The safety, health and well-being of all students is the number one priority for Berkeley County Schools. As part of that priority and working with House Bill 4402 which was passed by the West Virginia Legislature, school districts are required to provide age-appropriate body safety education to children in grades K-12. In accordance with West Virginia code §18-2-41, your child will be provided body safety education. The goal of body safety education is to educate and empower West Virginia public school children with skills and knowledge that will lessen the likelihood of them becoming victims of childhood sexual abuse.
Unfortunately, abused and neglected children may be found in almost every school in our nation. Recent research data indicates one in 10 children in West Virginia will be a victim of sexual abuse by age 18. School-aged children make up more than half of the children who are abused and neglected.
It is recognized that the basic responsibility for the teaching of body safety education belongs in the home with the support of the school and other community agencies to strengthen the efforts of parents/guardians.
I would like to encourage you to review all instructional materials and continue to be involved in the discussions which promote body safety education. Please visit the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) at the web address below to view the lessons approved by WVDE.
In addition, hard copies of age-appropriate instructional materials will also be available in your child’s school office if you want to review the contents.
Thank you for working with us to keep our children safe.
