Dear K–5 Families,

As of October 1, 2016, all Connecticut school districts are required by law (Section 17a-101q of the Connecticut General Statutes) to provide sexual assault awareness and prevention education for students in grades K–12. These lessons are designed to help children recognize unsafe situations, understand healthy boundaries, respond to unwanted behavior, and know how to seek help. They also encourage bystander awareness, promote self-advocacy, and outline clear reporting and support procedures.

In past years, SSES offered the Feeling Safe lesson in Kindergarten, 1st, and 4th grades. Beginning this school year, all grade levels will participate. Each class will receive one lesson between September 29 and October 10, led by our school social worker, Miss Bien-Aime. Your child’s teacher will share the exact date and time for their class.

The lessons are age-appropriate, focusing on personal safety and boundaries in a way that is accessible for each grade level. They are educational and preventative in nature, and students are not required to share personal experiences.

For families who wish to preview the companion books used in Grades K–2, several are available as read-alouds on YouTube. Please note that we adapt some portions of these stories to make them even more age-appropriate for our students.

• Kindergarten – More Than Fluff by Madeline Valentine (introducing personal space)
  
  

• Grade 1 – Body Boundaries Make Me Stronger by Elizabeth Cole (introducing boundaries)
  
  

• Grade 2 – No Means No by Jayneen Sanders (using the word “No”)
  
  

• Grade 3 – Scenarios and activities exploring feelings and boundaries
  
  

• Grade 4 – Group discussion on boundaries, safe and unsafe touch, and consent
  
  

• Grade 5 – Group discussion on decision-making, peer dynamics, online safety, and self-advocacy

Participation in this program is optional under Connecticut Public Act 14-196. If you wish to exempt your child from all or part of the lesson, please complete this opt-out form. Students who are exempted will spend that time in the Media Center or Innovation Station.

If you have any questions about the lessons or opt-out process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Miss Bien-Aime or to me directly.

Warmly,

Kimberly Fox Santora  Christina Ulreich-Kean
Principal           Assistant Principal