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Our Whole Lives for 7th/8th grade

Registration Information

REGISTRATION FOR THE 2024.2025 Grade 7/8 program
PAYMENT AND/OR DONATION PORTAL FOR OWL
PDF OF DETAILED SCHEDULE AND TOPIC LIST FOR 2024/25 GRADE 7/8 PROGRAM

Why OWL?

Honest, accurate information about sexuality changes lives. It dismantles stereotypes and assumptions, builds self-acceptance and self-esteem, fosters healthy relationships, improves decision-making, and has the potential to save lives. For these reasons and more, we are proud to offer Our Whole Lives (OWL), a comprehensive, lifespan sexuality education program.

Sanctuary UCC and Hillside Community Church are proud to offer to the wider community Our Whole Lives (OWL), a comprehensive sexuality education class for 7th and 8th graders. The program equips teens of all genders with accurate, age-appropriate information and skills to help them lead sexually healthy, positive, and responsible lives. Grounded in a holistic view of sexuality, OWL addresses a wide range of topics including body image, relationships, social media/internet, sexual orientation, gender identity, sexually transmitted infections, contraceptives, pornography, and cultural influences on sexuality. Through engaging activities and discussions, OWL helps teens to clarify their own values and to build their interpersonal skills. Our Whole Lives is used nationwide in a variety of community settings including schools, youth-serving agencies, and faith-based communities. Although developed by two progressive, faith-based organizations (UCC and UU denominations), OWL is secular in content and contains no religious doctrine*. 

Grade 7/8 OWL Program

Limited to 16 youth in grades 7 or 8 (2024/2025 school year); we will seek to create a gender-diverse class.

Sundays, 4:30 to 6:30 pm (with some exceptions listed on detailed schedule)

Students’ registration requires the following:

  • attendance at mandatory parent orientation meeting – Tuesday, October 22, 7:00 PM (online via Zoom)
  • receipt of parent approval form following the orientation (refunds will be provided through October 27, should your family decide this is not the program for you)
  • Payment or payment arrangements
  • We ask that students commit to attending the full 17-session program.

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More Details

  • Location: Hillside Community Church (lower level); 144 North Street, Medford, MA  02155
  • Registration Fees: $630.00 for the (17) session, 36-hour series; with a materials fee ($15.00 per per person)
  • Scholarships and payment arrangements are available on the registration form or contact Rev. Wendy (below)
  • Limited to 16 Youth, grades 7 or 8 (2024/2025 school year); we will seek to create a gender-diverse class. After your payment is received or payment arrangement is made, you will be notified of your child’s spot in either the class or a waitlist. 
  • Full refunds will be made through October 27, 2024 if, following the orientation, your family determines not to proceed.
  • Detailed Schedule including make-up dates for snow and/or COVID delays
  • Contact: Rev. Wendy Miller Olapade: Wendy@SanctuaryUCC.org; Rev. Thomas Hathaway: pastor@hillsidemedford.org 
  • Session Postponement Policy: If weather and/or a shutdown of the local school(s) by the health department affects any of our meeting dates we will not move to virtual sessions (given the nature of the program). If we need to pause the schedule/program we would return to gathering when we can do so safely, and adjust the schedule. 
  • The content of the program is based on the Guidelines for Comprehensive Sexuality Education produced by the National Guidelines Task Force, a group of leading health, education and sexuality professionals assembled by the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States.

Meet Our Facilitators

Kashawna Harling is a dedicated mother of two teen boys and the caregiver of five loving pets. Kashawna wears multiple hats, serving as the AM2PM Youth Leadership & Community Service Director, contributing her extensive knowledge and experience to the Malden community through her role in Youth Career Services, and co-owning a pet supply & dog grooming business. With a profound belief in the importance of community and youth education, she is not only devoted to nurturing her own family but is equally committed to the growth and well-being of young minds in her community.

Ralph Long is a father of four children and co-owner of a small dog grooming business. With a background in the military, he brings discipline, commitment, and a strong sense of duty to his role as sexuality education teacher. As a proud member of both the Malden Disability Committee and Racial Equity Commission, he is devoted to spreading awareness about social issues within his community. Ralph enjoys outreach and actively works to provide essential resources and education to local youth through his dedicated involvement in community service activities.

Danny Aquiar maintains a long-standing and deep commitment to working with youth. Hailing from an immigrant background heavily influenced by family, Danny is fueled by a profound dedication to empowering families with the vital support and resources they require. In his professional journey, Danny worked in communications for the City of Malden. Simultaneously, he took on a leadership role in guiding a dynamic group of young individuals through an employment program. His passion lies in nurturing and steering these budding leaders towards self-improvement and community enrichment, imparting crucial life skills along the way.

Before that, Danny extended his influence to support at-risk youth through a different organization, where he offered mentorship and equipped them with the knowledge and confidence to chase their aspirations. Danny’s vision is to infuse youthful exuberance and charisma into his work, ensuring that the youth he serves are not only engaged but fully digesting information with the hope that they will make safer and healthier choices.