HIV/AIDS Curriculum

This past week, a form was sent home for parents' consent to have their children participate in a HIV/AIDS curriculum designed by the New York State Education Department and the New York City Department of Education. Both of these departments have mandated the curriculum and that it be age-appropriate and address the nature of the disease, the methods of transmission and methods of prevention.

Lessons focus on developing an understanding of communicable diseases, ways to live a healthy life and how to identify community resources that can help enhance the quality of life. State regulations require that all students attend lessons on the nature of the disease and methods of transmissions. However, parents or legal guardians have the right to ask that their children not participate in the lessons dealing with methods of prevention. Parents who do make such a request must file with the principal of their child's school a written request that the child not receive such instruction and assure the principal that the pupil will receive such instruction at home.

Please sign the consent form and have your child return to his/her teacher.