Dear Families,

HIV/AIDS is one of the most serious health problems Americans have ever faced. Advances in medicine now allow people infected with HIV to live long 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 the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) require that HIV/AIDS 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 newly updated NYCPS (DOE) HIV/AIDS Curriculum that is science-based, age-appropriate and developed in partnership with national experts, local community leaders, parents/caregivers and educators. 

Topics that will be covered at each grade level include:

• Elementary 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.
• Middle school students 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 students learn how to avoid behaviors that put them at risk for HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unintended pregnancy. 

We respect your role as parents/guardians in teaching your child about healthy behaviors that support your beliefs and family values. We encourage you to share your beliefs with your child while discussing what they are learning in health class. Parents, guardians and schools share a common goal: we want students of all ages to be healthy in all aspects of their lives.

We encourage you to speak to your child's Health/P.E. teacher (Victor@bns146.org for the lower grades PK-2 & Brandon@bns146.org for upper grades 3-5) if you’d like to learn more about the curriculum.

In Partnership,
Diane Castelucci & The BNS PE/Wellness Team