Puberty Program Parent Information
To answer your questions about our Puberty Programming, we have a number of resources below.
Watch the FAQ Video
This short video which may answer some of your questions about what your student will be learning in Puberty I-Understanding Changes:
Frequently Asked Questions - Puberty I
Class topics include: eight physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty, including changes to the reproductive system, male and female anatomy, and harassment and sexual harassment are introduced and defined using age appropriate scenarios. A link to all class standards and objectives can be found on our website.
No, intercourse is not covered. At times a student may ask how the sperm and egg meet, but the educator explains that that is not part of the program and encourages the student to ask a trusted adult.
No real photographs will be used. There is no video used in this program. When the educator talks about the body they will be using anatomical drawings of the human body called hemi-sections.
Will tampons be part of it?Pads and tampons are shown to students and our educators explain to students how they are used. Menstrual cups and other more contemporary ways to manage a period may be mentioned during class discussion, but are not demonstrated in any way.
You will need to ask your school for additional information, however we recommend a gender combined format so that every student learns about all changes during puberty.
We have updated our delivery model to include more opportunities for students to learn and understand the class content by adding a computer-based component for students. Students complete an interactive eLearning module prior to the educator-led in-school program. The eLearning provides an overview of the basics of the human body (Cells-> Tissues-> Organs-> Body Systems) six changes that happen to everyone during puberty, as well as other topics such as respect, identifying trusted adults and goal setting. It is designed to help student build background knowledge and vocabulary prior to the program.
Around the time that your child attends the Puberty I program, you will receive a parent letter that will include a link to an e-booklet that contains the information covered in the program, ideas for how to use the booklet with your child, ideas for conversation starters and scenarios that you can discuss together. We recommend frequent, short conversations with your child on this topic. Clarify any questions your child asks to make sure you understand what they are asking. It is okay to not know an answer, to look up the answer and to take your morals or values into consideration. Every question deserves an answer even if it is: Can I think about this?Or can we hold off until I know more? or Let’s look this up together.
No, gender identity is not covered. The focus of this program is physical changes. Occasionally, a student may ask about what it means to be transgender or if a transgender individual can carry a pregnancy. If that occurs the educator will simply provide a basic definition and/or focus on the science by reviewing the reproductive organs necessary to carry a pregnancy.
A recorded parent program overview is included. Please contact your school administrator for the link to this recorded webinar, which reviews the content that is included in the school program.
Frequently Asked Questions - Puberty II
Class topics include: eight physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty, including changes to the reproductive systems ), hormones, changing gender roles and gender expression (a century ago vs. today), forms of communication, and sexting and online safety. A link to all class standards and objectives can be found on our website.
No, intercourse is not covered. At times a student may ask how the sperm and egg meet, but the educator explains that that is not part of the program and encourages the student to ask a trusted adult.
Basically, will students see pictures/photographs? No real photographs of people will be used. When the educator talks about the body they will be using anatomical drawings of the human body called hemi-sections. There are a few videos, all of which are animated in cartoon or CGI form.
Will tampons be part of it? Pads and tampons will be explained in that they are worn to collect menstrual flow typically every month, however, there will be no physical demonstration.
We recommend that all students go through Puberty II together. This program offers the chance for all students to learn about the main changes that happen in both reproductive systems, such as the menstrual cycle, nocturnal emissions, and erections.
We have updated our delivery model to include more opportunities for students to learn and understand the class content by adding a computer-based component for students. Students complete an interactive eLearning module prior to the educator-led in-school program. The eLearning provides an overview of the basics of the human body (Cells-> Tissues-> Organs-> Body Systems) six puberty changes that happen in the body, as well as other topics such as respect, identifying trusted adults and goal setting.
Around the time that your child attends the Puberty II program, you will receive a parent letter that will include a link to an e-booklet that contains the information covered in the program, ideas for how to use the booklet with your child, ideas for conversation starters and scenarios that you can discuss together. We recommend frequent, short conversations with your child on this topic. Clarify any questions your child asks to make sure you understand what they are asking. It is okay to not know an answer, to look up the answer and to take your morals or values into consideration. Every question deserves an answer even if it is: Can I think about this? Or Can we hold off until I know more? or Let’s look this up together.
No, gender identity is not covered. However, the evolution of gender roles and the definition of gender expression are explored in the program.
A recorded parent program overview is included. Please contact your school administrator for the link to this recorded webinar, which reviews the content that is included in the school program.