Opt-Out Form for Use with the Touching Safety Program

1951 Plymouth, SE ~ Grand Rapids, MI 49506 ~ 616-241-4633 ~ IHMSchoolgr.com

May 22, 2017

Dear Parents:

The creators of the Protecting God’s Children™ program developed the Touching Safety program, a sexual abuse prevention program, and the Diocese of Grand Rapids is mandated by the USCCB to have all schools present the material at least once during the school year. Immaculate Heart of Mary School will present the Touching Safety program to our students on May 24 from 2:30 pm to 3:15 pm. This program is provided to us by the Diocese of Grand Rapids, and is a part of our ongoing effort to help create and maintain a safe environment for children and to protect all children from sexual abuse.

The scheduled lesson is being offered to all students (K-8) at Immaculate Heart of Mary School. As a parent, you have the right to choose whether your student participates. We encourage you to read the attached “overview” and “lesson plan” so you’ll be aware of the nature of the Touching Safety program. If you have questions about the program or the lesson, please contact the office at 241-4633. If you determine that you DO NOT want your child to participate, please complete the “opt-out” form at the bottom of this page, and return it to your child’s teacher no later than May 24, 2017. If your child is not participating, you may pick him/her up at 2:30 pm or s/he may sit in the library while the lesson is being taught in the classroom. If you choose to pick him/her up, please check your child(ren) out in the school office. Should you choose the latter option, have him/her bring a book to read or homework to do.

For more information on the Touching Safety program, visit the VIRTUS Online™ website at www.virtus.org.

Opt-out form for use with the Touching Safety program:

Immaculate Heart of Mary School DOES NOT have my permission to present the Touching Safety program, to my child(ren) whose name(s) is(are) as follows: ______

Parent’s name (printed):

Parent’s Signature:

Immaculate Heart of Mary School, immersed in the teachings of the Catholic Church, is dedicated to providing excellent spiritual and academic formation in the development of well- rounded individuals centered in Christ.