What is Erin's Law?
Erin's Law is named after Erin Merryn, an advocate for the prevention of child sexual abuse and an abuse survivor herself. The law requires that all public schools implement age-appropriate curriculum to educate students on personal body safety. The goal is to empower children with the knowledge and skills to recognize, resist, and report inappropriate behavior.
Our Resource: Fight Child Abuse (Grades K-6)
To effectively address this sensitive topic, the Northwest Local School District has chosen the "Fight Child Abuse" resource to deliver the curriculum. All classes will participate in the program during the months of April and May. Instruction will be facilitated by our school counselors. We will notify you about the schedule for instruction in your child's class, allowing you to follow up with your son or daughter as you see fit. Fight Child Abuse is a comprehensive program designed to engage students in age-appropriate discussions about personal safety, boundaries, and the importance of speaking up if they ever feel uncomfortable. For additional information, please visit the website by clicking HERE.
Grades 7-12
The Northwest Local School District will meet the Erin's Law requirement for grades 7-12 through its Advanced Health course (#1401). The associated instructional content is contained with the Board Approved resource for this course (Edgenuity: Healthy Living). Instruction will occur during the months of February and March as part of the regularly course of study for Advanced Health.
Opt-Out Option
We understand that discussions around child abuse can be challenging for some families. As such, we want to make it clear that participation in this program is not mandatory. If you prefer that your child does not participate in the Erin's Law curriculum using the Fight Child Abuse resource, please use the links below to access the opt-out form.
We respect and understand that every family is unique, and we are committed to accommodating your preferences while ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. Please contact your principal if you would like to review the curriculum.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Together, we can create a safe and nurturing school environment for our children.