Human Growth and Development
CVUSD 2023-24 School Year
Human Growth and Development Information for Families
On April 11 and 12th, 4th (April 12th) and 5th (April 11th) grade students at Westlake Elementary will be viewing the adopted CVUSD Human Growth and Development Videos from MarshMedia. The videos will start at 1:00 and will be immediately followed by two OPTIONAL Question and Answer session. One session will be regarding the female videos and the other will be regarding the male videos. The videos for grades 4 and 5 are the same as last year and will be shown to all students in class, meaning all students will watch the boy video and the girl video together. There are two videos for 4th grade and three videos for 5th grade. See below:
- Grade 4 - Meet the New You for Boys and Meet the New You for Girls
- Grade 5 - Puberty: A Girl's Journey, Puberty: A Boy's Journey, Puberty: Part 2.
These videos have been available for viewing on the CVUSD webpage and at the Webinar event in February.
Below is a link to the webpage for viewing the videos until March 31, 2024 at home. Please use Passcode : ConejoLearn to access the videos.
After the presentation, students will be able to choose the gender group that they will participate with for follow-up questions and discussion with school staff, including a District Nurse for Grades 4-5.
If you have any questions, please contact your student’s teacher or principal.
What is Human Growth and Development?
Human Growth and Development is about the process of growth beginning with pre-adolescence through adolescence. At the elementary and middle school levels, a program is presented to students in grades 4, 5, and 6 to provide them with a fact-based understanding of the changes in their physical development. By becoming familiar with this process, young people can better cope with normal physical and emotional changes. The program also emphasizes the importance of proper rest, nutrition and physical exercise while growing. Ultimately, this program aims to build a child’s self-esteem and healthy behaviors as they move into adolescence. Please review this Information Sheet & FAQ for more information.
Parent Excusal
As specified in the California Education Code Section 51240, a parent/guardian can excuse their child from watching the videos and attending the follow up Q and A sessions because of personal or religious beliefs. To excuse your child from Human Growth and Development Videos (Grades 4-6), please provide a signed, written note to the Conejo Valley Unified School District, your school site Principal, or your child’s teacher no later than Monday, April 8th. You can also click HERE to fill out a form to excuse your child. The form also needs to be completed by Monday, April 8th.
What is in the Videos?
Grade 4 Videos
- The first part discusses anatomy of the human body including male and female anatomy as well as changes that will occur related to anatomy as puberty begins.
- The second part shares information for personal hygiene and living a healthy lifestyle.
- The third part discusses some of the emotional and social changes that happen during puberty.
Included in the video is information regarding:
Changes in the Body
Puberty as the time when the human body changes from a child into an adult.
Height and weight changes
Body shape changes
Hair growth on the body
Explanation of male and female anatomy
Menstruation
Erections and nocturnal emissions
Sweat glands, body odor and the importance of being clean
Oil glands and pimples
Healthy diet and sleep
Talking to an adult when you need help
Changes in Thinking
Feeling self-conscious about body changes and body image
Spending time with friends and caring what they think about you
Fitting into social groups
Peer pressure
Making good choices, making good friends, and getting to know yourself
Talking to an adult when you need help
Grade 5 Videos
Included in the videos is the following information:
Changes in the Body Puberty defined as the time when the human body changes from a child into an adult Height and weight changes Body shape changes Hair growth on the body Sweat glands, body odor, and the importance of being clean Pituitary Glands and hormones Exercise Oil glands, pimples, and face washing Healthy diet and sleep Voice Changes Everyone is different and changes happen at different times Talking to an adult when you need help Reproductive System Purpose of the reproductive system Reproductive glands and organs Explanation and diagrams of male and female reproductive anatomy Ovulation, egg cells and fertilization Menstruation and timelines of the menstrual period Menstrual pads, tampons, panty liners, and being prepared Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) Sperm, erections, and nocturnal emissions Changes in Thinking Body Image and body differences Respecting yourself Emotional changes Self-esteem Social Awkwardness Being Self-conscious Peer groups Cliques Peer Pressure Bullying and what to do about it Talking to a trusted adult and asking them questions
California Health Education Standards
Human Growth & Development Videos for Grades 4-6 are aligned with the California Health Education Standards (2008), which include:
Nutrition and Physical Activity Standards:
Differentiate between more-nutritious and less-nutritious beverages and snacks.
Describe how physical activity, rest, and sleep are related.
Growth, Development, and Sexual Health Standards:
Describe the human cycle of reproduction, birth, growth, aging, and death.
Explain the structure, function, and major parts of the human reproductive system.
Identify the physical, social, and emotional changes that occur during puberty.
Explain that puberty and physical development can vary considerably and still be normal
Identify personal hygiene practices and health and safety issues related to puberty,
Recognize parents, guardians, and other trusted adults as resources for information about puberty
Personal and Community Health Standards:
Practice good personal and dental hygiene,
Demonstrate personal responsibility for health habits