February 20, 2026 

Dear Colleagues,

February offers an opportunity to reflect on how schools support students’ safety, dignity, and ability to thrive. As Oregon recognizes February Healthy Youth Relationships Month, often known as Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month nationally, we are reminded of the important role education plays in promoting healthy relationships, consent, and prevention.

Centering trauma-informed practices helps educators prepare for student questions, strong emotions, and personal reactions while ensuring students feel supported, informed, and safe. During times of heightened public attention, educators play a critical role in reinforcing prevention skills and providing clear pathways to support—discussing the impacts of power differences on consent and violence (HS.HRVP.4), reminding students of the characteristics of trusted adults (K-HS.HRVP.6), and providing information on where to access resources related to sexual violence and trafficking (HS.HRVP.6). 

February is also Black History Month, a time to honor Oregon’s Black history and experiences and to reaffirm our shared commitment to culturally responsive, affirming learning environments where all students feel seen, valued, and supported. In Health and Sexuality Education, this includes recognizing the historical and ongoing inequities that impact access to sexual and reproductive health information and care, and ensuring that instruction recognizes individuals who shaped public health, including sex ed researcher Loretta Sweet Jemmott.

In this newsletter, educators will find key updates, tools, research briefs, professional learning opportunities, and curated resources to support student well-being, sexuality education, and inclusive school communities across Oregon.

Header photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash, Newberg, OR

Section photo by Oregon Attorney General's Sexual Assault Task Force

Menstrual Dignity Implementation Community of Practice

ODE is hosting a community of practice session to discuss requirements, recommendations, and best practices for the implementation of the Menstrual Dignity for Students Program. This hour-long session will provide information on lessons learned from districts across the state and other tips to strengthen the program to better serve students. 

When: February 26th from 4:00-5:00pm

Where: Virtual*

*Please note that this event is for current school educators and staff. A school email address is required for registration.

Register here for the Community of Practice Session

Oregon Suicide Intervention Toolkit

OHA, ODE, and partners have released Oregon Toolkit for Suicide Intervention in Schools: First Edition. This toolkit was developed by educators, school counselors, social workers, and statewide partners to provide practical, Oregon-specific resources for suicide intervention in school settings. It includes tools, templates, and guidance designed to help schools with intervention processes such as communication with families, protocols, defined terms, and example scripts that can be adapted to local needs. The toolkit is intended to increase confidence and consistency in how schools respond when a student is identified as at risk and to support safe, thoughtful intervention practices within Oregon’s education context. You can find the toolkit and related resources on ODE Adi’s Act page.

New Release: My Future- My Choice 8th Grade Revised Edition

The My Future-My Choice curriculum has released its 8th grade revised edition in English on the MFMC website. The free lessons meet all Oregon Sexuality Education Standards and sexuality education laws. English language slides for all 15 lessons will be added by February. A complete Spanish version with slides will be posted by March. If you have questions, please reach out to MFMCProgram@odhs.oregon.gov

Survey: Pride in Numbers and Community Art Project

Pride in Numbers(PiN) is the largest-yet research project by and for Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ people across the state of Oregon. The information and stories gathered will be given back to the community to build programs, services, mutual aid networks, and policies.

The research goes from now until March 31st, and includes an online survey, a community art project, virtual and in-person storytelling sessions, and 1:1 interviews. The research will cover a wide spread of topics, from health care, housing, safety, education, and economic well-being, to family, identity, and contributions Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ people make to communities.

For legal and logistical reasons, all parts of the research project except for the community art project are for ages 18+. PiN is especially encouraging Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ youth across Oregon to participate via the community art project, including options for confidentiality. PiN is especially encouraging Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ adults (ages 18+) across Oregon to take the online survey.