School Climate Survey

The North Rose-Wolcott Central School District is partnering with Nassau BOCES to conduct a School Climate Survey to be completed by teachers, staff, parents of students in all grades, and students in grades 5-12. Obtaining information and insights from the various constituent groups will provide us with an opportunity to work together in contributing to a shared school vision.

School climate refers to the quality and character of school life. A positive school climate helps people feel socially, emotionally and physically safe in schools and has been shown to have a considerable impact on student learning. The School Climate Survey will serve as a tool to help administrators gain an in-depth understanding of our school climate and how the District can best meet the needs of our students, families, faculty and staff. Participants will be asked about their perceptions on topics such as student engagement, school environment, and school safety.

The research-based survey was developed by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics. The survey can be accessed in the following ways:

• Students in grades 5-12 will take the survey during the school day in their classrooms between June 13 and June 20.
• Parents will receive a letter the week of June 23 containing a username to access the survey online.
• Instructional and non-instructional staff will receive a username from their building’s main office to access the survey online.
• Please note: while the survey link is the same for all groups, each participant will be given a unique username that will direct them to the appropriate survey.

The survey results will be shared solely with the District, and respondents will not be identified in the results.

Sample statements that participants will be asked to respond to include:

• The school encourages students to take challenging classes no matter their race, ethnicity, nationality or cultural background.
• The school provides instructional materials (textbooks, handouts) that reflect cultural background, ethnicity and identity.
• The school provides effective resources and training for teaching students with IEPs.
• Staff do a good job helping parents support their children in learning.
• Students are encouraged to get involved in extracurricular activities.
• Students at this school get along well with each other.
• At this school, students talk about the importance of understanding their own feelings and the feelings of others.
• I think cyberbullying is a frequent problem among students at this school.
• Students at this school would feel comfortable reporting a bullying incident to a teacher or other staff member.
• Staff at this school always stop bullying when they see it.
• At this school, how much of a problem is student drug use?
• At this school, how much of a problem is student use of electronic cigarettes?
• I know what to do if there is an emergency (natural disaster, tornado, flood, or dangerous situation, a violent person on campus during the school day).
• My teachers really care about me. 
• I can talk to a teacher or other adult at this school about something that is bothering me.
• Adults working at this school help students develop strategies to understand and control their feelings and actions.

This important survey will assist the District in improving student relationships, learning conditions, and the school’s overall environment. As always, our goal remains focused on continuous growth and improvement.

Participation in the survey is voluntary; however, it is our sincere hope that you will take the time and fill out the survey. If you have any questions, or if you do not want your child to participate in this survey during the school day, please contact your child’s principal.