfully and effectively, to reduce health risks and choose healthy behaviors and relationships based on mutual respect and affection, and free from violence, coercion, and intimidation. 
• The development of meaningful relationships and avoidance of exploitative relationships. 
• Understanding the influences of family, peers, community, and the media throughout life on healthy sexual relationships.
• Affirmative consent and recognizing and responding safely and effectively when violence or a risk of violence is or may be present, with strategies that include bystander training. 

Preview & Opt-Out Process 

Though not required, it is strongly encouraged for all families to preview the Sexual Health materials to make an informed decision towards participation. You may preview the materials at .

To exclude your child from the Sexual Health instruction, send a letter or email to your child’s principal and teacher notifying the school of your intent.