[CSPS] OWL Sexuality Education Classes for Teens offered

[Lucy Deckard]

Hi Susan,

You make a good point, and I was certainly not referring to our very 
committed teachers but rather to the pressure being exerted on them by the 
State Board of Education, as exemplified by the textbook hassle we all just 
dealt with last fall.  As we all discussed at length at our CSPS meetings, 
it is very hard for teachers to discuss sensitive subjects such as 
contraception and homosexuality when they are being actively undermined at 
the state level.  I think most of us would agree that the State Board's 
efforts to remove any language that possibly could be interpreted as 
tolerating homosexuality and to remove any discussion of contraception 
except when discussing its failure would qualify as pushing the agenda into 
the intolerant and incomplete realm.  I greatly admire the teachers who try 
to oppose this influence, but I think they would agree that our kids deserve 
better.

Lucy


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Susan Scott" <sscott at ag.tamu.edu>
To: <CSPS at PHILEBUS.tamu.edu>; <l-deckard at tamu.edu>
Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2006 2:16 PM
Subject: Re: [CSPS] OWL Sexuality Education Classes for Teens offered


> Lucy,
> My son is currently in Debe Shafer's health class at Consol - a very 
> non-judgemental, positive environment with good information and open, 
> accepting discussions.  I am confident that Debe and at least one other 
> health teacher at Consol are providing excellent learning experiences for 
> our kids.  They are highly commited to helping all of their students 
> understand health issues thoroughly, and live healthy lives.
>
> I'm sure the OWL curriculum is great, but please be careful of slamming 
> outstanding public school teachers who are giving their all for our kids.
> Susan
>
>
> Susan G. Scott
> Instructor and Internship Coordinator
> Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences
> Texas A&M University
> College Station, TX  77843-2261
> Phone:  (979) 845-5350
> FAX:  (979) 845-0446
> susan-g-scott at tamu.edu
> www.rpts.tamu.edu
>>>> "Lucy Deckard" <l-deckard at tamu.edu> 01/19/06 10:58 AM >>>
> Hello all,
>
> I thought those of you with teens or who have friends with teens might be 
> interested in these classes. OWL is a great opportunity for your kids to 
> learn about and discuss sexuality in a healthy, non-judgemental 
> environment - a great alternative to the increasingly fear-based, 
> intolerant and incomplete sex ed curriculum being offered in our public 
> schools.  Please feel free to let friends who may be interested know about 
> these classes.
>
> OWL Lifespan Sexuality Education Classes for Teens
>
> What:  Our Whole Lives (OWL) sexuality education classes will be offered 
> by the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Brazos Valley
>
> Who:  The classes are offered to all kids in grades 7 through 12 who would 
> like to learn about and discuss sexuality and issues surrounding 
> sexuality, sexual health and relationships in an open, non-fear-based 
> environment.
>
> When:
> Orientation: A parents’ informational session and orientation* will be 
> held Sunday, Jan. 29th at 4 pm at the UU Church of the Brazos Valley (305 
> Wellborn Rd)
>
> Classes: Classes will be held Sunday afternoons from 4 * 7 pm at the UU 
> Church from Feb. 12 * April 9th.
>
> Cost:  Registration fee will be $25 per child (includes snacks at each 
> meeting).  Scholarships available.
>
> Info: For more information on the OWL curriculum, see 
> http://www.uua.org/owl/  and for info on these classes, see 
> http://mysite.verizon.net/res2216j/index.html , call the UU Church at 
> 696-5285 or e-mail brazosuu at verizon.net
>
> Why:  The OWL curriculum was jointly developed by the Unitarian 
> Universalist Association and the United Church of Christ and focuses on 
> sexuality as a healthy, natural part of life that should be celebrated but 
> that also requires responsible, informed decisions.  The classes are 
> grounded in a holistic view of sexuality and cover not only anatomy and 
> human development but also help participants to understand the spiritual, 
> emotional and social aspects of sexuality.  The team of teachers includes 
> health and sexuality educators as well as other health professionals.
>
> *Parents’ orientation is mandatory for all who register; contact the UU 
> Church if there is a scheduling conflict
>
> Lucy Deckard
>
>
>
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