The New York State Education Department and the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) require that HIV/AIDS education be provided for all students in kindergarten through grade 12, as part of comprehensive health education. The HIV/AIDS Curriculum that NYCDOE developed for NYC students is age and developmentally appropriate. For example, in kindergarten, students learn how people get sick and how to get better. In 7th grade, children learn how HIV affects the immune system, the risks of alcohol and drug use, and the importance of communicating with parents/guardians or caregivers. High school lessons teach students to avoid behaviors that put them at risk for HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy.
As a parent or legal guardian, you have the right to excuse your child from certain HIV/AIDS lessons that teach about methods of HIV/sexually transmitted infection prevention. These “opt out” prevention lessons are identified in the HIV/AIDS Curriculum, which is online at https://www.weteachnyc.org/resources/resource/hivaids-curriculum-2012-edition/
If you would like your child to be excused, you must write a letter to me stating that:
∙ Your child should not be in the classroom during the “opt out” prevention lessons (listed below); and
∙ You will teach your child about prevention at home.
Encourage your child to speak with you about HIV/AIDS. Doing so can help you reinforce your child's awareness of how HIV is transmitted, and present opportunities for you and your child to discuss how abstaining from sexual intercourse is the most important and effective way for children to protect their health and their future.
Speak to your child's teacher, parent coordinator, or me about how you can support the lessons. If you have any questions regarding this program, please call me at 212-678-2829.
Lessons Parents May Opt Out of:
Kindergarten, Lesson 4 - How Do People Get Sick? What Is HIV? What Is AIDS?
Grade 1, Lesson 3 - What Are Viruses? How Do They Enter the Body to Cause Disease?
Grade 2, Lesson 3 - What Causes and Prevents the Spread of Illness?
Grade 3, Lesson 4 -What Are Healthy Choices That People Can Make?
Grade 4, Lesson 4 - How Can We Help Each Other Make Healthy Choices?
Grade 5, Lesson 3 - How Can We Reduce Our Risk Behaviors?
Please be reminded that all lessons except the one listed above for each grade, are mandatory. To opt out of the ONE lesson, send an email to Debra Mastriano (dmastriano@schools.nyc.gov) and copy your child's teacher and Deborah Markewich (dmarkewich@schools.nyc.gov) by Thursday May 5th.