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SHAC recommends 'On My Way' puberty lessons for 4th and 5th graders in advisory vote
Summary
The School Health Advisory Council voted by anonymous poll to recommend the four-lesson 'On My Way' puberty curriculum for fourth- and fifth-grade students, with implementation contingent on parental opt-in and a forthcoming board presentation and purchase request.
The School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) for SAN FELIPE-DEL RIO CISD voted in an advisory, anonymous electronic poll to recommend the four-lesson On My Way puberty curriculum for fourth- and fifth-grade students, members were told. The SHAC will forward the committee's recommendation to the school board at its August meeting along with a purchase request if the board approves the curriculum.
Sandra Hernandez, the committee facilitator, said the On My Way lessons are intended to be age-appropriate pull-out sessions taught by the school nurse and the counselor, not regular classroom teachers. "It will be taught by the school nurse and the counselor," she said, describing four short lessons that introduce puberty, boundaries, anatomy and hygiene, and a final consolidation lesson.
Hernandez emphasized a recent legislative change affecting delivery: parents must opt in to the course. "It requires parent permission, but also requires parents to opt in," she said, explaining that the district cannot automatically enroll students and must instead provide information so parents can request the class for their child.
Committee members discussed logistics including which non-core class (for example, physical education or specials) students would be released from for the pull-out lessons so instruction would not interrupt core academic subjects. Hernandez said the district plans to use the first semester to communicate details and begin training; selected staff will be required to follow the scripted curriculum and complete training before lessons begin, anticipated in the second semester.
The advisory poll was conducted electronically with eight participating SHAC members; Hernandez said the committee's vote and the anonymous results will be included in the packet presented to the board. Next steps listed by staff include a SHAC recommendation to the board, informational materials and parent outreach, and a purchase order if the board accepts the recommendation.
