Dear PS101 Families,

HIV and AIDS are among the most serious health problems Americans have ever faced. Advances in medicine now allow people with HIV to live long and healthy lives, but there is still no cure. Health education plays a critical role in helping students learn to make healthy choices and to protect themselves and others.

The New York State Education Department and New York City Public Schools require that HIV education be taught annually to all students in kindergarten through grade 12, as part of comprehensive health education. This year, your child will have the opportunity to learn from a new curriculum, called Growing Up and Staying Safe, that is medically accurate, inclusive, age-appropriate, and developed in partnership with national experts, local community leaders, parents/caregivers, and educators. Please be advised this is a mandated curriculum for all students.

In the elementary grades, students learn how to stay healthy and avoid illnesses, develop self-worth and respect for their bodies, advocate for kindness and empathy, and communicate with trusted adults. Please review the included grade level overview(s)

 K-5 Parent Overview to learn more about the lessons. We respect your role as parents/guardians in teaching your child about healthy behaviors that support your family’s beliefs and values. We encourage you to discuss with your child what they are learning in health class and share your beliefs and values with them.

Parents, guardians, and schools share a common goal: we want students of all ages to be healthy in all aspects of their lives. If you have any questions, please speak with your child’s classroom teacher or feel free to contact our Parent Coordinator, Ms. Bing Xing Lin at 347-563-4680 or via email at BLin9@schools.nyc.gov.

Sincerely,

GK