Information Sessions Scheduled In Westport On 5th Grade Curriculum

WESTPORT, CT — With upcoming lessons for fifth graders on Human Growth and Development, Westport Public Schools is offering parents and guardians a chance to learn about the curriculum.

In a message Thursday, Christine Wanner, the district's coordinator of Health and Physical Education, wrote that two information sessions have been scheduled for Jan. 8 and 9 for fifth grade parents and guardians.

"Students will learn about the scope of physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty and how to best care for themselves during this time," Wanner wrote. "Students will view a video and have a follow up discussion. Some of this content will be delivered co-ed and some content will be delivered with students separated by gender."

The curriculum is scheduled to be taught from Jan. 20 through March 7.

Parents and guardians have a right to exempt their child from such curriculum by writing to the building principal.

Those interested in learning about the curriculum can attend either informational session, which are scheduled for 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Jan. 8 in the Coleytown Elementary School Library, and from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 9, again in the Coleytown Elementary School Library.

Below is the full text of Wanner's announcement:

January 2, 2025

Dear 5th Grade Parents and Guardians,

The K–12 Health Education Curriculum approved by the Board of Education, includes the following topics:

• Safety and Accident Prevention
• Nutrition
• Human Growth and Development
• Mental and Emotional Health
• Disease Prevention
• Community and Consumer Health
• Substance Abuse Prevention
• Sexual Assault and Abuse Prevention

Fifth grade students will take part in four lessons on Human Growth and Development between January 20th and March 7th. Students will learn about the scope of physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty and how to best care for themselves during this time. Students will view a video and have a follow up discussion. Some of this content will be delivered co-ed and some content will be delivered with students separated by gender.

Additionally, per Connecticut General Statute Sec. 17a-101, each school district is responsible for implementing a sexual assault and abuse prevention and awareness program. To meet this requirement, a “Safe and Healthy Boundaries” K-12 curriculum has been developed. One co-ed lesson will be delivered to students in grade 5. This lesson helps students recognize sexual harassment and know what to do if they see or experience harassment.

In accordance with state mandates, parents who wish to exempt their child from instruction in either of these areas can do so by submitting a written request to the building principal. It is, however, our strong recommendation that all students participate in this program.

For more information about this curriculum, please attend a parent information session on either:

Wednesday, January 8, 2025 from 7:00-8:00 PM at Coleytown Elementary School Library

or

Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 11:30-12:30 PM at Coleytown Elementary School Library

Our health educators will discuss the curriculum, share information and respond to your questions.

Sincerely,

Christine Wanner
Coordinator, Health and PE