NJ Sex Education Curriculum Modified By Washington Township Schools

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Superintendent Peter Turnamian responded to Long Valley parents' concerns about the implementation of certain sex education curriculum standards for grades K-8 in Washington Township schools.

At the June meeting of the Washington Township Board of Education, members approved revisions to the Comprehensive Health and Physical Education curriculum for grades 6–8, which included information on parental rights and the district's opt-out policy.

Revisions to the curriculum have not yet been announced at the elementary level, and according to Turnamian that is due to the curriculum standards being under review by the state. However, for grades 6-8, the district reviewed and revised health courses that cover topics such as drugs and alcohol, pregnancy and parenting, various health conditions and more.

According to the revisions, all sixth graders will learn about the following in health class:

• Healthy Relationships/Conflict Resolution
• Total Health
• Goal Setting
• Tobacco, Alcohol, and Nicotine
• Reproductive System and Pregnancy

Seventh graders will focus on:

• Infectious Diseases
• First Aid and Safety
• Sun Protection and Skin Cancer
• Concussions
• Lyme Disease
• Genetic Diseases and Conditions (Autism, Tourette Syndrome, ADHD, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, Diabetes, Depression
• Advocacy

The eighth-grade class will learn about:

• Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs
• Self Esteem and Body Image
• Stereotyping and Gender Identity
• Family Life, Dating and Abuse
• Sexually Transmitted Infections

More in-depth lesson plan specifics for the revisions to the grades 6-8 curriculum are posted on the Washington Township schools website and can also be seen by clicking the links above.

"The mission and vision for comprehensive health and physical education reflects this perspective: Mission: Knowledge of health and physical education concepts and skills empowers students to assume lifelong responsibility to develop physical, social and emotional wellness," said Deborah Russo, Director of Curriculum and Instruction.

During the public comment section of a recent board meeting, several parents spoke out in concern over the future health lessons. One parent, Nina Dorlon, said, "It's not that it's not important to teach and we obviously want to teach our kids to love and respect everyone but that is a parenting thing."

Jeri Cenziper, another community member, spoke out against claims made by previous parents who were opposed to the curriculum's mention of discussing LGBTQ+ topics.

"I think it's very easy when your kid does not have any of these issues, that they have no choice over. Do you really think a child chooses to be LGBTQ+, why would anybody choose that? Do you have any idea the courage and bravery it takes for someone to have to live their life as their true selves," Cenziper said.

Following her remark, another parent in the audience interrupted Cenziper, prompting Jessica DeCicco, board president, to step in and instruct the audience to be quiet and respect Cenziper's time.

"We all have our say, we all do. I don't understand why mine is different and I get attacked," Cenziper said.

Turnamian concluded the meeting by stating that any and all changes to the health curriculum will be thoroughly explained to parents and that transparency will be provided to all community members as the district makes decisions over the summer months.

The next board meeting is scheduled for July 12, with public sessions beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Long Valley Middle School – Performing Arts Center.