September 13, 2021
Dear Middle School Parents,
Central to the mission of Catholic education is a commitment to the formation of the whole person within the light of the teachings of the Gospel. At St. Louis Catholic School, our effort to educate all dimensions of the child ~ spiritual, intellectual, social, and emotional, has been an essential and consistent element of our mission.
As a Catholic school, St. Louis also affirms the role of parents as the primary educators of their children and we are privileged to have the opportunity to work with you as partners in this regard. In recent years we have grown increasingly concerned about the many confusing messages that society as a whole, and the media in particular, place before the young people of today, particularly in regards to the topic of human sexuality. In this day and age it is increasingly important that we insure that the children learn the beautiful teachings of the Church on this topic and that they fully realize and understand the gift of human sexuality within this framework. Not to share this information with the children leaves them unprepared for the world they face and the many choices that await them in the years ahead.
Beginning this year, St. Louis Catholic School will implement a family life curriculum that supports our goal of educating the whole child. This Diocesan approved program has been happening at many of the other grade schools and parishes in the Diocese for more than fifteen years. The program is coordinated by the Diocesan Director of Youth, Campus, and Young Adult Ministries, Mr. Kevin Bohli, and is tailored to the specific needs of each school community. The program consists of a parent presentation (Sept. 29th) during which Mr. Bohli and Ms. Carmen Briceño provide an outline of their presentations as well as other resources for parents. Then on October 19, October 26, and November 2, they will teach one-hour lessons during the school day which are designed to provide the 6th, 7th, and 8th graders with an age-appropriate understanding of the Church’s teachings on the topic of human sexuality.
One of the advantages of this program is the involvement of outside professionals. In addition to their expertise and experience, Mr. Bohli and Ms. Briceño are unfamiliar to the students, which may put the students at greater ease in asking questions and discussing this topic. A second advantage of this program is that it is designed to take place in a single-sex setting; Mr. Bohli will address the boys and Ms. Briceño will speak with the girls. Each grade is addressed separately so that the information covered is specific to each grade level. Finally, in accordance with diocesan policy, this program is designed as an opt-in opportunity for parents and students. Accommodations will be made for those children whose parents prefer that they not participate in the program.
I invite you to a presentation for parents to be held on Wednesday, September 29th beginning at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. As this is such a very important topic related to the development of your child, I ask that at least one parent from each family be present at the meeting.
Should you have any questions or if I can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at 703-768-7732.
In Christ,
Anne M. Dyke, M. Ed, MS.Ed
Principal
