ELEMENTARY PARENT NOTIFICATION OF PERSONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY INSTRUCTION

Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) of the 87th Texas Legislative Session requires school districts to educate students in the prevention of child abuse, family violence, dating violence, and sex trafficking. Texas Education Knowledge and Skills for Health Education also includes topics related to abuse and violence prevention. To meet the SB 9 requirement, Katy ISD elementary school counselors will teach the required health TEKS specific to abuse and violence to students in grades 5^th grade. These TEKS will be taught during the 4th nine-week grading period for eligible elementary students.

School counselors will teach the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) approved curriculum. Lessons regarding the new health TEKS are age-appropriate, aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), and meet the state's mandated requirements. Parents may review the planned health curriculum and resources on the district website beginning January 3, 2024.

Before a student may receive child abuse, family violence, dating violence, and sex trafficking instruction, Katy ISD is required to obtain written consent from the student's parent/guardian. During the spring semester and at least 14 days prior to the instruction about abuse and violence prevention, the district will share information regarding parent education opportunities, dates of the scheduled lessons, and the procedure to opt-in your student for the scheduled lessons.

Awareness and education on abuse and violence are key to prevention and intervention. The content is intended to facilitate dialogue between children and their parents or guardians about personal safety concerns. It is a priority for Katy ISD to partner with our families and community to create a safety net for our students.