CREIGHTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 14

ELECTIVE INSTRUCTION

Teaching About Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco
The District's instructional program may include education on drugs, alcohol, and tobacco to empower students to make informed decisions based on factual information. The program should foster the courage for students to uphold their convictions. Instruction may include content on the effects and prevention of alcohol, tobacco, narcotic drugs, marijuana, and other dangerous substances, with emphasis on grades four (4) through eight (8). Instruction for grades six (6) through eight (8) may also include content on the effects of these substances on a human fetus. The instructional content may be integrated into health, science, citizenship, and similar studies, aligned with the standards for chemical abuse prevention programs. Additionally, the program may highlight the therapeutic use of drugs prescribed by healthcare professionals and their benefits when used appropriately.

Objectives of the Substance Abuse Program:

• To create awareness of the full scope of drug-related issues, including prevention, education, treatment, rehabilitation, and law enforcement.
• To inform students about the effects of narcotics, sedatives, hallucinogens, and stimulants on the human body.
• To help students relate the use of drugs and alcohol to physical, mental, social, and emotional consequences.
• To encourage students to adopt appropriate attitudes toward stress, pain, and discomfort.
• To emphasize the importance of seeking professional guidance for physical and mental health issues.
• To develop understanding among students of the personal, social, and economic problems caused by drug and alcohol misuse.

Sex Education
The District may offer sex education in compliance with Arizona law. Schools shall not refer students to or use sexually explicit material unless it is part of a Governing Board-approved sex education program. Signed, written consent from a student's parent or guardian is required before:

• Using video, audio, or electronic materials that may be inappropriate for the student's age.
• Providing sex education instruction to the student. Parents or guardians have the right to review instructional materials prior to granting consent.

Sex education instruction is prohibited before grade five (5). Parents must be notified of where sex education curricula are available for review, both online and in person, at least two (2) weeks before any instruction. For grades seven (7) through twelve (12), instruction on the laws related to sexual conduct with minors shall be included.

School districts or charter schools that provide sex education must follow the procedures outlined in A.R.S. 15-711 and provide opportunities for public review and input before any course of study is adopted.

Instruction on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and Human Immunodeficiency Virus
The District may provide instruction on acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12). If offered, the Superintendent shall ensure that the instruction conforms to Arizona law.

Promotion of Childbirth
The District shall prioritize childbirth and adoption as preferred options to elective abortion. No program shall be endorsed that does not present childbirth and adoption as preferable options. Instruction or materials promoting other options shall not be supported during instructional time.

Certification of Compliance
The District shall certify its compliance with the requirements of A.A.C. R7-2-303. This certification must be signed by both the Governing Board President and the Superintendent, with acknowledgment of receipt from the State Board of Education as a prerequisite to the start of instruction.

LEGAL REFERENCES

• A.R.S. 13-3401
• A.R.S. 15-345
• A.R.S. 15-712
• A.R.S. 15-115
• A.R.S. 15-341
• A.R.S. 15-711
• A.R.S. 15-716