An open letter to Teton County School District regarding the educational and constitutional importance of offering students a diverse education.

All of the time. Last week my seventh grader had a unit on reproduction. They learned about male endocrine system, female endocrine system, and then watched a video of a live birth. So far, that all seems legitimate under the unit title of reproduction. But then came a "questions from the can" exercise. I had heard about this exercise from years past being a bit of a free for all Q and A about sex...not just the reproductive aspect. So, I emailed the teacher ahead of time to ask what questions would be acceptable and expected. I was reassured with; menstruation, in-vitro fertilization, egg donors, anatomy, etc. Ok, I said. My daughter came home and told me she heard about anal sex, oral sex, varieties of colors/textures/flavors of condoms, pulling out during sex...etc. I have emailed the teacher with no response. My question is, "How does a topic about reproduction (the "the biological process by which new individual organisms – "offspring" – are produced from their "parents".") include a discussion of condoms (used to prevent said reproduction), anal sex (nothing to do with reproduction), and oral sex (same as above) when these topics are not about producing offspring????

I appreciate Gloria's succinct and well written statements. I too love this community and would like our kids to learn how to communicate maturely and respectfully even when holding very personal but differing views.

Thank you so much Gloria!

How often had TCSD allowed sexuality and other controversial topics to be presented to students without detailed, advanced paternal notification?

I fully endorse this rebuttal to the cancellation of Mrs. Donahue's presentations to the schools of Jackson Hole.

Gloria, thank you for writing this letter. I don't understand how people can be intolerant of someone reminding a young person that it is their body and they can so NO to sex.

It seems like the right thing to do is to FULLY educate the child. Give them the information for safe sex as well as abstinence.

I have attended Shelly Donahue's presentation on three different occasions and as a former School Nurse in Wyoming I believe students in Wyoming should have the benefit of this information if their parents approve and the students want to attend. Thank you for your time.

Thank you for writing a clear, concise letter. This is just the beginning, isn't it? ;)

Thank you Gloria for your well-worded message!

I have 2 children at the high school and was sorely disappointed with how this has played out. I know fear plays a big part in all of it and I understand that fully, we all love our kids and want the best for them. That said, it is our job as parents to have the conversations that help our children understand why we believe what we believe and Shelly Donahue was a prefect opportunity for that, just as Jeff Bucholtz was 2 weeks ago.

Thanks for getting this going.

Gloria, Well said. Thank you!

Thank you for writing this petition- Neither Jesus, religion nor shame or guilt was part of her message. Setting goals help kids become the exceptional people our kids want to be. Never at any point did she give guilt or shame to teens. It was all about being the best at what you choose and knowing what you want in life, not settling to please others. If this view cannot be supported by TCSD then something is wrong.

Shelly has important information to share with our youth.

I am saddened behind measure at the disgraceful censorship in the Teton Couny County School District! One viewpoint already presented to the students was fine. Another one was not!!

Can't believe we would deny our students the opportunity to hear Shelly Donohue's presentation. I have heard her presentation several times... It is excellent!!' All who listen would benefit!

Agree

Well stated, Gloria. Thanks for writing this. I just hope that the school board and administrators will have an open mind when they receive it.

Bravo! Well stated.