PORT ANGELES — The Port Angeles School District has scheduled its annual HIV/AIDS parent information meeting for Thursday, Nov. 21.
The meeting will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Port Angeles High School library, 304 E. Park Ave.
State law requires that HIV/AIDS education be taught in the public schools in fifth through 12th grades, the district said.
The law also requires parents and guardians who want their children excused from participating in the AIDS prevention program to attend the parent information meeting and sign a release form afterward, the district said.
Teacher and student instructional materials, including videos, will be available for inspection from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Health officer
Dr. Tom Locke, public health officer for Clallam and Jefferson counties, will provide an update on HIV/AIDS and other health-related trends in the state from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Participation will enable parents/guardians to discuss the topic with their students both before and after the classroom presentations.
The Port Angeles district uses the KNOW: AIDS Prevention Curriculum developed by Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction staff.
The curriculum was reviewed for medical accuracy by the Office of HIV/AIDS and the Department of Social and Health Services, and meets the approval standard required by the AIDS Omnibus Bill of 1998. The AIDS curriculum is intended to provide basic information about AIDS.
AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, is the final stage of disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, which can cause severe damage to the immune system.
Questions may be directed to school district staff at 360-457-8575.