IOWA YOUTH SURVEY
TO BE ADMINISTERED DURING OCTOBER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2010

For more information contact
Valerie Terando
Ames Community Schools
515.268.6651
valerie.terando@ames.k12.ia.us

AMES—Every two years, school districts across Iowa are asked to administer the Iowa Youth Survey to its students in 6th, 8th and 11th grades.  In 2010, the Ames Community School District (ACSD) will once again provide students the opportunity to take the survey during the course of the school day.

According to information released by the Iowa Department of Public Health, “The 2010 Iowa Youth Survey is directed by the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), Division of Behavioral Health, in collaboration with the Iowa Departments of Education and Human Rights (CJJP), and the University of Iowa. The purpose of the survey is to collect information about Iowa youth so their beliefs, values, and decisions can be better understood.  In addition, information is collected about their ideas on alcohol, tobacco, drugs, bullying and harassment, and violence prevention.  The information collected will help state planning agencies, schools, and local community task forces create valuable future programming.”

If parents/guardians prefer their student(s) not take the survey, they may sign a Refusal of Consent form, which will be sent to families of students in 6th, 8th and 11th grades via Infinite Campus. The forms will also be available on the District’s website (Click here for refusal consent form) or visit www.ames.k12.ia.us, and printed copies of the form will be available in the main offices of the high school and middle school. Please note the Refusal of Consent form must be received by your student’s school office by October 1.  If no Refusal of Consent form is received by that date, the survey will be administered to your student(s).  A copy of the Iowa Youth Survey Online will be available in the AHS and AMS offices.  It must be reviewed there and not taken home.  The survey will not be available for view online prior to administration, nor will it be e-mailed to parents/guardians.

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