A proposal to add ten days of a new curriculum at Lincoln Junior High in Plymouth was tabled by the school board until more information is presented.
LJH Principal, Reid Gault, was seeking approval to add PATH (Positive Approach to Teen Health) to the curriculum. PATH is sponsored by a non-profit organization and the program could be used at no cost to the school corporation. The proposed classes would be taught in a co-ed setting with both a male and female instructor in the room. Topics would include such things as healthy relationships, drugs and sexual health.
Gault said the need for such a program was brought to his attention by a school guidance counselor. Gault says there are students who are engaged in risky behaviors and they need to address them. He said, “The at-risk population since I have been in Plymouth has grown immensely. They are already engaged in risky behavior.” The principal said he plans to use time in the science curriculum for the sessions. Gault said students take the regular health classes at different times during the school year, so they could not reach every one of the 260 seventh graders without an alternate class period.
A motion was made by Board member Larry Pinkerton and seconded by member Melissa Christiansen for approval; however, during the discussion following, Board President Todd Samuelson shared his concerns. Samuelson said he is not comfortable with the plan as Gault outlined it. Samuelson said, “Two weeks is a big chunk of time and I would rather have some knowledge of what does that do to their (science teachers) curriculum.” Gault said he had not discussed the plan with the science teachers since he was waiting for Board approval.
After Board member Jenny Sickmiller said she felt the type of education was needed at the middle school level and asked for another way to go forward, the motion to approve was rescinded and the Board voted to table the matter until the March School Board meeting.
The proposed classes, if approved, would be held from April 11 through the 25. Although the time period falls within the ISTEP window for testing, Gault indicated that they could push back the school’s testing dates.
Gault and PATH representative Donna Golob indicated that a letter would be sent to parents with an overview of the program. Gault said there is an “opt out” if parents do not want their child to attend the classes.
Carol Anders Correspondent
