6164.12

Instruction
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Philosophy
The Hamden Board of Education strongly endorses AIDS education as one component of Hamden Public School's comprehensive health education program, kindergarten through 12th grade. Because AIDS cases continue to grow at an alarming rate, and there is no effective treatment or vaccine at this time, education is the only significant weapon that we have to address this epidemic. All of our students must learn about AIDS.

All Hamden students will have education about AIDS that is factual and appropriate to their developmental level in order to prepare them to make healthy decisions as they grow up in a world in which AIDS is a reality. While the Hamden Board of Education believes that AIDS education is an extremely important investment in the future of our students, it remains a sensitive topic. It strongly recommends that parents/guardians allow their child to participate in this important program. However, parents/guardians may exclude their child from specific AIDS programs by written request of the parent/guardian to the school Principal.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

10-196 AIDS education

Policy adopted: May 11, 2004	HAMDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
	Hamden, Connecticut

6164.12
Form

HAMDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Hamden, Connecticut

Date __________________

Dear Parent:
The Health Education Department, in conjunction with the Department of Health Services and the Quinnipiac Valley Health District, will present instruction on AIDS education to all grades in the Hamden Public Schools.

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) continues to grow as a tragic reality for Hamden's children and adults. There is no effective treatment or vaccine at this time; education is the only significant weapon that we have to address this epidemic. Our young people must learn about AIDS.

Our AIDS program is modeled after the Connecticut Curriculum Guide on AIDS and has been approved by the Hamden Board of Education.

We strongly recommend you to allow your child to participate in this extremely important program. Please contact me (248-2828) if you need additional information. If, however, you do not want your child to participate, please complete and sign the form below and return it to the principal of your school by September 30th.
Director of Health,
Physical Education and Athletics

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To: School Principal
I do not wish my child ___________________________________________________________ (Name of Student) to participate in the AIDS education program.

______________________________________________________________________________
Signature of Parent/ Guardian