December 2024

Dear Parents and Guardians,
Healthy relationships and reproductive health is part of the Occupational Health/Physical Education program for Grade 10 and Grade 11 students. Topics such as dating; relationships and communication skills; pregnancy; birth control; and prevention of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections will be covered during a class beginning the week of December 9th during their academic cycle. The instructional materials we use for the class have been compiled in conjunction with our staff from the School-Based Health Center of Milford Hospital here at BVT. If you would like to review these materials at the school, you are welcome to do so. Please call me to arrange a convenient time.

During the class, students will be able to ask questions which will be answered factually and in an age-appropriate manner. Each student's privacy will be respected, and no one will be put on the spot to ask or answer questions or reveal personal information. Material will be presented in a balanced, factual way that makes clear that people may have strong religious and moral beliefs which must be respected.

Under Massachusetts law and School Committee policy, you may exempt your teen from any portion of the curriculum that primarily involves reproductive health or teenage sexuality issues. To receive an exemption for your teen, simply print and send in this Health Education Opt-Out Form. No student who is exempt from portions of the reproductive health curriculum will be penalized. We will provide an alternative assignment for those students. For planning purposes, please return the signed opt-out form on or before Friday, December 6th.

In addition to the reproductive health curriculum, students will also receive instruction on the importance of developing healthy relationships. The overall goal is to promote the health and well-being of our students, and to help them make wise and informed decisions during their teenage years and beyond.

We will continue to work with you to ensure that your teen has a positive and educationally enriching experience. If you have any questions about reproductive health education, or any other matter concerning your teen's education, please call me.

Sincerely,
Anthony E. Steele II
Assistant Superintendent-Director/Principal