Dear Parent:
We are excited to begin our eleventh year of the Teen Prevention Education Program (Teen PEP) at North Hunterdon High School. Teen PEP is a comprehensive, sexual health program that utilizes peer-to-peer education to increase students´ knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behaviors associated with healthy decision-making. In 2006, North Hunterdon was selected by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, the New Jersey Department of Human Services, The Prudential Foundation, the Princeton Center for Leadership Training, and HiTOPS, Inc. to implement this program to our students. There are currently 50 other schools and 3 community-based organizations in New Jersey that offer this program. Teen PEP gives the junior class an opportunity to participate in the program by enrolling in a special selection process including an application, group interviews, and individual interviews. If the student is selected to participate in the Teen PEP program, they will be enrolled in the course for credit in place of their normal Junior Health and Physical Education class. The Teen PEP curriculum is designed to enable high schools and community-based organizations to use a peer education approach to provide students with medically accurate sexual health information and equip them with the skills they need to make healthy decisions. The Teen PEP curriculum uses a hands-on, activity-based structure which provides students with opportunities for discussion and skill development. Specific skills addressed throughout the Teen PEP curriculum include:
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Throughout the year, Teen PEP peer educators will conduct workshops to the freshmen class dealing with important issues affecting young adolescents such as, pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, relationships, sexual harassment, dating and communication with peers and parents. Our goal is to empower teens with knowledge and information so they will have the tools they need to make responsible decisions.
Teen PEP peer educators will take an advanced health class for credit, help develop and conduct teen sexual health workshops for students, parents, and other adults, and provide a teen perspective to our school and community. Peer educators will be trained in sexuality issues, group facilitation, and leadership skills. We will use problem-solving and group cohesion exercises, improvisational skits, and small group discussions to conduct the workshops for the freshmen class. Teen PEP peer educators are required to participate in an overnight weekend retreat during the summer, to attend all classes as scheduled, and help present workshops during the school year. Participation in Teen PEP requires a commitment of time, dedication and responsibility. Students who participate are role models in a position of leadership.
Students are not required to participate. Signing the Teen PEP Peer Educator Application gives your child permission to participate in the various program components, including program evaluation, if selected. If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to contact us. We are very excited about this opportunity to continue this innovative peer education program at North Hunterdon High school.
Sincerely,
Christopher Hrunka and Lauren Joyce Handel
Teen PEP Advisors
