Principal of Molokai Middle School, Affirms P.E.A.C.E. Hawaii
“PONO Choices will not return to Molokai Middle School, ” -- Gary Davidson, Principal, Molokai Middle School
From PEACE Hawaii Feb 25, 2014
More than 120 in Kalanianole Hall
More than 120 Makua (parents), kapuna (grandparents) and aunties and uncles on the rural island of Molokai joined together at the Kalanianaole Hall to hear the truth about Pono Choices and the intent of sensitive curriculum coming into the schools in Hawaii.
Bob McDermott – “the curriculum is not PONO!”
Bob McDermott shared the medical inaccuracies of Pono Choices, how it was not age appropriate and that is does not meet Hawaii State Department of Education policy. Pono Choices tells children that anal sex with a condom is low risk activity. The Molokai families learned that this is not consistent with the information on the FDA website that says, “Condoms provide some protection, but anal intercouse is simply too dangerous to practice.” (Source: FDA)
“Why does the curriculum not tell children this factual information? And then not even include the risks of anal sex when a condom is not used.”
Dr. Miriam Grossman – HIV is 20 – 30 times more likely for those who practice anal sex.
His presentation is reinforced by medical expert on the sexual health of teens, Dr. Miriam Grossman. In a video, Dr. Grossman shared why anal sex is such a dangerous activity and concluded with, “The anus is an exit, not an entrance.” She further enlightened the group on why intercourse is such a dangerous activity for young girls. Young girls are so susceptible to sexually transmitted infections because of the immaturity of the cervix. Health curriculum should be discouraging students to not engage in intercourse of any kind until their cervix is mature enough to resist infection.
Families were very upset this had been taught to their children.
Phil Lees, President of P.E.A.C.E. Ontario, enlightened families about why this is happening. For the past 3 generations, the church has backed away from our schools. When we back away the void is filled with people who do not possess, or understand our values. In a spiritual comparison, the problem is not because of darkness, but lack of light.
The answer is simple, the faith community must learn to re-engage.
Lees shared two strategies to assist the community to re-engage:
- Share a faith communication form that asks the school to inform families about sensitive curriculum
- Help the school to meet the needs of the students through establishing an intercessor prayer group that prays for the school, the staff and the students, providing innovative programing, mentoring through the Common Grace program that pairs up and auntie or uncle in the community with a child who could benefit from encouragement and one to one assistance at school, volunteering in the schools, and many other suggestions.
Principal, Gary Davidson, “ Pono Choices will not return…. PEACE strategies are most welcome in our school.”
In closing the meeting, Principal of Molokai Middle School, Gary Davidson, addressed the crowd and shared, “Pono Choices will not return to the school.” The attendees cheered and applauded. Further Mr. Davidson expanded, “The strategies of P.E.A.C.E. would be most helpful to help our children to learn. Please complete the parent forms. These will help us to understand your needs. I value prayer, and the ideas shared by Phil for the community to engage with the school and help our students.”
After meeting, residents talk about next steps.
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