Health

Building a Strong Foundation for Life

At YES Prep, we believe that health education is essential for student success inside and outside the classroom! Our 8th grade Health I course, offered for high school credit, equips students with the knowledge and skills to make informed, healthy choices that support their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

What Students Learn in Health I:

Personal Health & Wellness – Develop lifelong habits for nutrition, exercise, and self-care
Mental & Emotional Health – Learn stress management strategies and ways to support mental well-being
Healthy Relationships – Build communication skills and recognize the importance of respect and consent
Substance Prevention & Safety – Understand the risks of drugs, alcohol, and other harmful substances
Decision-Making & Goal-Setting – Learn to make responsible choices and set personal health goals

Why Health I Matters:
This state-required course, based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Health I, helps students gain the confidence and skills to make smart, healthy decisions now and in the future. Whether it’s staying active, managing stress, or building healthy relationships, this course sets students up for lifelong success. Healthy choices start here—because when students feel their best, they can do their best!

Human Sexuality & Responsibility Curriculum at YES Prep

YES Prep believes that a valuable element of education is the development of respect for all individuals, regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or other personal attributes. The district is committed to providing all students with a positive learning environment that enhances personal safety and promotes respect, dignity and equality. High standards are expected for both academic achievement and for behavior.

The district’s Human Sexuality and Responsibility (HSR) education program has been established to provide information and skill development for students so that they may reach their highest potential for physical, emotional, mental, and social health. The curriculum content shall be delivered in a developmentally and age-appropriate manner and shall include the most current and scientifically accurate information.

To ensure that students receive quality HSR instruction, all teachers teaching aspects of HSR will receive comprehensive training on skills and best practices about navigating complex content and concepts.

Families shall have ample opportunity to preview all instructional materials online. Additionally, families may contact individual schools to view teacher resources. For any other information or requests, please contact campus principals.

Eighth Grade Health I Overview

The Health I course (taken in the spring semester of 8^th grade) for high school credit includes one unit of Human Sexuality and Responsibility curriculum. All instruction is aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Health I and is aligned to the Texas Health Skills for High School textbook that is approved by the State Board of Education. The 10 lessons in this unit cover developmentally and age-appropriate information related to healthy and unhealthy relationships; reproduction; pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections; and abstinence, contraception, and consent. The Lesson Overviews document includes a calendar for instruction, the daily Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, and the daily topics. The Guidelines for Discussion will be used to create a safe space that honors all viewpoints and family values.

For full access to the curriculum or for questions, you can contact the YES Prep Home Office (phone: 713-967-9000 or email: receptionist@yesprep.org (Subj: Health Curriculum)).

Family Notification Letter

Family Consent Form (8th grade Families Only)

Parents and legal guardians will receive a consent form at least two weeks before the Human Sexuality and Responsibility instruction begins, and this form will be administered digitally via Skyward. Parents and legal guardians will determine if their child will opt-in to each of the lessons that will be taught. Students who opt-out will be provided with alternative instruction and shall not be punished or embarrassed in any manner for non-participation. Below is a paper version of the form.

Human Sexuality and Responsibility Instruction- Notification Letter & Consent Form (SY23-24)

Family Resources

YES Prep believes parents and families are the most important people that should talk to their children regarding human sexuality.

Your child’s education regarding human sexuality and responsibility is most effective when you are actively involved. Your child participating in the HSR lessons at school provides the perfect opportunity for you to connect with them about your family’s values and build upon that foundation of trust and openness that can lead to better health outcomes. Here are some suggested questions you can use to talk to your child about what they are learning.

Discussion Questions:

How do we (as a family unit) define and express affection?
How can we agree on boundaries for romantic relationships?
How can you communicate personal boundaries and respect the boundaries of others?
How can you promote dignity and respect at school, in the community, in Texas, etc.?
How do external influences (like friends and social media) affect relationships?
Who are the trusted adults in your life that you can talk to about your personal health and sexual health?
Do you have any questions about your sexual health and reproductive system?
How can I help you manage the physical/emotional changes you are experiencing?
How are you feeling about the concepts of sex and reproduction?
What are the ways that you can avoid or reduce the risks of sexual activity (i.e. unwanted pregnancy, STIs, HIV)?
Let’s talk about what our family believes about sexual activity, pregnancy prevention, abstinence, and contraception.
What are you thinking about your life and your choice to become sexually active or remain abstinent?

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