12th Grade Curriculum

Senior Wellness Curriculum

Senior wellness class is structured a little bit differently than the rest of the wellness courses- due to the sheer fact that we allow students to “choose their own topics.” This allows for the entire grade to decide what they are interested in learning about and we develop curriculum that supports their needs and interests.

Topics range from many drugs, nutrition, race/prejudice, sexism, hate crimes, sexual orientation, more in depth looks at mass shootings, the vaping crisis, sex trafficking , poverty, economics of drug smuggling etc. Even with topics that they might have seen in previous years for examples, drugs- we may take a very different look at them as a way that helps cure depression or does marijuana really help reduce heroin use- so that we aren’t learning the same thing AGAIN.

For that reason- it is hard to write what they are learning about each year in wellness. However, topics in general that are generally chosen are: drugs (although the types chosen vary), race/prejudice of some kind, grief, sex education and real world expenses, how to budget and survival information after WHS.

Sex Education

Condom Jeopardy

Topics include –may change

Fun facts, female condoms and dental damns, before and after, true and false

There will also be a brief review/demonstration of how to use a condom (taught in 9^th grade)

Birth control:

Pros and cons, where to get, what diseases it reduces/prevents, how it is used, how it works, effectiveness rates, short list of common side effects

(For more detailed and specific side effects you will need to see your doctor/GYN)

Birth control that we talk about: The pill, the implant, the shot, (all hormones), diaphragm, the sponge, contraception foam/jelly, natural family planning, and Plan B

Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Infections:

How the STD/STI is transmitted, signs and symptoms, testing and where to go, and how to tell your partner that you have an STI/STD.

STD/STI’s we discuss:

Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, (all bacterial)

HIV/AIDS, herpes (oral and genital), genital warts (all viral)

Pubic lice

Cancer screening: self-check

How to testicular and breast self exams are explained

Other topics that may get brought within these topics:

Rape, date rape, healthy/unhealthy relationships, consent, boundaries, alcohol/drugs and sex, dating etiquette, pornography

More philosophical questions: how do you know when you are in love, how do you know when you are ready to have sex, should you be in love when you have sex, how many partners is too many.

Parents: You have the right to withdraw your child from this unit. If you wish to do so, please let at least one of the following people know: Scott Parseghian, Allyson Mizoguchi or the teacher.