j----_. - New York Civil Liberties Union

Mahopac 350
The community and home components of a comprehensive
health education program involve using community
resources in the school, involving parents in
school programs, providing health services to pupils,
and involving pupils in constructive after-school activities.
These programs collectively reinforce-the instruction
in values which takes place in the classroom. They
provide alternative activities in which students can participate.
These programs help students develop mature
attitudes about health in general and often lead students
to see the benefits of delaying sexual activity.
An example of one such program which brings together
resources at the local community level is the
Community Services Project located at the Mt. Vernon
School District in Mt. Vernon, NY. The school district is
the lead agency for bringing together a broadbased
community group to offer and expand school and community
programs targeted for high school students.
Such programs include a wellness center and a family
life education program at the high school, community
services offered at the Urban League, and career counseling
and employment readiness at the Mt. Vernon
Youth Board. A brief description of other similar programs
is contained in Appendix B.
Thus it is from the interrelationships of the program
components that students at every age will be helped to
appreciate the joy and value of sound physical and
mental health. They will develop habits of healthy living
which promote self-respect and respect for others.
They will understand that by deferring sexual activity
they increase the range and quality of their positive life
choices - for job and career, and for marriage and a
stable family. Teaching about AIDS should always be
done within this positive context of wholesome personal
and family values. Activities provided by the
school, the home, and the community allow for the students'
energies and interests to be channeled constructively,
thereby permitting students to practice responsible
behaviors as they mature toward jobs, careers,
marriage, and family.
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