Health

Health Education

There continues to be an emphasis on educational reform. The purpose of educational reform is to examine what knowledge and skills young people should learn in school to prepare them for this new century.
The direction of health instruction in Half Hollow Hills focuses on a comprehensive school health education curriculum. This plan is an organized, sequential K-12 program for teaching students the information and skills they need to become health literate. For example, maintaining and improving health, preventing disease, and reducing health-related risk behaviors. Because health is essential to the quality of life, students will have the opportunity to learn the skills that will enhance the quality of life for years to come. In addition, we will continue to work on the shared partnership between school and community and its positive influence on our children.

Elementary Health Education

At the elementary schools, students receive formal instruction from their classroom teacher who address the core curriculum and the New York State standards. Students must receive instruction in areas such as tobacco, alcohol, other drugs, AIDS, fire and arson prevention, skin care protection, and nutrition (food allergies) and its connection to obesity. Personal health guidance shall also be provided according to individual needs of pupils.
The Family Life Program includes an evening of “communication” between the child and a significant adult male/female in their life. This interactive program is available to all 5th grade students.
In addition, a renewed interest in Personal Safety (Child Abduction) has encouraged the District to provide new and refresher skills to help parents deal with real-life situations.

Middle School Health Education

At the middle schools, students receive required instruction in grades 6 and 8. Additions in the health curriculum such as violence prevention, mental health, safety education and sexual abuse prevention education have been incorporated into the instructional units. The sixth grade level will also include the critical topics of teasing and bullying and how respect becomes an important part of the solution. We must insure that students have sufficient time and instruction to develop skills in these areas, no later than middle school.
Students in grades 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th and 8th will continue in the prevention program entitled “Life Skills”. The curriculum is designed to help students develop decision-making and refusal skills, which will have a profound effect on students throughout middle school and high school.
In 7th grade, students will be taught the New York State mandated lesson on HIV/AIDS which defines HIV/AIDS and the four modes of transmission.

High School Health Education

At the high schools, 10th grade students have a required health education class. Electives in “Introduction to Sports Medicine”, "Holistic Nutrition", and “Human Sexuality” are offered to students who have completed their 10th grade required health course.