**IHAMA - PARENTAL NOTIFICATION RELATIVE TO SEX EDUCATION** **Last Updated Date:** 04/29/2014 **Adoption Date:** 01/10/2006 In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 71, Section 32A, the parents/guardians of students in the South Hadley Public Schools will be notified in writing of curriculum, courses and specific instructional presentations that deal primarily with human sexuality education or human sexuality issues. This notice shall include a brief description of the curriculum covered by this policy and inform parents/guardians that they may: 1.   exempt their child from any portion of the curriculum that primarily involves human sexuality education and human sexuality issues, without penalty to the student, by sending a written request to the school principal. Any student who is exempted by request of the parent/guardian under this policy may be given an alternative assignment. 2.   inspect and review instructional materials for said curriculum and such materials will be made reasonably accessible to parents/guardians and others to the extent practicable.  Parents/guardians may arrange with the principal to review the materials at the school and may also review materials at other locations as may be determined by the superintendent. Principals shall include this notice in course of studies handbooks distributed at the time of enrollment, in school newsletters at the beginning of the year and in written notice prior to any special presentation.  If the planned curriculum is modified during the school year, parents/guardians will be notified of changes in a timely manner prior to implementation. If a parent/guardian is dissatisfied with the response of the principal in regard to notice, access to instructional materials, or exemption for the student under this policy, he/she may submit a written request to the superintendent for review of the issue. The superintendent or his/her designee shall review the issue and provide a written decision within two weeks of the request. A parent/guardian who is dissatisfied with the decision of the superintendent may send a written request to the School Committee for review of the issue. The Committee will conduct its review and respond in writing within four weeks. If the issue is not satisfactorily resolved through this process, the parent/ guardian may send a written request to the Commissioner for review of the dispute, pursuant to the regulations promulgated by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for this purpose. **Policy References:** LEGAL REFS: MGL 71:32A