2010 Minnesota Student Survey
The Minnesota Department of Education is asking all students in the 6th, 9th and 12th grades to participate in the 2010 Minnesota Student Survey. This survey is conducted in schools across our state every three years. The survey is given to get useful information from students about how things are going at school, with their peers and about health-related thoughts and behaviors.

The information helps us develop and maintain effective programs and provide better services at school and through community groups. The statewide information assists in guiding state programs. When we get the report in the fall, information from the students in our district will be shared with school staff, students, parents and the community.

Our school district has informed parents of such surveys in the past and now federal law also requires us to notify parents of this school activity. There are frank questions on the survey about many topics relating to young people's lives. These include use of alcohol or other drugs, safety in and around the schools, physical activity and nutrition, mental or emotional health (stress, feeling bad), illegal or anti-social behavior (theft, chemical use, fighting) and if religious beliefs affect personal decisions. Questions are asked only of 9th and 12th grade students regarding sexual behavior and attitudes. If students are not involved in an activity, they skip the related questions and go on to the next section. The survey also asks about how well school is going, future plans, how adolescents spend their time and about how the school, family and community support them.

The survey is anonymous and confidential. Students do not provide their names, student identification numbers or other personal information. No individuals or their families can be identified. The results are reported on the school district's students as a whole. The privacy of students is protected.

The survey is voluntary. You may choose to have your son or daughter not take the survey by completing and returning the consent form that was sent home with your son/daughter. Students may decline to take any part of the survey or the whole survey and are informed of that option by staff.
The Minnesota Student Survey will be administered to 6th graders on Friday, Feb. 19th and 9th and 12th graders on Friday, March 26th. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact your child's principal or Colleen Cardenuto, Director of Teaching, Learning, and Assessment.