Hanover Schools updates health, physical education curricula, adding new topics

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Health and physical education curricula at some Hanover County Public Schools will see some updates, including the addition of instruction on life skills, mental health, menstrual health, personal safety and hazing prevention. During a scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 10, the Hanover School Board unanimously approved multiple policy revisions for the school district -- all meant to bring the school district in line with changes to Virginia Code. One of these policy revisions has to do with health and physical education at various grade levels. This includes updates to the health education curriculum -- with specific new options for grades four through eight -- as well as physical education for grades seven through 12 and hazing prevention instruction for grades nine and 10. Richmond City Council approves grants for non-profit Jackson Ward project According to provided policy documents, each Hanover school may choose to provide a menstrual education program in grade levels four through eight, "offered at the grade level the School Board deems appropriate." Overall, health instruction will need to include the following new additions, presented in an age-appropriate fashion depending on the grade level: General themes of life skills, including self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, relationship skills and social awareness Signs and symptoms of common mental health challenges Mental health wellness and healthy strategies for coping with stress and negative feelings,including conflict resolution skills The importance of and guidance on seeking assistance from an adult or mental health professional, including information on services offered within the school or school division The prevalence of mental health challenges and the importance of overcoming common stigmas surrounding such mental health challenges The connection between mental health and substance use disorders The importance of mental health to the student's overall well-being, including physical health and academic success These changes reflect this portion of Virginia code, with the language in Hanover's new policies mirroring the code section. For grades seven and eight, the new policies dictate that any physical education class offered to those grade levels must include "at least one hour of personal safety training per school year." This training must be both developed and delivered in partnership with local law enforcement, with its content to include "situational safety awareness training and social media education." Additionally, participation in the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps will now fulfill any physical education requirements applicable to students in grades nine through twelve. Richmond Animal League discounts adoptions to get dogs, cats homes for the holidays These changes reflect this portion of Virginia Code, with Hanover's language again mirroring the code section. Finally, grades nine and ten are to receive research-based hazing prevention instruction in accordance with the Virginia Department of Education's Standards of Learning and curriculum guidelines. It will be offered in-person with options for digital participation if a student is enrolled in an online physical or health education program. These changes reflect this portion of Virginia Code.