Dear Families of Students in Grades 1–5,

This winter, all elementary schools in Needham will be teaching three Child Protection lessons from the Second Step curriculum. These lessons help students learn how to stay safe, make good choices, and talk to trusted adults when they need help.

What students will learn:

1. Ways to Stay Safe: Students learn how to notice unsafe situations, what to do if they feel unsure or uncomfortable, and how to ask a trusted adult for help. They also practice simple safety strategies they can use at school, at home, and in the community.

2. The Always Ask First Rule: Students learn to always check with a trusted adult before going anywhere with someone, accepting something, or changing plans. They practice identifying safe adults and using clear, confident language.

3. Safe and Unsafe Touches / The Touching Rule: Students learn the difference between safe, unsafe, and unwanted touches. They learn that private body parts are the parts covered by a bathing suit and that no one should touch those parts except to keep them healthy. Students practice how to say “no,” move away, and tell a trusted adult if someone breaks this rule.
Your child will participate in three Child Protection lessons between January and March, depending on the school schedule. These lessons are taught by the Physical Education, Health, and Wellness teachers during PE. Students will participate in one Child Protection lesson per week and will continue to have physical activity at least once each week.

Additional review and practice can be found below through the provided PDF links if you wish to continue this learning at home.

To support this work, all staff are trained on how to recognize and report suspected child abuse and use strategies that promote a safe and supportive school climate.
If you prefer that your child not participate in these lessons, you may opt out by contacting your child’s school Principal

Thank you for your trust and partnership as we work together to support the safety and well-being of all students.

You can find more information about the Second Step Child Protection Units by contacting your child’s school counselor or by going to SecondStep.org, creating an account, and logging in with the activation key below. 

PDF LINKS BELOW ⬇️

g4-all-home-links-cpu.pdf

g5-all-home-links-cpu.pdf