The majority of St. Vrain students are doing relatively well, according to a December 2016 survey of high schoolers, grades 9 through 12.
In a presentation to the school board in February 2017, Superintendent Don Haddad said the good news is that most students report a positive school culture. More than 75 percent said they feel safe to express who they are at school and more than 80 percent feel like they are a part of the school. In addition, alcohol, drug and tobacco abuse was not a big factor. An encouraging 97 percent said they have not driven under the influence of alcohol, and 90 percent have never smoked a cigarette.
However, the survey, which was anonymous and voluntary, also pointed to areas that need more attention. Most concerning were results from the survey that showed that 15 percent of students had contemplated suicide and that 5 percent had attempted suicide. More than half of students said they are not comfortable talking about feelings with other people, and more than a third said they do not have healthy ways to manage stress. In addition, 15 percent said they have been threatened, hurt or harassed at school.
In addition to various programs designed to address this issue, the district held community meetings in the spring and summer of 2017 and continued to train high school teachers on a “Sources of Strength” curriculum, which is designed to teach resiliency. The schools also are working on promoting inclusivity and respect, including gay-straight alliances at all high schools and middle schools.
