Meet Katie. She’s a Sex Ed teacher at Sherwood Middle School, and she does not mince words. Katie has been explaining the birds and the bees to fifth graders for 15 years and her matter-of-fact manner makes her perfect for the job. She makes intense, unbreakable eye contact with the 11 year old boys as she explains how their testacles will soon drop - is impervious to their red faces and squirming as she details all the places they will grow hair. Katie does not believe that the girls are not too delicate to hear about Fallopian tubes and periods. She has her “personal hygiene” speech perfected, making clear that there is no excuse for body odor to extend beyond your person. But, just because the subject matter is a bit awkward doesn’t mean they can’t have some good old fashioned Sex Ed fun! Katie has a delightful lineup of little songs she’s come up with over the years to add levity to the conversation. There’s “Don’t Stink So Close to Me”, “Puberty Party in the USA”, “Menstruation Vacation” and her favorite, “New Hair Don’t Care”. Body changes are serious business, and Katie does not consider puberty a laughing matter. But she does believe that Sex Ed can be an exciting time to learn about one’s own journey to adulthood. Cheers to you, Katie!
