Healthy Relationships Initiative

Eastern Mennonite School Partners with The Collins Center for Healthy Relationships Initiative

This year, Eastern Mennonite School is excited to announce an expansion of our partnership with The Collins Center and the Child Advocacy Center to implement the Healthy Relationships Project in its middle school health education curriculum. Beginning this academic year, fourth, fifth and sixth graders will engage with the We Care Elementary Program, while seventh and eighth graders will participate in the SAFE-T Program. Both of these initiatives are designed to provide a comprehensive health education and violence prevention curriculum that aligns with National Health Education Standards.

The Healthy Relationships Project emphasizes experiential and interactive learning to help students navigate critical topics. The curriculum focuses on essential skills such as effective communication, understanding and expressing feelings, recognizing personal boundaries, and identifying boundaries in others. Additionally, it addresses the important issue of understanding sexual harassment, equipping students with the tools they need to foster respectful relationships.

To further engage parents in this vital conversation, EMS will host an event dedicated to promoting healthy relationships among children. This gathering will provide an invaluable opportunity for parents and guardians to share their experiences and strategies for discussing relationships with their children. The event aims to foster a collaborative environment where parents can learn from one another and consider various approaches to teaching healthy relationship skills.

The event, titled “Strategies to Promote Healthy Relationships with Kids,” is scheduled for Wednesday, January 22nd, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. It will take place in the Dining Hall at Eastern Mennonite School. All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend, as adult involvement in prevention efforts is crucial and can significantly impact children’s understanding of relationships.

During the event, EMES and EMMS parents and guardians  will also have the chance to learn more about the We Care Elementary and SAFE-T curricula and discuss what their children are or will be learning in the classroom. To ensure a smooth experience, attendees are kindly asked to fill out an RSVP form by Friday, January 10th.

By equipping families with knowledge and resources, EMS hopes to foster a supportive community that prioritizes the well-being and development of its students. For more information about the We Care Elementary and SAFE-T Programs, interested parents can visit www.PCAVT.org.