School Climate Survey
Dear Parent and/or Guardian:
As part of our commitment to ensuring that Falls Church HS is a community where all students feel welcomed, valued and respected, we are participating in a multi-year project with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), to enhance school climate, and build a tiered system of academic, behavioral and mental wellness interventions. This includes a brief survey to determine how students, teachers and administrators view our current school climate. The survey will be re-administered periodically over the next few years so we can evaluate the impact of our efforts.
The survey will ask questions about student relationships with peers and adults, adult relationships with peers and students, student voice, support for diversity, look and feel of the school, emotional experiences, sense of purpose, and how the school handles problems that arise. Parents and guardians can review the survey online at http://www.fcps.edu/climatesurvey. To view the entire survey, you will have to check “yes, I agree to participate” on the first page. That is the only time an answer is required.
The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete. It will be administered on June 9th during 2nd Period. Students will complete the survey online using computers or mobile devices at school. Students will not give their names on the survey and all answers are anonymous (no one will know how your child answered the survey). Summarized results will be reported to the school principal shortly after the survey window closes. The school will not receive a copy of your son or daughter’s individual answers to the survey.
Your student may benefit by being able to provide information to school administrators about how the climate of the school is perceived by students. Student and adult survey results can be compared to determine if there is agreement on what areas of school climate need the most improvement, and used to help improve communication and collaboration. The survey is voluntary and your student will be asked whether he or she is willing to participate. No action will be taken against the school, you, or your student if your child does not participate.
If you do not wish for your child to participate, please notify the school by completing the opt-out form and returning it to the front office. Thank you for your cooperation in this important study of school climate.
Ben Nowak, Principal
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