In Fifth Grade, students are taught skills to enable them to acquire the knowledge and ability necessary to create and maintain a safe and healthy environment. The Health program aims to give students an introduction to puberty, the basic terminology associated with puberty, the knowledge of what to expect (mentally, physically and emotionally) and to whom to speak for help/answers. The program also teaches the importance of proper hygiene.
In Sixth through Ninth Grade, students engage in a series of awareness seminars for one academic block. A faculty team which includes the nurse, teacher, the school psychologist and administration facilitates these seminars. Students cover issues surrounding drugs and alcohol, sexuality, relationships and other age related health and social problems. The discussions focus on building a strong foundation for young adolescents as they learn to accept the responsibilities of growing up and establishing goals for healthy living. Some of the topics covered in the LIFE ISSUES seminars are: self-confidence, understanding one’s emotions, self-assessment, self-discipline, friendships, improving peer relationships, sexual harassment, anxiety and depression, eating disorders, stress and pressure, sexuality, drugs and alcohol, homophobia, AIDS and STD’s
In addition to the LIFE ISSUES seminars, invited guests and speakers visit the school and speak to the Upper Grade students sharing personal experiences, struggles and successes in trying to establish a healthy lifestyle. An Ethics Seminar, which mixes sixth through ninth graders in small groups for discussion on topics of morals, values and ethics, occurs during the Winter Term.
Videos used throughout the LIFE ISSUES program include: Nutrition for Teens School Ties, The Puberty Years The Shadow of Hate, Sexuality Special Coping with Stress, When Sex Means Trouble Feelings Grow Too