Health Education

Health related services are provided to students through the physical education program, Family Life Classes, drug education classes and special assemblies on specific topics.

The Family Life Program beginning in grade four and continuing through grade eight is designed to help students understand the emotional and physical changes of puberty and adolescence so that students feel confident and comfortable as they grow. The program helps students deal with the stresses and pressures of social and sexual development. Good health practices and hygiene are explained. The curriculum includes the biology of physical development during puberty and human reproduction as well as correct anatomical terminology. Students are encouraged to understand that it is natural to have questions and/or concerns about their development.  A question box is provided to initiate discussion of topics that may be difficult to ask in class.  Guidance is provided on physical and emotional questions in a safe, supportive environment.  Family Life classes are separated by gender in grades four and five because of the differences in development at these ages and for ease of discussion.

Sexual health educators affiliated with Planned Parenthood meet with classes in grades six through eight for six sessions after first meeting with parents to explain the program. A wide range of topics are covered that include the physical, social and emotional development of students in these grades.

The School engages a trainer from FCD (Freedom from Chemical Dependency) to meet with middle school students. The trainer spends four days at the School meeting with students in grades six and eight and one evening meeting with eighth graders and their parents. The trainer has single session group meetings with students in grades five and seven and the middle school faculty.


For more information regarding Health Education at The Elisabeth Morrow School, contact:

Andy Escala 

Director of Athletics

aescala@elisabethmorrow.org

201-568-5566 x7764