Erin's Law Information
Dear Wantagh Community,
Over the past several years, many states, including New York, have passed laws with the intent of increasing personal safety awareness and the roles of schools to include certain topics in the curriculum. You may have heard of this legislation under its more common name, Erin's Law, in honor of Erin Merryn, a brave young woman who has crossed the country advocating for laws that will increase awareness of crimes against children. New York State’s Erin’s Law Curriculum Benchmarks were approved by the New York State Education Department, with the implementation required in all schools. For more information about the NYS Erin’s Law Curriculum Benchmarks, please visit the NYSED website here.
One of the requirements of this law is that schools provide an age-appropriate curriculum to all students in grades K-8. The purpose of these lessons are to provide students with the tools needed for personal safety and to provide a nurturing and caring environment open for disclosure of any incidents. Lessons may include a variety of activities.
During the school year, students will be presented with lessons in their physical education classes to meet the requirements of Erin’s Law through the combined efforts of our school guidance counselors, psychologist, and health/physical education teachers. The following concepts will be discussed:
- Ways to be safe at school, at home and in the community
- Healthy vs. unhealthy relationships with peers and adults
- Awareness of body ownership and that some parts are private
- Identifying Comfortable, Uncomfortable and Confusing touches
- Personal boundaries
- Healthy and safe personal choices
- The “No, Go, and Tell” rule
- Internet safety
- Identification of Trusted Adults and how to report abuse
- Safe vs. Unsafe secrets
- Awareness that abuse is never a child’s fault
These lessons will take place during the month of November.
The personal safety and wellbeing of our students is a top priority for our school district. If you have any questions about Erin’s Law in our schools, please contact your school counselor or building administration.
Click on the following links to preview the Erin's Law lessons that will be presented at each elementary grade level:
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