Community Message

Dear Gresham-Barlow Community,

In the Gresham-Barlow School District, our vision “Culturally responsive graduates who will thrive in an ever-changing global community” is that every student graduates with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to achieve their full potential and contribute to a thriving community. Our mission is to “Inspire and Empower Each Student” so that all students are provided rigorous and engaging learning experiences that promote growth and success. 

In alignment with these core principles, we are committed to providing our students with comprehensive and age-appropriate health education, including sexual health.

We believe that effective health instruction is:

• Developmentally Appropriate: Information is tailored to the age, maturity, and developmental level of students.
• Medically Accurate: Content is based on current, evidence-based information from reliable sources, including the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and leading health organizations.
• Culturally Responsive: Instruction acknowledges and respects the diverse backgrounds, values, and beliefs of our students and families.
• Inclusive: All students, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, ability, or family structure, are affirmed and provided with relevant information.
• Skills-Based: Students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, including communication, decision-making, and refusal skills.
• Comprehensive: Instruction covers a broad range of topics related to sexual health, including anatomy, puberty, reproduction, contraception, healthy relationships, consent, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections.
• Partnership-Oriented: We believe in open communication and collaboration with parents, guardians, and the community in developing and implementing this vital curriculum.

Our comprehensive sexual health education plan is being developed in accordance with state mandates and is informed by the Oregon Department of Education's (ODE) Elements of Effective Health Instruction, which emphasize:

• Focus on Core Concepts: Providing students with a foundational understanding of essential health information.
• Skill Development: Empowering students with the practical skills needed to protect their health and well-being.
• Positive Health Behaviors: Promoting attitudes and behaviors that contribute to lifelong health.
• Influence of Internal and External Factors: Helping students understand how various factors impact their health decisions.
• Access to Valid Information, Products, and Services: Educating students about reliable resources for health-related information and care.
• Self-Management: Equipping students with the skills to take responsibility for their health.
• Advocacy: Fostering students' ability to advocate for their own health and the health of others.

We understand the importance of this topic and are committed to creating a plan that is both informative and sensitive to the values of our community. A dedicated team of community members and educators worked diligently to develop this comprehensive plan. We will continue to update the plan biannually and believe that working together will ensure that our students receive the education they need to make healthy choices and thrive.

Sincerely,

The Gresham-Barlow School District

 

The Comprehensive Sexual Education Plan was updated in 2025 and approved by the Gresham Barlow School District on XX/XX/XXXX.