Sexual Health and Disease Prevention

HIV/AIDS and Disease Prevention must be taught to all students in grades 5-12 each year.

Edmonds School District teachers use the FLASH program for grades 5th & 6th and for students in grades 9-12 to teach students about HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, and their prevention. We use the FLASH (Family Life and Sexual Health) program to teach about the reproductive system, growth and development, and conception. The FLASH curriculum is based on medically accurate, developmentally appropriate information and is a state-approved instructional material.

Middle School teachers use the newly adopted comprehensive health curriculum G-W "Health Skills for Middle School". 

• At least one month before teaching HIV/AIDS prevention education in any classroom, each district must notify parents and guardians that instruction will take place and provide curriculum preview information for parents and guardians of students concerning the curriculum and materials that will be used for HIV/AIDS education. 
• A student may be removed from HIV/AIDS prevention education and/or Family Life and Sexual Health education, if the student’s parent or guardian, having previewed the curriculum and materials, objects in writing by completing the opt out form.
• The curriculum information can be found on the video on this website (below). 

The Edmonds School District adheres to the Guidelines for Sexual Health Information and Disease Prevention authored by the Washington State Department of Health and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, January 2005. These guidelines include the following characteristics:

• Use information and materials that are medically and scientifically accurate and objective.

• Encourage and improve communication, especially around growth and development, with parents/guardians and other trusted adults.

• Enlighten young people to develop and apply health-promoting behaviors.

• Provide information about sexual anatomy and physiology and the stages, patterns, and responsibilities associated with growth and development.

• Promote the development of intrapersonal and interpersonal skills including a sense of dignity and self-worth and the communication, decision-making, assertiveness and refusal skills necessary to reduce health risks and choose healthy behaviors.

• Recognize and respect people with differing personal and family values.

• Promote healthy self-esteem, positive body image, good self-care, respect for others, caring for family and friends and a responsibility to community.

• Teach youth that learning about their sexuality will be a lifelong process as their needs and circumstances change.

• Encourage community support and reinforcement of key messages by other adults and information sources.

For state information about Sexual Education and Disease Prevention: http://www.k12.wa.us/HIVSexualhealth/default.aspx DS education (RCW 28A.230.070) and Bully and Harassment Policy (WAC 392-190-056) requirements are supported by the objectives of sex education.

 

OSPI - Sexual Health Education Information

OSPI - Washington State K-12 Learning Standards for Health

FLASH King County - Information regarding the curriculum

OSPI - Social Emotional Learning Standards, Benchmarks and Indicators

Second Step - Social Emotional Learning curriculum

Directions for completing the FLASH/G-W Opt Out Form:

Step 1: Click the link provided below in your preferred language.

Step 2: You have two options:

• Option A: Print the form.
• Option B: Download the PDF if you prefer to fill it out digitally.

Step 3: Complete the form with the required information.

Step 4: After completing the form, you have two choices:

• Option A: Print it out and give it to your student's teacher.
• Option B: Email the completed form to your student's teacher.

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