Fifth Grade Puberty Program

Classroom Program

Fifth grade can be a time for various physical changes as students approach adolescence. To help students understand the physiological changes taking place during the process of growing up, a classroom lesson is presented as part of the fifth grade curriculum. The presentation is factual and stresses the naturalness of the changes that occur during puberty. The importance of personal hygiene, good nutrition, and the balance between exercise and rest is also stressed.

By law, parents are able to have their children opt-out from the puberty presentation. Opting out of this aspect of the Health Education curriculum shall not be reason for disciplinary action or academic penalty (Illinois School Code 105ILCS 5/27-9.1). Parents who choose not to have their child attend  the classroom puberty presentation must inform the school health office by February 10, 2012 and complete an opt-out form.
   
Parent Preview Presentation

An overview of the classroom presentations, including a slide show, will be offered for parents to preview at the District 203 Administrative Center, 203 W. Hillside Rd., on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 and Thursday, January 19, 2012. Both sessions are identical in content and will begin at 7 p.m. The parent presentation is an opportunity to preview materials that will be used in the classroom and to have your questions answered without the fifth grade students present.

Dates of Classroom Presentations

Puberty changes will be discussed with fifth grade boys and girls on the dates listed below. The girls' portion of the puberty program will be presented by a school nurse educator. A male educator from the Robert Crown Health Education Center will present to the boys.

Optional "Life Begins" Program

Additionally, the optional award-winning program "Life Begins" is offered for parents and their fifth grade students to attend together. It introduces students at a pre-adolescent level to the miracle of human reproduction. Body systems and fetal development from conception to birth are discussed. The emphasis of “Life Begins” is on the importance of responsibility and respect for others.

Each presentation of "Life Begins" will be held at the Naperville Central High School Little Theatre, 440 W. Aurora Ave., from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. with the exception of the Wednesday, February 15th presentation which will be held at River Woods.

Because space for "Life Begins" is limited, if you are interested in attending with your child, please RSVP to your child's school health office by Friday, January 20, 2012. Questions about these programs may be directed to the nurse at your school's health office.