Dear Parent/Guardian,

During the month of November, our school will be conducting the Youth Risk Behavior Survey.  This survey was developed by the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia, and is administered at many secondary schools across the nation.  The YRBS gathers important information regarding the state of our youth around involvement in risky behaviors, as well as in resiliency and engagement activities.

The information collected by this survey will help the Masconomet Regional School District and Tri-Town Council provide timely and effective information through programming and resources for students and parents which focus on preventing and reducing health risk behaviors among youth and promoting positive school and community engagement and increased resiliency.

This computerized survey consists of multiple-choice questions and will take less than one regular class period to complete.  There are no physical tests or exams involved.  Your child’s participation is voluntary and anonymous; no names will ever be collected, used, or reported.  The survey will ask about substance use activity; behaviors related to intentional and unintentional injuries; eating habits and physical activity; behaviors related to sexually transmitted diseases, and unintended pregnancy; student’s feeling of school and community connectedness; use of social media; bullying behaviors; and student’s perceptions of risky behaviors.

Valid results depend on high participation rates among students, but participation is entirely voluntary.  There will be no negative consequences for your child, you, or the school if your child does not participate.

Please read the form below.  If you do NOT want your son/daughter to participate in the survey, complete this form,  by Friday, September 25th.  If you have any questions or would like to view the actual survey, please contact , Phil McManus, Middle School principal.

Thank you for your cooperation with this important research effort.