Experts within our school community will be creating lessons for HMS Student Development Days. Our school psychologist, school nurse, physical education teachers, student assistance counselor and guidance counselor will be the driving team that will work on creating learning that is substantive, informative and appropriate for middle school student.

The purpose of Student Development Days are to engage students in lessons that cover the critical areas of comprehensive health and wellness. These standards are driven by the New Jersey Students Learning Standards and focus on areas that address the social and emotional development needs of middle school students. Lessons on Student Development Days will cover the topics of:

• Personal Growth and Development

• Family Life

• Emotional Health

• Social and Sexual Health

• Community Health Services and Support

• Nutrition

• Personal Safety

• Health Conditions, Diseases and Medicines

• Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs

• Dependency, Substances Disorder and Treatment

Some of these topics are sensitive and may give you a momentary pause when you think about your child engaging in lessons that discuss concepts like sexual health or drugs. Prior to each Student Development Day I will share a schedule for the day with you so you may review the specific lessons for the day.