My name is Theresa Foley and let me state clearly the “parent group” that I am involved with regarding the Westbrook Health Curriculum and comprehensive sex education program is in no way connected with the Maine Christian Civic League as noted in some media reports.
“Knowledge is power” is often associated with the topic of sex education and I can’t agree more. However, this applies to both students and their parents. My focus on being in this “parent group” was to be able to join in with parents who share my attitude with the proposed health curriculum. We grouped together in order to obtain information on what the curriculum was about, how was it going to be implemented and what type of information was disseminated to the students. Were parents going to be given the actual class plan and the ability to review the materials prior to the students? My intent was to be able to review the material to assess the appropriateness for my child, discuss our family values and morals regarding the particular topic, prep my child for the class or opt-out if so desired.
One of the issues I had as a parent was that I wanted to know that whomever was presenting the material to my child presented a good balance on all aspects of a topic giving a broad understanding, both positive and negative, but comprehensive. I want to know that my child is being taught at an appropriate level, with appropriate materials by prepared and non-biased instructors who may have their own agendas influencing what is being taught.
When my child entered the sixth grade at Wescott Junior High, the school doctor, Dr. Ira Stockwell, along with the nurse and guidance councilors etc., did a presentation to parents on what was going to be discussed in the health class. Handouts were given outlining the program and contents. Question and answer discussions were had on many topics, an example, how would the instructor handle more advanced/involved questions by students on some particular subject? Would boys and girls be separated on some topics like menstruation? This was a great informative meeting that involved the parents in the process. My comfort level and support for the program was there and I felt my child would be in good hands and taken care of in an appropriate manner.
I think my concerns regarding this new health curriculum with the addition of sex education are legitimate and justified. The same sixth graders are now in eighth grade. I think many members of the Curriculum Committee were surprised at the May 22 meeting to find out that the current eighth graders are already being taught the proposed, not approved, sex education program. They have been discussing sexually transmitted diseases/infections, creating individual brochures on STD’s with clinic information/Web sites noted. These brochures are presented and shared with all classmates. Contraception methods and uses as well as product types available were reviewed. Different types of sex – yes all of them – were presented whether verbally or in material handouts. The students also watched a video put out by Katie Couric of the “Today” show. Some topics discussed in the video were not discussed by the instructor prior to or after the video being viewed. I asked several kids what was taught about abstinence. Not much, one student said her instructor said “she couldn’t stop you…so why do you think you should wait?” Another student indicated that the instructor was sure she wouldn’t “pop into their heads while they were doing it” Yikes. These eighth graders went from making nutritional mobiles and cooking classes to in-depth sex topics in one leap.
Was the material appropriate? Were the students prepared properly? Were the parents asked to a meeting to discuss the information being presented or have any option to Opt-out? No! So, are my concerns legit? I think so.
Sandy Hale, the School Department Health Coordinator was on the local news shows and “wonders what all the brew-ha-ha is about reintroducing a comprehensive sex education into the health program.”
The parents in our group do not have a problem with the health curriculum being proposed, but the process under which it has been developed and implemented. Most of the people who spoke at the committee meeting were for, not against the proposed curriculum. When speakers asked the committee if our how the parents would be notified, Jan Breton, the assistant superintendent, said “that they really didn’t have a handle on it yet.” When asked about the materials (videos, cds, handouts workbooks etc.) that were going to be used, the response was that they didn’t know yet. Opt-out? Opt-in? All we have as parents is paper with the kindergarten through 12th grade curriculum content areas but no direction as to when, who or how this program is going to be implemented! That’s what the brew-ha-ha is all about, Sandy Hale.
A sad commentary was spoken at the meeting by a parent; “I’m not worried about my child or the children of anyone in this room because these parents care, they’re here.” My response to this person was in general as she sat next to me, what about the students whose parents may not be involved or really don’t care or those who leave it up to the school system to deem what is appropriate for their child? Are those kids not deserving of the same level of appropriateness? Who is speaking for them” they could be a friend or have some influence on your son or daughter’s life. This is a public school in a “community” and we as “parents” should be caring about all students, because they are all affected or connected in some way.
At this meeting, non-committee members were given three minutes to address concerns. The process was very restrictive and controlled. The problem I feel lies with the way the administration has communicated or not communicated with the public. This lack of communication and direction on this program has helped feed numerous rumors passed around regarding the content of the materials that are going to be presented. I have heard everything from instructions on how to put a condom on a bottle or cucumber to intercourse techniques. Yikes. Several folks got up to merely suggest that the process be slowed down a bit so parents would have time to review the program and get on board. However, it was communicated very clearly by the committee that administrative people had spent enough hours on this and they were going forward and recommend the curriculum to the Westbrook School Committee for immediate approval.
In closing I would hope that the School Committee will table this proposed curriculum plan only to slow down the process so we can all get on the same page on this issue.
Give us time to review the program in all aspects. It’s hard to get on board a program that is still just a piece of paper.
Theresa L. Foley
Westbrook
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