Sex educators emphasize the importance of protection to Davis High juniors

PHOTO: Juniors were handed a variety of handouts, including a Teen Clinic card with information on how to receive service.

By Emily Chapman,

BlueDevilHUB.com Editor–

Going from class to class, community sex educator Kenna Cook and Davis High nurse Abby Serin visited juniors’ English and English learning classes to educate students on the importance of protected sex. 

Throughout the week of Sept. 30 to Oct. 4, the pair began presenting about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), how to prevent them and the various types of birth control available for students.

Presentations on sex education were initally started several years ago at DHS but were halted due to the institution of ninth grade health classes at junior highs.

A re-up of presentations began last year due to “a lot of reasons,”  Serin said. “It’s becoming increasingly apparent that young people need to know what consent is.”

DHS made a contractual agreement with the Davis Teen Clinic so that a dedicated community sex educator could come teach sessions at the high school.

This year, most of the classes are taught by Cook. During her presentations, she gives out two papers explaining different types of birth control and STIs, as well as a business card for the Teen Clinic.

Cook also gave students the opportunity to put a condom on a model.

“There’s a difference between hearing the instructions and actually practicing,” junior Laila Golde said. “It’s more effective since it creates a setting that simulates the reality students may encounter.”

These sessions began on Sept. 30 and will continue throughout the first semester. During the second semester, there will be another set of presentations regarding gender identity, sexuality and sexual violence protection. 

With the reintroduction of this program, the Board of Education also approved high school nurses to distribute condoms so students may have free access to protection.

For more information regarding sexual health or any questions, contact nurse Abby Serin, located in the DHS office with the contact of aserin@djusd.net, or the Davis Community Clinic, located at 2051 John Jones Rd. open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call them at (530) 204-5269.