On January 31st, I will be testifying at a public hearing
before the Senate over a bill that would provide health education in
the Boston Public Schools as a part of the standard curriculum.
I will be part of a panel that will share experiences about the
importance of heath education.

I wanted to know if any students or parents of the Boston Latin
Academy community have any suggestions, comments, concerning health
education in the BPS system.

Thanks,

Max Clermont, BLA Junior -07

Dear Max, thank you for speaking out about this important area. I think that
it would be good for you to impress upon the Senate the importance of not
just physical health and sexual health, but also emotional health and
relational health. While junior high and high school students can be
important sources of information and support for each other, it is crucial
to have information from, and access to, more adults who are informed,
experienced, and inviting. Health education classes (including physical
education, sex education, and emotional/relationship education classes) that
allow students to not only learn important information but apply it in as
many ways as reasonably possible, would be best I think. Learning how to
deal with difficult relationships with parents, teachers, bosses, peers is a
skills set that can be taught and practiced. Mediations skills can come in
really handy. Learning how to resist peer pressure; say “no” to unwanted
sex, drugs, or alcohol; build a positive support system around oneself…
are all elements that could be included in a health curriculum with
information about good nutrition, safe sex, and the usual content.  Good
luck on the 31st! Mary Ni, parent of a senior

Dear Max,

I would like to reiterate what another parent, Mary Ni, said in her
thoughtful email.

To my mind, one of the most important issues affecting students in the early
teen years is the ability to resist peer pressure to get involved in
unhealthy activities (drinking, drugs, unkind behavior toward other kids,
fads like body piercings, etc.).  Health education classes that focus not
only on issues of “sex education” and “drugs” would be very valuable.  I am
not sure what Boston Latin Academy has, but I know I signed something for my
son to have “Health Education”.

I remember as a child being exposed to movies showing bodies split in half
due to auto accidents that were the result of drunken driving by teenagers.
It made a real impression on me and I have never EVER driven a car when I
had a lot to drink.  However I have (in the past) driven a car when I’ve had
a few ounces of wine.  Both are unwise behaviors—and I would not drive
again with any amount of alcohol in my blood.  Even a small amount of
alcohol cuts down on reaction times—which are essential to avoiding
accidents!

The gorey movies I saw as a young teenager made a real impression on my
brain.  I don’t know if such films are still considered appropriate or
useful with teens.  However, counselling about all kinds of issues—not
just drugs and sex—would be useful for students “coming of age”.
Certainly if Governor Romney is considered saving some money in the school
budget by no longer requiring “health education”, this would be a serious
error in judgment.  If anything, Health Education should be expanded to
include many more issues than just basic “sex education.”

Bronwen Feeney

One of the things which does not have to be legislated is to train Young leaders within the school that are natural leaders, and those interested in becoming so to be peer leaders not only in issues of health but also:

conflict resolution
leading healthier adolescent lives around issues of realaitonships, physical and emotional fitness, building healthy friendship and study circles etc.

Every one knows that Youth have more influence upon each other that adults… Perhaps we can train more positive role modesl like you Max.!

Can you brings this up in the student government. I ahve suggested that students be paid stipends for after school activitieslike this already. BLA is too large an edifice to wast for mcuh of the day when Students are waiting for something positive to do in such a Community treasure as Boston Latin Academy. This is what inspires alumnae to serve and donate in the future. It also builds Community Pride…
Jewel and Jewel