April 22, 2015
Our fifth grade students will have the opportunity to learn about the changes that occur during puberty including male and female anatomy and physiology of the reproductive system. This health information is provided to students in alignment with Health Standards 2 and 3: standards are available on the District web site.
The students will watch a video appropriate to the topic and their age in gender-like groups. The video covers the anatomy of the reproductive system, the menstrual cycle, feminine hygiene, changes that may occur for boys including erections and nocturnal emissions. It is presented in an up-to-date format with age-appropriate questions and answers from students.
Video to be shown is:
“Always Changing/Always Growing” 2008
- The videos are located towards the bottom of the screen
**Parents are welcomed to preview the video at home in order to facilitate family follow-up discussion of these topics. The video is online and is included in the above link.
After the students view the video, boys and girls will stay separated during a follow-up class presentation in order to promote more participation and decrease disruptions from giggles. Boys and girls will be taught both the male and female material. The outline for the classroom presentation includes the following subjects:
Anatomy and function of reproductive organs:
• For males: testicles, scrotum, urethra, epidiiymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate, penis
• For females: ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and endometrium, cervix, vagina
Body changes that occur during puberty;
• For males: facial hair, deepening voice, enlargement of reproductive organs (testis & penis), testicles produce sperm, shoulders broaden,
• For females: breasts develop, hips widen, uterus/vagina grow, ovulation, menstrual cycle
• For BOTH males and females: growth spurt, active oil and sweat glands, underarm hair, pubic hair, hormones, hygiene issues.
This class will be presented by: Mary Schmitt BSN, RN, School Nurse Consultant.
Date of presentation by the nurse: May 14th, 2015
To keep the lines of communication strong between you and your child, we will encourage students to talk with their parents about these topics. Other resources for you to explore with your son or daughter:
If for some reason you would prefer that your child not be involved, please indicate this to your teacher either in the form of a note or email by Monday, May 11th and we will discreetly plan another activity for your student.
Ashley Dalcerri
Allison Hawk
Bev Holtzer
Kylee Lautenbach
Lauren Rayens
