Health 9 focuses on substance use and abuse. Students spend a lot of time thinking about their values and how they pertain to the topics discussed. They have many opportunities to reflect on their values through class discussions, small group work, journal writing and hands-on activities such as looking at scenarios students might find themselves in. Topics include learning about what drugs are, the different ways to approach drug education (just say no vs. just say know), understanding what happens in the brain when someone does substances (difference between “getting high” naturally and with substances), exploring various relationships people might have with substances (including everything between abstinence and addiction), demonstrating the role media has in decision making (be a filter not a sponge) and identifying how to find credible sources about substances. Required for 9th Graders. (1/4 credit; six week course)
Health Education
Welcome to Health Education at Urban. Urban’s program is one of a kind in how it offers students opportunities to engage in learning and meaningful dialogue about the social landscape and greater cultural context of high school.
The Health Education program at Urban is an integrated, holistic, skills-based, socially and culturally responsive approach that encourages self-awareness, healthy relationships, and informed decision-making that encourages the safety and well-being of students and their friends. The program includes various workshops, classes and peer-to-peer leadership opportunities that promote the well-being of individual students and the community as a whole.
A student's Health Education journey at Urban begins with a required 6-week course dedicated to a harm reduction approach to substance use and abuse.
Courses by Grade
9th Grade
10th Grade
Health 10 focuses on healthy sexuality and relationships. Over the course of six weeks, students will consider a broad, inclusive definition of sexuality, and acquire medically accurate sexuality information from credible resources on topics such as puberty, reproduction, and safe sexuality practices. Students will also engage in reflection on how to apply that information to the complexities of human relationships through dialogue about consent, sexual decision making, interpersonal relationship dynamics, active listening and effective communication skills. Classroom activities include partnered and small group work, peer to peer instruction and sharing, scenario deconstruction and media literacy. Personal journal work encourages students to think about their own rights and responsibilities in all relationships and the value of caring, loving, authentic connection that is grounded in mutual respect, empathy and dignity. Required for 10th graders. (1/4 credit; six week course)
11th Grade & Seniors
Health Initiatives for Peer Education (HIPE) is a leadership opportunity for Urban 11th and Seniors. The purpose of HIPE is to support Health Education within the Urban community. It complements the Health Education program by supporting the Health 9 and Health 10 curricula and assisting in planning and participating in additional health learning opportunities over the academic year. HIPE maintains a Blog, Healthy Blues, that includes FAQs, student-written information, and an opportunity for students to ask anonymous questions or to get personal responses from HIPE members/faculty. HIPE also administers an annual health survey across all grades and hosts panels on pertinent/relevant topics.
The Health Education team plans and implements additional Health workshops throughout a student’s four years at Urban. Topics may include, Sex in the Media, Mental Health & Self Care, Know More, Physical Health: Nutrition, Movement and First Aid/CPR, Alcohol and Title IX in College, #MeToo, and Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention.
