This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.

1. What is covered in 7th grade Family Studies?
2. What is covered in 8th grade Family Studies?
3. What if I want to know more about what is taught?

What is covered in 7th grade Family Studies?

The seventh grade program is divided into three units:
-general health (physical, social and emotional)[2-3 weeks]
-substance abuse prevention [2-3 weeks]
-foods and nutrition [2-3 weeks]

In the general health unit we discuss health factors that can and 
cannot be controlled, self-esteem and its influence on one's choices, 
and stress (recognizing and coping with it) Within this unit each 
student makes a square pillow, the top of which is hand-drawn to show 
his/her's roles, goals, things important in life.

Communication skills, decision-making, and refusal skills are 
interwoven into the classes.

In the substance abuse prevention unit we define terms related to 
drugs and their use and abuse. Students learn about many categories 
of drugs and why some people abuse them while others use them 
appropriately or not at all. Each student presents a report on one of 
fifteen categories of abusable substances (currently the topics include: 
alcohol, anabolic steroids, cocaine, depressants, hallucinogens, inhalants, 
marijuana, narcotics, stimulants, tobacco, Ecstasy, ketamine, rohypnol, GHB 
and crystal meth.)The goal is for students to understand why they 
individually should choose NOT to abuse substances!

In the foods and nutrition unit students learn about basic food 
choices, kitchen safety and sanitation, and "kitchen survival" 
(simple) recipes.

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What is covered in 8th grade Family Studies?

The 8th grade program expands on the units in the 7th grade program.

Foods and nutrition [3-4 weeks] focuses more on nutrients than food 
groups, and food lab recipes teach more challenging skills. All 8th 
graders are assigned a home meal project (see "announcements" section 
for details of that assignment).

The substance abuse prevention unit includes more work on self-esteem 
and communication skills. The major focus is on alcohol and tobacco 
abuse and addiction.

Human reproduction and sexually transmitted diseases are covered in the 8th 
grade program. Slang terms are not allowed in class. Basic reproductive 
anatomy is taught so that students will understand how reproduction takes 
place, as well as how sexually transmitted diseases can affect the 
reproductive system. Speakers from the Domestic Violence Crisis Center and 
the Sexual Assault Crisis Center visit the classes to explain how to protect 
oneself from being a victim, as well as services offered by their agencies.

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What if I want to know more about what is taught?

Mrs. Galvin is always happy to answer questions, share materials, hear about 
your concerns. Please feel free to call her. All class materials can be 
previewed by appointment.

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