Superintendent's Message, August 17, 2022

Hello, D96 Families:

We are looking forward to a successful opening of school tomorrow.  Our staff has spent a few days together learning and preparing for a great 2022-2023 school year.  We were thrilled to welcome you back into our schools today for Meet the Teacher and Locker Set-up.    

I am writing today to share some updated information with you.  

On August 10, 2022, the State of Illinois updated the information regarding the adoption of the National Sex Education Standards for Illinois schools. In a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Document about the new standards sent in July, the State required districts that provide instruction in sexual health education to “develop or select a curriculum that is aligned with the new standards.” A second FAQ clarifies the implementation of the standards. The FAQ states that school districts that teach “comprehensive personal health and safety education” (Grades K-5) and “comprehensive sexual health education” (Grade 6-8) must adhere to the new National Sex Education Standards. Districts that do not teach “comprehensive personal health and safety education” (Grades K-5) and “comprehensive sexual health education” (Grade 6-8) may still teach sexual health aligned to the Illinois Physical Development and Health Standards.

With this clarification, District 96 will continue to use our current units in grades 4 through 8 only, which align to the Illinois Physical Development and Health Standards for the 2022-2023 school year.  While the topics will remain consistent with previous years, the materials that we have historically used may be updated.  Consistent with past practice and Illinois School Code, parents have the opportunity to excuse their students from certain curriculum content areas.  Comprehensive sex education is one of them.  Thus, we will post this information on our website, and it will be found in the Principal’s Messages on the dates indicated below:  

  • 6th, 7th, and 8th grade standards and our excusal letter will be posted on our website by August 19th.  The timing of instruction is aligned with your student’s cycle in the health class.  Students who have Health in the first cycle will not begin this instruction until at least September 6th.  If you wish to view the specific teaching materials, information will be provided about contacting your child’s health teacher in the excusal letter. 
  • 4th and 5th grade standards and our excusal letter will be posted by February 1st and instruction will not begin prior to March 1st.  At that time, specific directions for viewing materials will be provided.  

Our Teaching and Learning department will be glad to answer any questions that you may have.  

~ Katie Sheridan

Superintendent of Schools 

 

Updated: Aug. 19, 2022