A theatrical presentation about puberty and adolescence entitled "Someone Like Me" was put on today by Kaiser Permanente's Educational Theatre Ensemble. I have to admit, I had real trepidation about having them to the school. Despite talking with the director of the program, speaking with principals from other schools that had presented the play, and discussions with my supervisor at the Archdiocese, I still was not comfortable that the content was going to be appropriate for our students. I mulled canceling the production many times.
Before the performance, I talked with the actors and felt a little more comfort about what we were about to witness, but it is still a topic that can be controversial (is this be information taught at home or by the school?) and I have to admit, I was more than a little nervous through the start of the play.
Some of the topics covered included physical changes, pre-marital sex and STDs, hormonal changes and mood swings, changing relationships with friends,and suicidal thoughts. Not really a litany of good times. One of our area principals referred to it as The Little Shop of Pubescent Horrors.
Teachers, staff and parents watched the production with the students and I can safely say that despite a few moments of uncomfortableness, it was an excellent production and teaching vehicle for our students. All of the adults were in agreement. Very real issues that many of the children have or will experience were presented with simple but quality follow up. Students could ask questions. Very current and very important issues were addressed. The actors/facilitators did an amazing job.
I left with the opinion that this play, or at least this information, needs to be presented not to just students, but to parents as well. The high school experience we all went through does not exist any more. Our children are privy to an enormous amount of false information. Often times, this false information can have very damaging consequences for our kids. Our students, and particularly the eighth graders, seemed to feel it was very relevant information.
We push our kids to go further and further in with their academic learning, but when it comes to being educated regarding issues such as sex or drugs, we want to ignore it. Age appropriate education is always a positive, in my opinion. We adults need to present the children in our lives with relevant information that will truly aid them in the world in which they live. To do less is a disservice and a danger.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
2 comments:
As a parent who was at the presentation today, I want to reiterate what Mr. Carroll wrote. While many of the topics were truly cringe-inducing, I didn't feel that anything covered was inappropriate. Much to my relief, abstinence was mentioned over and over as the only guarantee to avoiding pregnancy, never getting AIDS and never getting an STD. When one brave student raised his hand and asked what abstinence was I could have kissed him.
So when discussing this topic with our children, might I suggest that we substitue DON'T HAVE SEX (yes, I'm yelling) with the word abstinence.
A truly toe-curling moment came when one of the actors listed all different activities which are considered sex (it was a LONG list). But there does seem to be some real disagreement with people on what should be on that list and I was gratified that the list the actor gave was comprehensive.
There was one brief moment at the end that I wish could have been expanded on. Mr. Carroll told the students that if a friend tells them something in confidence, it is not a secret that needs to be kept when the friend is participating in risky behavior, and that a trusted adult should be informed. Good advice.
While the presentation was informative for our kids, I don't think it lets us parents off the hook. The kids got good and accurate information, but it is our job as parents to put all that in the context of our values and religious beliefs.
Anne Yenny
If we are not willing or able to talk to our kids about the things that are important in life, we fail them.
Schools exist to dispel ignorance and fear, and to help children come to know themselves and their place in the world.
The messages that our kids are getting from the media are loud and clear, just ask them. Unfortunately not always so for those they get at home or at school because of our own fear, shame, or embarrassment.
We must talk to our kids about everything that affects them or influences their lives. Thank God we believe that at Holy Angels School.
Post a Comment