Date: April 1, 2011

Subject: Sexually Transmitted Disease/HIV/ and Human Reproduction Instruction.

Dear Parent/Guardian:

The San Dieguito Union High School District offers a Health education unit for 7thgraders addressing many of the health issues students face, or will face, in their lifetime, along with the unit of sexual anatomy and reproduction from the textbook (chapter 16).

This curriculum about sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS and the reproductive system to include male and female anatomy, puberty, and the birthing process, includes the teaching that abstinence from sexual intercourse is the only 100% effective protection against unwanted teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) when transmitted sexually.

There will be no other instruction about contraception other than abstinence. The HIV/AIDS prevention instruction included in this curriculum is from the Positive Prevention materials developed by the American Red Cross and selected by the SDUHSD district for this unit, which will begin in May and continue thru June.

The unit will culminate in lessons about how students can effectively use strategies to say “NO” when faced with peer pressure situations that involve drugs and sex.

I feel this is one of the most valuable segments of this course and want assure parents that in no way do I interject my own personal views or beliefs in my teaching, Instead I encourage you at this time to sit down with your child to discuss your own personal beliefs and values that fit for your own family.

It is required that parents or guardians be notified of this curriculum prior to instruction of school classes in which the human reproductive organs, their functions and processes are described, illustrated, or discussed. All audiovisual materials to be used in this instruction will be available for inspection by parent or guardian in the Oak Crest Library during or after school. Call (760)-753-6241 ext 3329 to set up an appointment.

In conclusion, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have at (760) 753-6241 ext 3341 or

Please return the portion below to your meif you do not want your child to participate in the HIV/STD/reproduction unit of this course. Any students who “opt” out of this unit will complete the workbook pages in chapter 16 and spend the last month to 6 weeks of school in the library-their grade will not be affected by your decision to opt them out of this portion of this class.

My Best,

______

Sharon T. Senese Life Science Teacher

______

(Tear off this portion and return to your teacher)

Student Name: ______

Name of Parent/Guardian: ______ (Please Print)

____ Please exclude my student from the Family Life Unit. I understand my student will be expected to complete other assigned work (PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE): ______