Health Class
Mrs. Jeranian

   Welcome to Trimester 3 Health Class.  Informational letters on course content have been sent home with the students.  The health curriculum is based upon Rhode Island's Health Education Standards, which each student will work toward meeting during their units of study.  Our major area of concentration will be the Human Sexuality Unit.

     When children are healthy the can learn: when they are educated they can stay healthy.  The health education program is about prevention.  It provides students with current and accurate information and resources that will encourage thoughtful and responsible decision making and promote further communication between parents and students.  A variety of teaching and learning methods and techniques will be implemented so that the students will be able to develop and maintain attitudes and behaviors consistent with healthful living. 

     The following is a list of the topics that the health classes will be studying:  HIV/AIDS: STDs; Dating Relationships and Responsibilities; Teenage Pregnancy vs. Adult Pregnancy--physical, emotional, social, educational, and economical implications of each;  Conception, Pregnancy, Pre-Natal Care, Childbirth, and Responsibilities of Parenting;  Sexual Harassment; Dating Abuse and Violence; Resistance and Refusal Skills.

     I welcome your comments, involvement, and support in this important part of your child's middle school educational program.  Trimester 3 ends on June 23th. 

 Velocity students read the acclaimed award winning novel by Laurie Halse Anderson Speak with me during their literacy class during Trimester 2.  The book’s main character, Melinda, a high school outcast has been stunned into silence by a traumatic event.  How will she discover the courage to find her voice…and speak out?  Students have made connections to Health and ELA classes by completing an assignment on this book involving a character quote and quote analysis.      

        Classes have begun their studies on dating abuse and violence.  The Lindsay Ann Burke Act became law in Rhode Island in July 2007.  It is named after a 23 year old North Kingstown woman who was brutally murdered in the fall of 2005 by her former boyfriend.  Part of the law states that each school district shall incorporate dating violence education in grades 7-12.  For more information visit the web site www.labmf.org.  Abuse= power and control.  Ninety-five percent of people who are abused are female. Approximately one in four female high school students will be abused---physically, emotionally, verbally or sexually by a dating partner.  The number one form of abuse is verbal abuse.  Students will be able to recognize the signs of an abusive relationship and they will know how to help a friend and where to go for help.