January 23, 2025 

Dear Colleagues,

A new year and a new chapter for many of us in schools, in communities, and in the nation. Legislative session has begun in Oregon and a new administration has been inaugurated in Washington, DC. Students are engaging in this time of change, and educators are meeting them with support and care. 

Now more than ever, educators are reminded of the importance of instilling a sense of belonging in all students, as a cornerstone of fostering equity and excellence for every learner in Oregon. ODE has recently published the results of its SEED Survey in a publication that elevates student experience and student voice. Among the survey findings, starting on page 22, the report highlights the importance of strengthening student identities and supporting student-peer relationships. Health and sexuality education is a key part of this: it helps students connect with peers in healthy, safe, and equitable relationships and explore and affirm their identities, beliefs, and values, contributing to their engagement with school. When students feel safe and connected socially, they are more likely to like going to school and even have higher test scores (page 24).

January also serves to highlight several health and safety issues related to sexuality education, including Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. The 2023 Oregon Health Education Standards require that students learn about the HPV vaccine as an important part of prevention. This newsletter has resources and opportunities to support educators with relevant connections to this month’s national action and awareness topics– and beyond.

This newsletter provides more information on creating safer and more inclusive school communities for students. 

Header photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash, Newberg, OR

Section photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash    

Updated: ODHS My Future-My Choice (MFMC) Curriculum 

The My Future-My Choice (MFMC), a 6th and 8th-grade comprehensive sexual health curriculum developed in Oregon by ODHS, has been revised to include Oregon's new 2023 Health Education Standards. If your school district is going through an adoption process and would like to review these updated materials, please contact Austin Lea to access copies at austin.w.lea@odhs.oregon.gov. 

Please note that the current curriculum on the My Future-My Choice Website meets the 2016 Health Education Standards. The updated version aligned to the 2023 standards will be posted on the MFMC website this summer in preparation for implementation next school year.

Survey: LGBTQ2SIA+ Student Success Plan Revision (English y Español) 

The Oregon Department of Education is revising the LGBTQ2SIA+ Student Success Plan from 2020 to better align with other Student Success Plans and reflect the current needs of LGBTQ2SIA+ students and youth in Oregon for the next five years (2025-2030). ODE is releasing this LGBTQ2SIA+ Student Success Plan Revision Survey to inform the new plan and assess the current needs of Oregon youth, school districts, and community partners. Para la versión en español, consulte Encuesta de revisión del SSP LGBTQ2SIA+. 

Please complete this survey by February 16, 2025.

Arts, Care & Connection Arts Integration Lessons

Arts for Learning Northwest is collaborating with Oregon teaching artists on the development of a series of four arts courses designed for K-5 students called Arts, Care & Connection, with integrated social and emotional learning content in the areas of dance, visual arts, theater, and music. Oregon teachers are encouraged to provide feedback on the form included in the lesson resources, to inform the development of this project. 

Check out this featured resource for an example of the new Arts, Care & Connection content included in the Oregon Arts Group!

Master of Ceremonies (MC) with Mic Crenshaw | 5th Grade 

Training opportunities from OHA

OHA’s January 2025 Holding Hope newsletter includes new approaches to eating disorder screenings, youth-led insight into wraparound supports, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and more. Check out the offerings which include both one-day trainings and recurring series.  For future updates, subscribe to the Holding Hope newsletter. 

Updates: Menstrual Dignity Program

School districts across Oregon have reported compliance with the new Menstrual Dignity Division 22 rule for the first time in November 2024. Approximately 90% of school districts reported full compliance with the requirements of the law. Districts will next report on compliance for the current school year on their November 2025 assurances.

Grant program updates:

• Amended grant agreements for the 2024-25 school year will be distributed to school districts by early February. In a few cases where new grant agreements are necessary, the new grants will be distributed to school districts by early March. 
• The 2024-2025 funding calculator has been released and reflects the maximum funding ceiling designated for districts, charter schools, or ESDs and can be used for planning purposes.
• The 2024-2025 reimbursement and participation form must be submitted for expenses incurred during the spending period (July 1, 2024- June 30, 2025) no later than August 14, 2025.
• Submissions on the reimbursement and participation form must match subsequent claims made in the Electronic Grant Management System (EGMS).
• ODE is currently in the process of filling the halftime Menstrual Dignity Program Analyst vacancy.

For more information on the grant distribution process, see page 28 of the Menstrual Dignity for Students Toolkit. 

Photo by Natracare on Unsplash