HEALTH EDUCATION (COLLEGE PREP) 9-12

During this one semester graduation requirement course, students will: comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention; demonstrate the ability to access valid health information and health-promoting products and services; demonstrate the ability to practice health-enhancing behaviors and reduce health-related risks; analyze the influence of culture, media, technology, and other factors on health; demonstrate the ability to use interpersonal communication skills to enhance health; demonstrate the ability to use goal setting and decision making skills to enhance health; and demonstrate the ability to advocate for personal, family, and community health. Specific topics include: nutrition, mental health, communicable diseases (HIV/AIDS is a mandated piece of this section), ATOD (alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs as mandated by state and federal law), family life, and safety and First Aid/CPR. Students are strongly encouraged to discuss the course content and work with their families for the duration of this course. Social Psychology, Peer Leadership, and Nursing Assistant courses can also fulfill the health requirement.

PEER LEADERSHIP (HONORS) 12

Students interested in Peer Leadership must apply in the spring of their junior year. Students will participate in a training course in group dynamics and leadership techniques. Senior peer leaders will conduct weekly discussion groups with ninth and tenth grade students about social and academic pressures, relationships with peers, parents, faculty, and problems associated with drugs, sexuality, and alcohol. Peer Leadership also requires 20 hours per semester of community service as well as a community change project that addresses filling a need in the community and employing the leadership skills necessary to make the change. Peer leadership is a selective elective full-year course for students interested in leadership positions in the future. Students go through an application process that includes teacher recommendations, essay writing, and interviews.  Selection is made by a committee consisting of faculty and other peer leaders.
Note:  This course fulfills the Health education requirement for graduation.