In middle school, students are often introduced to complex subjects, from algebra to historical events. However, a recent assignment in a Family and Consumer Sciences class at Carter G. Woodson Middle School in Richmond, Virginia, has sparked considerable debate among parents. The assignment, referred to as a “Family Quiz,” included terminology related to adult relationships that many parents believe is inappropriate for their children.
The quiz began with straightforward questions, such as, “What do you call the father of your father?” (Answer: Grandfather) and “What do you call the son of your parent?” (Answer: Brother). As the quiz progressed, it began to incorporate terms that some parents found troubling, including “trophy wife” and “boy toy.”
Contentious Questions
The more contentious items appeared in the final section of the worksheet, which included questions like:
- “What do you call it when a married person has a relationship with someone else?” (Answer: An affair)
- “What do you call a married man’s girlfriend?” (Answer: Mistress)
- “What do you call the much younger boyfriend of an older woman?” (Answer: Boy toy)
- “What do you call the much younger and beautiful wife of an older, wealthy man?” (Answer: Trophy wife)
The content raised eyebrows among parents, with one guardian, Linda Thompson, stating, “I was shocked that a teacher would present such material to an 11-year-old. This isn’t what we expect our children to learn in school. They should focus on subjects like math and science, not adult relationship dynamics.”
Fortunately, it was revealed that this worksheet was not part of the official curriculum. The teacher had sourced it from a free online ESL resource site meant for sharing educational materials globally. In response to the uproar, Dr. Melody Hackney, the superintendent of Hopewell Schools, issued a statement clarifying that the assignment was not approved or appropriate for middle school students. She emphasized that the worksheet had not been included in the instructor’s lesson plans, which are typically reviewed beforehand.
While children may encounter terminology regarding relationships in various settings, including social media or conversations with peers, this particular assignment has led the school to ensure that similar content will not resurface in the classroom. This incident underscores the ongoing dialogue about what constitutes suitable educational material for young learners.
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In summary, the controversy surrounding the “Family Quiz” assignment at Carter G. Woodson Middle School highlights parental concerns over age-appropriate education. While the worksheet was not part of the formal curriculum, its inclusion has prompted a review of teaching materials in the district.