General Health Education Information
Comprehensive Sexual Health Education (CSHE)
Washington state law requires annual HIV/AIDS prevention education beginning in grade 5, in accordance with the AIDS Omnibus Act. More information about the requirements can be found on the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s (OSPI) page on Sexual Health Education.
In December of 2020, SB5395 went into effect in Washington State. More information about the requirements of this law, and the impact it has on school districts can be found on the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s (OSPI) page on Comprehensive Sexual Health Education. You may also review the Lynden School District’s Implementation Information for further information.
What does Comprehensive Sexual Health Education (CSHE) mean?
The documents below address frequently answered questions about the Washington State requirements around comprehensive sexual health education. These FAQ’s have been prepared by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and more information can be found on the Comprehensive Sexual Health Implementation page of their website.
As a parent/guardian, how do I excuse (opt out) my student from participating in sexual health or HIV/AIDS lessons?
In order to excuse your students from participating in the sexual health or HIV/AIDS lessons, parents need to sign and submit the exclusion form (found below) to the Teaching and Learning Department or to the office at your student’s school. Parents/guardians of 5th grade students are encouraged to preview Human Growth and Development and HIV/AIDS curriculum before opting out. Grade 5 health presentations occur late March.
Health materials at Lynden Middle School and Lynden High School are teacher created from a variety of sources. Please contact your student’s health teacher, counselor, or school principal for previewing and opt-out forms.
