This year your scholar’s class will be learning about HIV/AIDS prevention. Federal Way Public Schools has adopted the KNOW and FLASH Curricula (grades 5 – 12) for this area of study. This curriculum focuses on the transmission and prevention of the disease, emphasizing abstinence and encouraging student-parent communication.

The AIDS Omnibus Bill (2SSB 6221) of the State of Washington which was passed in 1998 indicates the following:

Sec. 402: “Students shall receive such (AIDS) education at least once each school year beginning no later than fifth grade,”

and

Sec. 402: “No student may be required to participate in AIDS prevention education if the student’s parents or guardian, having attended one of the district presentations, objects in writing to the participation.”

If you wish to have your student excused from these lessons, you must attend a HIV/AIDS Prevention Curriculum Preview Night presented by the school district. After previewing the curriculum, you may choose to complete an opt-out form to have your student engage in different lessons in a different location while HIV/AIDS prevention is being taught.