Dear Parents and Guardians:
State law requires that parents be notified in writing of a district’s intent to offer a human sexuality curriculum.
Fredericksburg Middle School wishes to inform you that Esteem, a human sexuality program, will be offered in 6th grade and 8th grade. The Esteem program helps students learn life skills that: aid in setting goals, help them assess modern-day media influences, increase understanding and awareness of the risks and consequences of sexual activity such as teen pregnancy and disease, strengthen communication skills, and understand risky situations to increase their awareness of hazardous distractions to help them achieve their potential as positive, productive members of society. The presentations are carefully scripted to be appropriate for each grade level with successive grade levels increasing in content depth and detail and vocabulary usage. More information on the program can be found at http://www.esteemjourney.com.
Parents have the right to not have their child participate in the program and to review materials before instruction. Print materials will be available at the Fredericksburg Middle School office during office hours. Opt-In letters will be provided 14 days before human sexuality lessons are taught. Any student who has not provided a parent/guardian signed opt-in agreement will be excused from instruction and provided another assignment.
Title 2, Chapter 28, Section 28.004 of the Texas Education Code requires school districts to have a School Health Advisory Council (SHAC). SHAC is an advisory group of individuals who represent the community. In the spring of 2022, the Fredericksburg ISD SHAC reviewed human sexuality curriculum options and chose the Esteem program for use in Fredericksburg ISD. Questions regarding SHAC or the human sexuality curriculum and/or requirements should be addressed to Sarah Southard, Coordinator of Student Services, at sarahs@fisd.org.
