8th Grade Health Education
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The purpose of the 8th Grade Health Education course is to provide students with the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become health literate and practice responsible behaviors to become healthy, productive citizens. This comprehensive course focuses on the development of positive life-long knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, which promote an active and healthy lifestyle.
The content should include, but is not limited to:- Mental and emotional health (personal health care, screenings, counseling, negotiation skills, bullying, coping skills and depression)
- Prevention and control of disease (non-communicable, sexually transmitted diseases, STDs, and HIV/AIDS)
- Consumer health (risk reduction behaviors, policies/laws, medical resources, and conflict resolution)
- Family life (cultures, daily routines, and rules)
- Personal health (risk reduction behaviors, communication skills, social relationships, wellness, and reproductive health)
- Nutrition (weight management, fitness plan, eating disorders, and BMI)
- Internet safety (security, threats, media, cyber-bullying parental controls, and monitoring)
- Injury prevention and safety (rules, bullying, water safety, weapons safety, and first aid/CPR/AED)
- Substance use and abuse (harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, and over-the-counter drugs)
- Community health (local health organizations, technology, resources, and services)
- Environmental health (adverse health effects, chemicals toxins, and pollutants)
- Consumer health (advertising, media influence, products, and services)
- Teen dating violence (dating, media, abuse and violence)
During the semester, Parent Notification Letters will be sent home outlining lessons that will be covered in your child's Health Education course. Teachers have been specifically trained to teach sensitive topics and utilize research-based curriculum. Parents are welcome to schedule a meeting with the Health Education teacher or the District Health & Physical Education Specialist to preview materials that will be utilized in each lesson. Parents electing to opt their child out of lessons pertaining to HIV prevention and Sexual Health are asked to submit a letter to the principal of the school. Any student that is opted out will be given alternate assignments to complete and location to attend during the lessons.