Ohio's 133rd General Assembly has passed House Bill 123, mandating updates to the health education curriculum in schools. The new law requires that students from grades 6 through 12 receive at least one hour or one standard class period per school year of evidence-based instruction in three key areas: suicide awareness and prevention, safety training and violence prevention, and social inclusion.
The implementation of this curriculum will begin soon at Mount Vernon Middle School and High School. Students will engage with materials from the Say Something and Start With Hello programs available on SandyHookPromiseLearning.org. This curriculum is approved by the Ohio Department of Education and meets the requirements set forth in Ohio Revised Code Section 3301.221.
William Seder Jr., a representative of the schools, communicated these changes to parents and guardians. He noted that "every family is unique, and the educational needs of each student may vary." Therefore, parents have the option to request that their child be excused from participating in these instructional sessions for the 2024-2025 school year by completing a Google Opt-Out Form.
Parents are encouraged to reach out if they have questions or need more information about this legislation or its impact on their child's education.
