<p>jhs - I agree with your comments. However, I don’t want the schools giving out condoms to use as water balloons (of course, they can do that at home, and that is just harmless foolery). I would think student health in a school is best seen as a place where health and sexuality concerns are taken both seriously and professionally, and where they are not, even in fun, trivialized. I am not uptight, but the door has to open and professional and with a serious tone to enhance support for the real problem cases, including abuse, which even in a tiny town is bound to happen. As my previous post states, the best response to the public at large is to relate that their professionals are well trained, and that they deal with students in a confidential and professional and age appropriate way. It diminishes the media distortion in a calm, fact based way. If the schools are confident they are doing the right thing, no need for them to play the victim card. The right thing will win out in the end.</p>
<p>Not to belabor these issues - but back in the day I went to an open house at school for my then 6th grader. The teacher was open, and informed us bluntly that it was a smart class (she was right, many went on to the Ivy League and other great schools), but that the kids were way too sexualized for their age and stage of development and that it was hurting the learning environment. Most of the parents in that room were grateful for her input and surprised that she was so open. She pulled it off easily because was a professional, experienced, and sincere. And that is what matters more than anything else. She reported that the students did tone it down a few notches thereafter. She helped the parents do their thing.</p>
<p>
Because there is a shortage of clear heads and brave hearts in public school administration, as in many other walks of life.</p>
<p>JHS,
“Really, there is no excuse for that post. None.”
I did not try to ask for exuse at all. Your listing of my personal problems does not matter even if you feel that I am mentally ill. I am still entitled to opinion and you are not entitled to shut me up. You are entitiled to say whatever you want, though, so might as well continue in your insulting way of providing entertainment. Great job, looking for more!</p>
<p>MiamiDAP, please try to read at least most of a thread before posting. Then you’d understand why what you said was based on mis-information. </p>
<p>I saw an interview with the Superintendent. She didn’t fail to support her staff in any way. All she said was that it never occurred to them that this would be interpreted as supporting the distribution of condoms to first graders. That was never their intention, and they didn’t envision it getting twisted that way. Now that it has been, they will “re-visit” the policy and clarify it.</p>
<p>To me, nothing anyhow sex related should occur in any policy in regard to elementary school. And it is not needed to call anybody any names if they hold a different opinion than somebody else… besides of course of providing great entertainment.</p>
<p>^^Lafalum, they’re going to have to do more than “clarify” the policy, unless they want to tangle with the governor:</p>
<p>[P-town</a> to rethink condom policy - The Boston Globe](<a href=“http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/06/25/p_town_to_rethink_condom_policy/]P-town”>http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/06/25/p_town_to_rethink_condom_policy/)</p>
<p>I am increasingly disenchanted with Deval, and this is an excellent example of why. There was absolutely no need for him to do this. Just cheap pandering to scavenge a few Reagan-Democrat votes from Charlie Baker.</p>