6th Grade

Healthy Body Systems

The major purpose of the Healthy Body Systems Curriculum is to help students improve their personal and social relationships for a better understanding of themselves and others. Our curriculum focuses on both science and health standards. Science lessons include information on the structures and functions of the human reproductive and endocrine systems. Health lessons include lessons and videos on puberty, healthy relationships, refusal/negotiation skills, and communication skills. It is during these pre-adolescent years that children need specific and realistic information concerning growth and development, interpersonal relationships, and disease, to better prepare them for adolescence.

Students should know how their bodies grow and develop, as well as factors and influences that promote physical, mental, emotional, and social growth.  They should also learn that physical and mental health are important in influencing behavior and developing the understanding of attitudes and skills that will help them work toward self-improvement in their relationships.

While school and other community entities have a role in supporting the efforts of parents, it is recognized that the basic responsibility for human sexuality education belongs in the home.  Although the school can contribute to and reinforce wholesome attitudes while presenting factual information, it is the parents who can best give these facts their personal, spiritual, and emotional quality. We encourage you to discuss these topics at home prior to and accompanying the lessons in school.

If you are interested in reviewing the curriculum content, which may include additional optional videos, please call your student's school to make an appointment with the administration. Your support will help your child develop a healthy attitude about these important issues.

We appreciate your interest and cooperation in the implementation of our Healthy Body Systems Unit. 

 Opting Out

 According to Florida Statute 1003.42, section (3):

Any student whose parent makes written request to the school principal shall be exempted from the teaching of reproductive health or any disease, including HIV/AIDS, its symptoms, development, and treatment. A student so exempted may not be penalized by reason of that exemption. Course descriptions for comprehensive health education shall not interfere with the local determination of appropriate curriculum which reflects local values and concerns. Each school district shall, on the district’s website homepage, notify parents of this right and the process to request an exemption. The home page must include a link for a student’s parent to access and review the instructional materials, as defined in s. 1006.29(2), used to teach the curriculum. 

Parents may have received the opt-out letter as part of the registration packet, or it may be sent home by your student's teacher closer to the implementation of the lessons. Please contact your student's teacher to inquire about or request a copy of the school's specific letter.

Mollie Vega, Director-Secondary Programs

   Vega.Mollie@brevardschools.org

321-633-1000 ext. 11310

Danielle O'Reilly, Content Specialist

K-12 Health/PE, Driver Education, and JROTC

oreilly.danielle@brevardschools.org

321-633-1000 ext. 11387