Health Education

In Health 9, students spend a lot of time thinking about their values and how they pertain to the topics discussed. They have many opportunities to think about and 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.

Health 10 is a sex-positive, LGBTQIA+ inclusive program focusing on healthy sexuality and relationship education. This six-week course is structured to follow the lifeline of a romantic relationship: Sexuality & Self, Attraction & Authentic Connection, Relationship Building & Sexual Exploration, Ethical Choice & Growth, Adversity & Conflict, Dignity & Resilience. Students are guided to medically accurate sex information from credible resources and engage in activities and dialogue that will guide them in applying that information to the complexities of human relationships. The class structure will take on several forms, from a more traditional lecture style of pertinent information to more intimate group discussions to interactive-projects and role-playing with engaged audience critique and feedback. By the end of the course, students will understand a broad and inclusive definition of sexuality, how sexual identity forms, sexual reproductive anatomy, sexual behaviors and expression, personal values, societal sexual ethics, relationship dynamics, personal choice and integrity. We will do this within many contexts, such as social media, family structures, the academic environment of school and parties.

Health Initiatives for Peer Education (HIPE) is a leadership opportunity for Urban 11th and 12th graders. 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 curriculum and assisting in planning and participating in additional health learning opportunities over the academic year. HIPE maintains a Blog, Healthy Blues that contains FAQs, student written information, an opportunity for students to ask anonymous questions or to get personal responses from HIPE members/faculty, administers an annual Health Survey, hosts panels on pertinent/relevant topics, request condoms and dental dams or nicotine quit kits

The Health Education team plans and implements additional Health workshops throughout a students’ 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, Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention.