Dear Mount Vernon Parent/Guardian,
We hope this letter finds you well. We want to inform you about an important update in Ohio's education curriculum that affects your child's school experience. Ohio’s 134th General Assembly enacted Senate Bill 288 which updated the prescribed curriculum for health education, adding requirements related to child sexual abuse prevention, dating violence prevention, and sexual violence prevention.
The
law includes requirements for student instruction, parent and legal guardian notification, and training for school personnel.
- Beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, schools are required to provide developmentally appropriate instruction in child sexual abuse prevention to students in grades kindergarten through six.
- Beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, schools are required to provide developmentally appropriate instruction in dating violence prevention education and sexual violence prevention education to students in grades seven through twelve.
Utilizing research-based practices, the Foundation United has designed a curriculum
(SPEAK UP) that is intended to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to decrease the risk of sexual abuse from grades K-12. The vertical articulation below highlights the cohesive vision to equip students with the primary focus of abuse prevention age-appropriately.
Big Ideas, Outcomes, and Key Ideas Vertical Articulation.
K-2 Big Idea: Safety - I am learning about safety! I know how to identify what is safe and unsafe; I know what to do when I feel unsafe.
3rd-5th Big Idea: Equipped - I am learning how to be equipped for people who might try to confuse or hurt me. I am learning what is safe and unsafe and what to do if I feel unsafe.
We understand that every family is unique, and the educational needs of each student may vary. As a result, the law allows for parents and legal guardians to request that their child be excused from taking instruction in child sexual abuse prevention. Please complete the
Google Opt-Out Form if you wish to opt your child out of this particular instruction. Your child's opt-out status will remain active through the 2023-2024 school year.
We encourage you to reach out to us if you have any questions or require further information regarding this new legislation or the curriculum changes it brings. Our staff is available to assist and address any concerns you may have.
Sincerely,
William Seder Jr.