April 25, 2008

Dear Eighth Grade Parents,

The eighth graders will be starting their study in the family life program next week. In this religion unit we will be covering the following topics:

· Sexual Attraction and Intimacy

· Celibacy/Chastity

· Premarital Sex facts and myths

· Homosexuality

· Sexually Transmitted Diseases

· Teenage Pregnancy

· Single Parenting

· Sexual Harassment

· Commitment to Personal Safety

Each of these topics will be presented from the Catholic perspective using the textbook Fully Alive and other appropriate sources. It is difficult for me to know the exact dates that each topic will be presented, but we will generally cover the above curriculum between Wednesday, April 30, and Friday, May 30. Students will be expected to know and understand the Catholic teachings on each of the topics, to demonstrate respect for the topics, and to behave respectfully during the class instruction and class work related to it.

Part of this unit will include the “Flour Babies” project. For this activity each student should bring an unopened five-pound bag of flour to school by Monday, May 5. Students will receive 10 points in Religion for having brought in this item on time. Please also be prepared to sign the bottom of this page acknowledging that you have read it. Students will receive 5 points in Religion for having this form signed by a parent. Throughout this unit you will be asked to sign other papers to acknowledge home-school communication.

It is hoped that this curriculum will encourage and enhance your own communication with your son/daughter on these subjects. For some assignments your son or daughter will be “required” to talk with you about a topic, but I hope you will ask them general questions even when they are not coming to you with homework.

Thank you for your support. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Cathy Kollars

I have received the letter informing me that my son/daughter ______________________

will be studying the family life curriculum in 8^th grade Religion class from April 30 to May 30, 2008. I understand that he/she needs to bring a five-pound bag of flour to school by Monday, May 5, 2008. I also will be expecting my son/daughter to be asking for my signature and/or responses to general questions on the above topics.

______________________________ ____________________

Parent Signature Date