Human Sexuality Dear Parents and Guardians,  We would like to inform you about the NEISD Human Sexuality and Abstinence Education Programs to be presented to the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students.  The programs are taught by the school nurse through the science classes.  The materials have been carefully screened and approved by the NEISD School Health Advisory Council.  The council is composed of parents, teachers, administrators, community members, school nurses, a clergyperson, and a physician.  It is our belief that this important educational process is one best shared at home and school.  The discussion topics are intended as a program overview only.  Parents are strongly encouraged to attend the parent information session for an opportunity to review all the teaching materials and ask questions.  This session is scheduled prior to the student presentations and will help reinforce the importance of the program and provide valuable information as you discuss these topics with your child at home. The purpose of the sixth grade program is to help promote a better understanding of the physical development occurring at this age and to encourage students to develop responsible attitudes toward personal health and maturation.  The program includes information about the reproductive system, physical and emotional changes during puberty, abstinence, sexually transmitted diseases, how to say “no” to peer pressure, risky behaviors, and sexual abuse.   The program was found to be sensitively presented and appropriate to this age group.  The seventh grade abstinence education program continues to promote healthy growth and development and increase the understanding of the maturation process at this age.  The class topics include problems related to teenage pregnancy and teen parenting, causes and effects of sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS, how and why to say “no” to peer pressure, and the relationship between healthy choices and personal health.  The eighth grade abstinence education program reinforces the importance of healthy decision making during the teenage years.  Class topics include a review of the reproductive system, human reproduction, sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, abstinence, scripted role play, sexual harassment, sexual offenses, Texas laws, and making responsible decisions. For parents of 6th and 7th grade students, the parent information night will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 6:30 PM.  We will begin in the library and then break out by grade level.  For parents of 8th grade students, a parent information night will be held in April. Permission forms will be sent home approximately 3 weeks before classes are taught.  Please indicate “Yes–my child has permission to participate” OR “No–my child does not have permission to participate.”  These must be returned to your child’s science teacher.   No student will be allowed to participate without signed approval from a parent or guardian.  If you choose not to have your child participate, or if the form is not returned, your child will be given alternate assignments. 6th Grade classes will be held in November*.  (Two day program.) 7th Grade classes will be held in January*.   (Three day program.) 8th Grade classes will be held in May*.  (Three day program.) *Dates are subject to change. Please call the school nurse if you have any questions or concerns.