PSJA SHAC reviews growth and development lessons for upper elementary and middle school with parental consent

Silvia Mazzolis told the School Health Advisory Council the district provides age‑appropriate growth and development instruction to 4th and 5th graders in elementary schools and to either 6th or 7th graders in middle school depending on campus decisions.

Mazzolis said all instruction is provided with parental consent and covers bodily changes, reproductive‑health basics, and respectful relationships. She said material is age appropriate and that the district does not post the videos publicly on the PSJA website; parents who wish to review the videos may call the health services office and staff will send the links.

Why it matters: Mazzolis said the instruction aims to prepare students for physical and emotional changes and to promote autonomy and respect for others' bodily autonomy. She referenced World Health Organization language that comprehensive, age‑appropriate education supports young people's health and survival; SHAC members were invited to request the materials for review.

Implementation notes: Mazzolis said campuses typically use a nurse or school‑level decision to select whether growth and development sessions occur in 6th or 7th grade and that consent forms are distributed (opt‑in or opt‑out depending on campus practice). She said staff will provide sample videos on request and that the district focuses the lessons on expected changes rather than on abstinence messaging.

Ending: SHAC members were told to contact health services to view the course materials and that questions about specific campus schedules should be directed to the campus nurse or principal.