New sexual education materials coming to Ann Arbor Public Schools

The materials used in the programs could help prevent child sexual abuse, according to the district’s Sexual Health Education Advisory Committee (SHEAC), which has been vetting various programs for the district to consider.

The first approved program targets pupils in preschool through second grade. It teaches the kids how to identify their “private parts,” what it means to be the boss of their own bodies and who is allowed to touch and see a person’s private parts.

The second program is a video geared toward students in fifth through eighth grade.

The video is called “We’re Just Around the Corner” and covers puberty, reproductive systems, conception, pregnancy, fetal development, decision-making, hygiene and healthy habits.

SHEAC committee members said the updated video was necessary because the dated clothing the actors wore in the previous video was distracting students.

Wednesday was the second reading and public hearing on the new sexual education materials. The first round of discussions took place Sept. 19. There was no further discussion from the board or audience members Wednesday.

A copy of both the "We're Just Around the Corner" DVD and a body safety training lesson plan are available at the Balas Administration Office, 2555 S. State St. in Ann Arbor, for parents to watch and review.