Ep. 164 "They Talked to My 8th Grader About Sending Nudes" – Sarah Doten Shares Her Story

Sarah Doten, a Freeport mom and former student of the local schools, joins Chuck Ellis to recount her experience with the Human Growth and Development curriculum in RSU5.In 2019, after months of seeking curriculum details ahead of her daughter's 8th grade year and receiving evasive answers, Sarah learned that Through These Doors had visited the classroom. The two-day session included discussions and activities on sexting, asking for and refusing nudes, healthy vs. unhealthy relationships, and boundary setting over technology — with students physically moving around the room based on hypothetical scenarios.Sarah describes the minimal notification to parents, her pushback with teachers and the principal (who said he didn't know the group was there), her religious objections as a Catholic parent, and the Planned Parenthood sponsorship listed on the handout. She also notes the difference in transparency when she reached out to other nearby districts.This episode highlights concerns about outside groups presenting sensitive topics in school without full parental awareness or consent, and the challenges parents face when questioning curriculum choices.Resources mentioned include Parents Rights in Education Maine for families seeking support and transparency.#MaineEducation #ParentalRights #Freeport #ThroughTheseDoors