Dear Parent(s) or Guardian(s),
The safety and well-being of all our children in our
parish and school communities are our highest priorities. To serve the goal of creating a safe
environment, every year in our schools and religious education programs, the
children receive lessons in personal safety, as required by the Bishops Charter for the Protection of
Children and Young People, which was adopted by the U.S. Bishops in 2002.
This year, our Safe Environment lesson plans have
been fully revised to better address each grade level, with a lesson which is
age-appropriate, user-friendly, and consistent with the moral teachings of the
Catholic Church. These lessons are
designed to promote respect for the dignity of the human person and virtuous
living. Our goal in revising the curriculum was to equip teachers,
parents/guardians, and students with knowledge that can help keep children and
young people safe, while providing this instruction in a way that fosters the formation
of Christian virtues. These revised
lessons were developed by the Safe Environment Office of the Archdiocese, in
consultation with professional educators and child safety experts.
The full lesson plans for each grade level can be
reviewed online at http://www.archny.org/childrens-curriculum/. These lessons will cover such topics as
internet safety, how to develop good boundaries in relationships, how to deal
with uncomfortable or threatening situations, and how to get help from a
trusted adult. Each year, parents/guardians will receive a short overview of
the lesson that your child will receive during their Safe Environment
instruction class period. This will enable you to reinforce the lessons
your children have received, and to assure them of your support in their
safety. Resources will also be available
at the website noted above, to help parents/guardians further educate
themselves and their children in this important area.
If you have any questions about the material
presented in your child's Safe Environment lesson plan, please feel free to
contact your principal or director of religious education.
We thank you for the sacred trust you have given us
in the care and protection of your children. May the collective vigilance
and efforts of the entire Catholic community renew trust and confidence. We
must trust Christ's promise: "for God all things are possible" (Matt.
19:26).
