Health is more than just managing to stay out of the doctor’s office. Health is a matter of balance — taking careful steps to guide body, mind and relationships through life. The goal of our Health program is to instill the importance of making careful choices, and to provide accurate, up-to-date information that will allow students to live informed and productive lives.

Grade 6

This course will be one 8-week cycle. The focus will be on family life and human sexuality*, understanding puberty, child abuse and nutrition.

Grade 7

In this course, the students gain the necessary knowledge and skills to establish and maintain personal health, to create and maintain a safe and healthy environment, and to manage their personal and community resources. The units of study include Mental Health, Anatomy/Disease/Nutrition, Family Living and Human Sexuality* including AIDS/STDs*, Reproduction, Substance Abuse Prevention, and Safety/First Aid. A variety of teaching techniques such as discussions, group work, projects and guest speakers, are used to actively engage all students.

Grade 8

Eighth grade Health deals primarily with using the decision-making process in all areas of teen health. Lively discussion sessions are student-driven and are aimed at encouraging students to take control of the choices they make and to accept responsibility for the consequences. Topics such as mental wellness, depression, teen suicide and self-injury are discussed. Risky behavior, AIDS/STD’s*, alcohol and drug abuse are also topics explored.

*Prior to the start of the school year, parents and guardians are given the option to excuse their children from the mandated AIDS education/human sexuality curriculum. This form may be found on the South Orangetown Middle School webpage under Opening Day information. Parents must return the completed form by the first day of school in order for their child to be excluded.