Instructional Materials Notice for Families

Virginia schools are required by state law and division regulation to notify parents/guardians if any instructional materials (books, articles, videos, etc.) include content that is considered “sexually explicit.” This includes content such as descriptions of nudity, sexual acts, sexual violence, or other graphic sexual content. This requirement comes from Virginia Code §22.1-16.8 and our division’s regulation on the use and notification of instructional materials with sexually explicit content.

What this means for you:

• If a class is planning to use any material that meets the definition of “sexually explicit,” families must be notified at least 30 days before that material is taught.

• We are required to post a list of those materials by grade level and course on our school website so parents can see them in advance.

• Parents have the right to review the material before it is used in class. We will make the material available for you to view either online (when possible) or in person at the school.

• Parents may request an alternative assignment for their child. If you choose an alternative, your student will still be taught the same standards and will not be academically penalized.

What this does not mean:

• Listing a title on our website does not mean we are promoting the content. It means we are being transparent with families.

• This policy does not remove access to rigorous, high-level texts. It is about communication and parent choice.

Our process:

1. Teachers submit any planned instructional materials that may include sexually explicit content.

2. The school reviews those materials, posts them by course/grade level, and sends notification to families.

3. Parents may contact the school to review the material and/or request an alternative assignment.

If you would like to review any material on our posted list, or if you would like to request an alternative assignment for your student, please contact the main office or your student’s administrator.

For more information, you may refer to:

• Virginia Code §22.1-16.8 (parental notification of instructional materials with sexually explicit content)

• Stafford County Public Schools policy and regulation regarding Instructional Materials with Sexually Explicit Content

We appreciate your partnership in supporting both family voice and instructional goals.

Subject	Course	Instructional Material	When will this be taught?
English	English 11	The Glass Castle - by Jeannette Walls	Quarter 2
English	IB Language and Literature Year 2	Perfume - by Patrick Süskind	Quarter 2
English	IB Language and Literature Year 2	I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings - by Maya Angelou	Quarter 3
English	IB Language and Literature HL (Year 1)	Imitation - by Ngozi Adichie	Quarter 3
English	DE 255 World Literature	Perfume - by Patrick Süskind	Quarter 3
English	DE 255: World Literature	1984 - by George Orwell	Quarter 2
English	DE 255: World Literature	Crossing the Mangrove - by Maryse Condé	Quarter 4
English	DE 255: World Literature	Apocalypse Now (1979), directed by Francis Ford Coppola (film)	Quarter 3