By JULIA PENCHUK
The Jericho School District Administration released a climate survey to high school students, faculty and parents in order to receive feedback on ways to further enhance the student’s feelings on social, emotional and school stresses.
Superintendent Mr. Grishman believes that the survey results will give the district a better understanding of students’ well-being. “We felt it was a good opportunity for us to get a sense of whether we need to be focusing more on safety, or if we need to be focusing more on stress and anxiety,” Grishman said.
There were three similar surveys sent to high school students, their parents and teachers. Co-principal Mr. Cohen believes that the survey was the best way to assess the high school community as a whole. “I think that anytime you want to further enhance your school district, the ability to hear from those that are directly involved gives you important information,” said Mr. Cohen.
Junior Esther M. agrees that the survey will help make the changes that the schools needs. “I think it could really be an eye opener for how people see our school,” she said. Esther added that she felt the survey really helped represent how all different students felt.
Senior Steven G. hopes to see changes after considering the results. “I think the questions asked would be useful if they take action after the results. If they don’t, then it was a waste of time,” he said.
Mr. Grishman was dissatisfied that a third of the students do not feel they have an adult to talk to. He hopes all students can have a faculty member who they feel comfortable turning to when needed. “In my mind I want that to be 100 percent, and it wasn’t,” Mr. Grishman said.
As the results are starting to come back, Administration hopes that they can utilize them to improve students’ experiences in school. Mr. Grishman and the rest of the administration are currently cross referencing the data received with grade levels and course loads to see where specifically they need to move forward.
For instance, 48% of the students who responded feel that their is strong competition among the students at our school. The survey revealed that almost 50% of the students feel stressed by academics.
Of the 1,026 students that responded, students are split on their opinions on whether taking a lunch period or an elective class is more important.
Last year the Jericho administration decided to institute a mandatory lunch for incoming 9th graders. This policy will continue for next year’s 9th graders. However due to scheduling constraints in the 10th grade, this year’s freshmen will not be mandated to take a lunch as sophomores. According to Assistant Principal Dr. Artiles, the 10th grade issue will be examined next year so that mandatory lunch can be a possibility for all students in the future.
Another idea being considered to address issues revealed in the survey results is to add what’s being referred to as an X-Period to the high school learning experience. Such a period would be a time within the school schedule when each student is assigned to a group that can serve as a means to increase connections and relieve stress. It is hoped that such a structure will benefit the students in relieving some of the tension they reported feeling.
Both the X-Period and mandatory lunch issues will continue to be discussed in faculty and committee meetings over the next few of months.
Great work Julia! The survey was definitely a great way to get the conversation going between students and administration to help make school a better place for everyone.