HEALTHY AND BALANCED LIVING
The Health Curriculum at our school helps students build important physical, mental and emotional, and social skills through a comprehensive and engaging program. The goal of health education is to give students the knowledge and tools they need to make smart choices about their health and wellness, face challenges, adopt healthy behaviors, and develop positive attitudes that will support their well-being for life.
At Jared Eliot Middle School, all students participate in health class several times a week, with classes alternating between A and B Days. In 5th and 6th grades, students meet for health class on a quarterly basis, while 7th and 8th graders have health class for an entire semester. Students are assessed on a variety of factors, including classwork, participation, adherence to classroom expectations, group activities, and quizzes.
Fifth Grade
In fifth grade, students will explore key concepts of personal health through the wellness triangle. This includes physical health (how to take care of your body), mental and emotional health (how we think and feel), and social health (how we interact with others). We will also focus on understanding emotions, including stress, and learning healthy ways to cope with them. Students will show their understanding through projects, class discussions, and group activities. Additionally, all students participate in the D.A.R.E. Program with certified educators through the Clinton Police Department.
Sixth Grade
In sixth grade, students will examine the characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships, focusing on how communication influences their daily lives. The communication unit emphasizes conflict resolution and effective communication skills. Additionally, the curriculum addresses bullying and violence prevention. In the nutrition unit, students will learn about the five major food groups, six essential nutrients, reading food labels, the effects of sugar on health, and nutrition-related diseases. They will also explore how to make healthy choices and understand the impact of these decisions on their overall well-being.
7th Grade
During 7th grade, students spend the majority of the semester studying substance abuse. They explore various drug categories and their health impacts, with a strong focus on addiction. They also learn about nicotine, including tobacco and electronic vaping products, as well as the effects of alcohol on the brain, body, and behavior. All students participate in the D.A.R.E. Program with certified educators through the Clinton Police Department. Additionally, the curriculum covers peer pressure, discussing its presence in their daily lives and its potential influence on drug-related decisions. The semester also includes a unit on internet safety and a mental health module featuring lessons from the district-adopted Signs of Suicide program, which addresses warning signs and prevention strategies.
8th Grade
In eighth grade, students will further expand their knowledge of human growth and development and puberty by studying the male and female reproductive systems. Building on this foundation, they will explore topics such as abstinence, contraception, safe sex practices, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Students will also examine the significance of personal morals, values, and beliefs, along with developing strong decision-making and refusal skills. Additionally, the curriculum covers healthy versus unhealthy relationships, including various forms of abuse. Discussions will also address sexual harassment, sexual assault, and the importance of consent. The semester also includes a mental health module featuring lessons from the district-adopted Signs of Suicide program, which addresses warning signs and prevention strategies.
