Dear Parent/Guardian,
The purpose of this letter is to inform you that your child will be engaging in classroom lessons mandated by Florida legislation for the remainder of the school year in the following areas: mental health education, child trafficking education, and substance use and abuse prevention.
Mental Health:
State Mandate:
“Tallahassee, Fla., July 16, 2019 – During the State Board of Education meeting, the Board voted to require school districts to annually provide a minimum of five hours of instruction to grades 6-12 students related to youth mental health awareness and assistance.” The instruction must include:
- Awareness of signs and symptoms;
- Process for getting or seeking help for themselves or others;
- Awareness of resources (i.e., Fortify Florida app and the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255); and
- What to do or say to peers struggling with mental health disorders?
Implementation:
9th-12th grade students will receive this using the schedule below:
WCHS Mental Health Modules Schedule
Monday, April 19 – Friday, April 23, 2021
Monday, April 19
1st period – Module 1 Introduction to Mental Health
Tuesday, April 20
2nd period – Module 2 What is Mental Health
Wednesday, April 21
3rd period – Module 3 Risk and Protective Factors
Thursday, April 22
4th period – Module 4 Community Resources
Friday, April 23
5th period – Modules 5 Coping Strategies and
6th period – Module 6 Human Trafficing
Child Trafficking:
State Mandate:
“Tallahassee, Fla., September 30, 2019 – The State Board of Education unanimously approved a new rule requiring instruction in child trafficking prevention for students in grades K-12. With this approval, Florida will be the first state in the nation to address the need for instruction in child trafficking prevention. The new rule also establishes procedures for school districts to plan and document delivery of the required instruction.”
Rationale:
Florida is third in the nation for numbers of reported cases of human trafficking, and the average age of trafficked youth is 11 to 13 years old. In 2018, there were 767 human trafficking cases reported in Florida. Of those cases, 149 were minors. Up to 70 percent of sex trafficking and exploitation begins with predators connecting with youth online. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, one out of eight endangered runaway youth is likely a victim of human trafficking.
Implementation:
9th-12th grade students will receive the mandated education using the following methods: If a student is enrolled in HOPE and/or through the Safer, Smarter Teens program that will be delivered through classroom instruction with the school counselors. WCHS will have students participate in this module on Friday, 4/23/21 during 6th period.
Substance Use and Abuse:
State Mandate:
“Tallahassee, Fla., August 21, 2019 –Today, Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran applauded the State Board of Education for requiring accountability in the delivery of age appropriate substance use and abuse health education for students in grades K-12. This initiative builds on similar requirements for mental health education adopted by the State Board of Education last month. The new requirement takes effect this school year.”
Rationale:
“The State Board of Education is committed to putting the needs of students first,” said Chair Andy Tuck. “We firmly believe that a balanced education that includes instruction on substance use and abuse is absolutely essential to a student’s lifelong success.”
Implementation:
WCHS utilizes Red Ribbon Week activities
9th-12th grade students will have three options to receive this education. The first option is school participation in Red Ribbon week in the fall semester. The second option is education with the use of Everfi curriculum. The third option is with programs such as “Prom Promise”. The option is to be determined by the school administration.
If you have any questions related to this letter, you may contact Mr. McDermott at (813) 794-8701 For more information on the state mandates please visit: http://www.fldoe.org/
