All the Buzz
HCS News and Information -- March 22, 2024
From Your Superintendent
Dear Hornet Nation,
Thank you to everyone who reached out with questions around the Attitudes and Behaviors survey that was available to sixth through twelfth graders on March 14-15. While each individual conversation was unique, there were some general questions that applied across the board.
Why did we participate in the survey? Having not offered the survey since 2013, over a year ago area superintendents began discussing another administration to track changes over time, and to ensure that we had reliable data while making decisions around staffing, allocation of resources, and advocacy at the state level for more resources. This particular survey is somewhat unique, in that instead of just seeking data around attitudes and behaviors around risk, it also seeks data around "thriving" indicators, so we can see what assets or skills our students currently have to combat peer pressure or other risk influencers.
How were parents/guardians notified of the survey and their ability to opt their children out of it if desired? Given that some of the questions asked about sensitive issues, our Board Policy 5308 required notice, an opportunity to view the survey, and an opportunity to opt out. On February 23, we shared the letter describing the survey and parent/guardian rights in four different ways: 1) via email, using addresses in Skyward; 2) push notifications to phone numbers capable of receiving text messages (similar to how we notify around school closures); 3) posting it on our main FaceBook page, the middle school FaceBook page, and the high school FaceBook page; and 4) posting on our district website live feed. We provided viewing opportunities for two weeks at four locations: the high school, the Hive, the middle school, and my office.
Why was a copy of the survey not included with the letter? The survey is protected under a copyright from the Search Institute, and we have no permission to copy it. In addition, if a student were to take it, their answers may be skewed if they see the questions ahead of time.
Why launch with sixth graders? Two reasons. First, it tracks what we did in 2013. Second, the research shows that assets peak in sixth grade, when peers become primary influencers in a teen’s life. Tracking the amount of peer pressure students feel to engage in risky behaviors, and tracking the assets students possess to resist that peer pressure, are both valuable pieces of information.
What types of questions were on the survey? The total number of questions were 172, compared to 160 asked in 2013. The first five questions were demographics around age, grade, sexual orientation (as expressly noted in the 2/23/24 letter), and race/ethnicity. The approximate breakdown of the other 168 questions are as follows: 14 around family (some demographic such as number in household, education level, rural or urban, as well as others around school support); 16 around the student's attitude toward and behavior in school; 67 around assets that students believe they possess, as well as a few questions on personal safety (importance of being religious or spiritual, standing up for what you believe in, feeling supported or unsafe around others, etc.); 9 questions around cyber activities and digital platform use; 31 questions around use (self or friend group) or other exposure to underage use of vape, nicotine, drugs, and alcohol; 3 questions around sexual activity; 14 questions around other risks (involved in fights, gambling, eating disorders, etc.); and 13 questions directly towards mental health.
What if a student was not opted out, but decided at some point during the survey not to take it, skip questions, or not submit it? Any of those were fine. In addition to getting a list of students who were opted out, teachers were advised that no one was required to answer a question that made them uncomfortable, to finish the survey, or to hit submit.
Was the survey really anonymous? The data from the survey is anonymous. The link each school, within each district, received, was unique, but that is the extent of location or user. When we receive the data back, the only breakdowns we will see is by the first 5 demographic questions. As the surveys were being submitted, no tracking was done of IP addresses or the like by us from the student ChromeBooks. In addition, Board Policy 5308 prohibits any employee of Harrison Community Schools from requesting or disclosing the identity of a student who completes this type of survey.
How will data from the survey be used? Developmental assets are a framework of proactive factors that cumulatively reduce risk-taking behaviors; in other words, we want to build on students' assets, and use them to reduce risks. Overall, we need more data while making decisions around staffing, allocation of resources, and advocacy at the state level for more resources. For example, if the survey results show that middle schoolers are not very engaged in afterschool "asset-building" activities (in school or in the community), perhaps we need to work with them to create more such opportunities. Another example might be that if we guess our rate of vaping is 10% in the high school but it is significantly higher, then we likely need to look at being more proactive on educating students around its dangers. Finally, we will be able to identify what helps students the most to keep them from participating in risky behaviors and helps them thrive.
If you still have questions, please reach out. We can meet in person or have a phone conversation. I will be around next week if you are not traveling for spring break.
In partnership and with Hornet Pride,
Judy
989.539.7871
HCS Mission Statement
The staff of Harrison Community Schools, in the spirit of a growing and changing community, pledge to educate all students by teaching the District Curriculum and beyond, ensuring the development of responsible learners prepared to take an active role in a complex society.
Board Members
Zachary Driver -- Kendra Durga -- Therese Haley
James Neff -- Chelsea Roland -- Betsy Ulicki -- Carrie Whitaker
Change of Graduation Date
Due to the regional high school track meet being scheduled for Thursday, May 16 in Charlevoix, we have switched the graduation date for the Class of 2024 to Friday, May 17. Same time -- 6:30 pm.
Grades 9-12
Our high school J.A. class had a unique opportunity...
...to learn with the Detroit Pistons management and marketing staff...
...and enjoy a game!
Salutatorian Matthew Holmes and Valedictorian Ethan Wallace
High school robotics team during the open house.
High schoolers reading in Mrs. Dennis's class at Larson.
Grades 6-8
"Suits for Success" happens on Wednesdays in the middle school. Begun by one student, it grows each week.
Middle schoolers joined the high school and Larson students to exhibit at the Robotics open house.
These helpful middle schoolers used real-world skills to assemble new white boards.
Grades PreK-5
Members of the CMU basketball team volunteered as readers in Ms. Jensen's room.
Mrs. Driver and a student get comfy to read together.
Students in Mrs. Doughty's class built out their own version of "Scaredy Snacks" after meeting author Terry Border.
Mrs. Marriott working with third graders around naming emotions and feelings.
Our preschoolers enjoying their cookies after a scavenger hunt for the Gingerbread Man.
March 25-29
When Should My Child Stay Home Due to Illness?
- With a positive COVID test, 5 days from either the onset of symptoms, or if no symptoms, from the test date. Onset of symptoms or test date = day zero, and student may return on day 6 with a mask assuming symptoms are improving. This is the same as employees.
- For 24 hours after fever, diarrhea, or vomiting ends, without medication.
- Contagious diseases such as chickenpox, measles, strep, pinkeye, flu, etc. Ask your doctor or health care provider when they can return to school. Generally, the following apply: chickenpox (no school until all spots /lesions are dried and crusted), lice (no school until after the first treatment), strep throat or other strep infections (can return if they do not have a fever and have been on antibiotics for at least 12 hours).
Board of Education Meeting
Monday, Apr 8, 2024, 05:30 PM
Hillside Elementary School, North 4th Street, Harrison, MI, USA
DISTRICT INFORMATION
Upcoming Calendar Events
March 25-29: No school (spring break)
March 29-30: Stingers of Steel competing at CMU's McGuirk Arena
April 11: Kindergarten Round Up (5:30-7:00 pm, Larson)
April 11-13: Barefoot in the Park - HS play (HS auditorium)
May 6: Seniors Honors (6:00 pm, HS gym)
May 17: Graduation (6:30 pm, stadium - weather permitting)
School Contact Information
- Early Childhood & Larson Elementary, 989.539.3259 (Principal Andrea Andera, aandera@harrisonschools.com, Assistant Principal Sandy Hargraves, shargraves@harrisonschools.com)
- Middle School, 989.539.7194 (Principal Jennifer Thrush, jthrush@harrisonschools.com, Assistant Principal Brad Carlstrom, bcarlstrom@harrisonschools.com)
- Hive, 989.539.7417 (Principal Stacey VanAntwerp, svanantwerp@harrisonschools.com)
- High School, 989.539.7417 (Principal Joe Ashcroft, jjashcroft@harrisonschools.com, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Brad Carlstrom, bcarlstrom@harrisonschools.com)
District Contact Information
Superintendent, 989.539.7871 (Judy Walton, juwalton@harrisonschools.com)
Special Education (Stacey VanAntwerp, svanantwerp@harrisonschools.com)
Homeless Child/Youth Services (Andrea Andera, aandera@harrisonschools.com)
Bus Services, 989.539.7082 (Kelli Whitaker, kwhitaker@auxilioservices.com)
Bus/Vehicle Pick Up and Drop Off
Allowed waiting area for afternoon pick-up at Larson is on West Hornet Drive, highlighted in orange