Students feel

safe at school

Local responses consistent with,

or better than, state trends

By KREMENA TODOROVA

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- A majority of New Ulm public school students feel safe at school, according to data from a 2004 survey released this month.

Students also identified alcohol and drugs as a serious problem affecting school safety.

Most local data is consistent with, or more positive than, state trends, a closer look at the numbers shows.

The survey is given to sixth, ninth and 12th-graders statewide. Participation in the survey is voluntary and anonymous. Perceptions of school safety were evaluated on the basis of responses on issues such as safety on the way to and from school; safety at school; illegal gang activity; and student use of alcohol and drugs.

Most local students participating in the survey reported that they feel safe going to and from school. The responses varied somewhat by gender and grade, with girls generally feeling safer than boys.

More specifically, a feeling of safety on the way to and from school was reported by 93 percent of sixth-grade boys; 99 percent of sixth-grade girls; 96 percent of each ninth-grade boys and girls; 90 percent of 12th-grade boys; and 96 percent of 12th-grade girls.

Similar majorities of students reported that they feel safe at school: 88 percent of sixth-grade boys; 99 percent of sixth-grade girls; 95 percent of ninth-grade boys; 93 percent of ninth-grade girls; 91 percent of 12th-grade boys; and 96 percent of 12th-grade girls.

In most subgroups, the numbers of students feeling safe were similar to, or greater than, state averages.

The majority of local students did not perceive illegal gang activity to be a problem at their school.

However, some students did see gangs as a problem: 16 percent of sixth-grade boys; 9 percent of sixth-grade girls; 9 percent of each ninth-grade boys and girls; 16 percent of 12th-grade boys; and 7 percent of 12th-grade girls.

The local numbers on gangs were somewhat more positive than state averages, especially in ninth grade.

Kids perceived student use of alcohol and drugs as a major issue.

While remaining a minority in most sub-groups, the number of kids identifying alcohol and drug issues as serious rose sharply in the higher grades.

A larger number of high-school girls than high-school boys saw alcohol and drugs as a problem.

More specifically, the problem was identified as significant by 15 percent of sixth-grade boys; 14 percent of sixth-grade girls; 40 percent of ninth-grade boys; 49 percent of ninth-grade girls; 48 percent of 12th-grade boys; and 61 percent of 12th-grade girls.

A comparison to state averages on that issue shows that concern about alcohol and drugs statewide is more widespread that locally. This is especially clear in the higher grades, where majorities of students statewide (60 to 69 percent depending on sub-group) identified the problem.

The survey is very extensive and detailed. Beside school safety, students are asked a variety of questions about use of time, family and relationships, risk factors such as substance abuse, family violence and sexual abuse, health and safety issues such as weight, exercise and nutrition, and mental health issues, including emotional well-being, suicidal thoughts and destructive behavior.

Officials are waiting for data on even more issues, expected to come in late January, before they analyze the report. When contacted, Superintendent Harold Remme did say, however, that the positive local safety data would be consistent with his impressions.