2023 Puberty Program Information
for Parents of Fifth Grade Students
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Fifth grade can be a time for various physical changes as students approach adolescence. To help students understand the physiological changes taking place during the process of growing up, a classroom lesson is presented as part of the fifth grade curriculum.
Candor Health Education will be presenting the Puberty 1 (Understanding Changes) program to our fifth grade classes. The program utilizes a blended learning approach to expand the number of touchpoints with students. The program incorporates pre- and post- visit eLearning activities that increase the amount of content delivered to students to give them multiple opportunities to learn and understand the material. Puberty 1 includes all of the same objectives as the previous Linda/Michael program, and adds social emotional learning concepts (i.e. positive self-talk, goal setting, I-statements, etc.). The program is delivered using a storytelling approach to increase engagement and retention. Classes will continue to be taught in gender specific class groupings.
By law, parents have the right to have their children opt-out from the puberty presentation. Opting out of this aspect of the Health Education curriculum shall not be reason for disciplinary action or academic penalty. (Illinois School Code 105ILCS 5/27-9.1) If you do not want your child to attend the classroom puberty presentation, please inform your school health office by 2/27/23. You will be given an opt-out form to complete.
I. Parent Overview Session
An overview of the classroom presentations will be presented through a videotaped webinar session and accessible now until March 31, 2023.
The link and password to be used for access is:
- Puberty Male - https://vimeo.com/742716034
- Puberty Female - https://vimeo.com/742715606
- Puberty Spanish - Male/Female - https://vimeo.com/794679838
- Password for All Programs: Preparation23
Presentations will be available in English and Spanish. Access to frequently asked questions will also be included.
II. Classroom Session
Puberty changes will be discussed in a Live Virtual format with 5th grade boys and girls on Monday, March 6th, at 12:30 PM at Highlands Elementary School.
Please see the attached Parent/Trusted Adult at Home Materials document from Candor Health Education for links to Michael and Linda booklets, conversation starters, tips, and other resources from Candor Health.
Students will be asked to complete a pretest and an e-learning activity in their classroom prior to the presentation. They will also complete a post-test as part of this new curriculum.
More information is available through the following link:
https://candorhealthed.org/parent-information/parents-of-student-in-program/puberty-parent-page/
III. Human Reproduction & Embryology (formerly Life Begins)
Additionally, the District offers an award-winning program for parents and students to watch together called “Human Reproduction & Embryology. Previously known as Life Begins, this program teaches reproductive science. This program starts with a brief review of puberty content and male and female anatomy. Scientific explanations of fertilization, genetics, and prenatal development are covered. Additionally social emotional skills helpful in navigating the ups and downs of puberty and the increased independence and responsibility that comes with adolescence are addressed.
More information will be sent to you by your child’s school.
Questions about the programs should be directed to your school nurse. She can be reached at the School Health Office.
District 203 Health Services
Highlands Elementary School
Website: https://www.naperville203.org/Domain/11
Location: 525 South Brainard Street, Naperville, IL, USA
Phone: 630-420-6335
Twitter: @Highlands203