ELPS Satchel Pulse Survey Data

Parent Climate Survey Results: Fall vs. Winter Comparison

The table below highlights the questions that were asked on both the October and February parent surveys, along with the average score for each. These results help guide our efforts in fostering a more supportive, responsive, and inclusive school community.

Survey Question	October Score	February Score
I would recommend this school to other parents	7.8	7.9
The school actively seeks my input before making important decisions	5.7	5.8
The school helps students resolve conflicts with one another	6.6	6.7
The school provides students with healthy food choices	6.7	6.1
The school is well led and managed	7.2	7.3
The school enforces school rules equally for all students	6.8	6.7
Teachers listen to students when they have problems	7.7	7.6

 

Winter Family Survey Summary

In February, we conducted the second round of the Satchel Pulse Parent Climate Survey, intentionally focusing on areas that received lower scores in the fall. We are grateful to the 451 parents who participated—an increase from the 387 responses we received in October. This growth in participation demonstrates an encouraging step toward strengthening the partnership between home and school.

The questions selected for the February survey were drawn from the lower-rated items in our October data set. Topics included communication, student wellbeing, fairness in rule enforcement, and the responsiveness of school staff to parent concerns. While some questions showed slight improvements, these areas continue to be top priorities.

As a result, the February feedback will directly inform each school’s School Improvement Plan. Our district-wide and building-based teams are analyzing the results to identify next steps, elevate parent voice, and implement targeted strategies that enhance the school experience for all students and families.

We remain committed to transparency, continuous improvement, and cultivating a welcoming and responsive school climate. Thank you to all who shared their perspectives in the survey—your voice matters.

Full Winter Survey Data Report 2025

Family Survey Results Fall 2024

East Lyme Public Schools is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive school climate. To this end, we conducted a comprehensive Parent Survey to gather insights about our schools from the parent community. The survey covered key areas such as belonging and engagement, communication, learning, safety, wellbeing, leadership, school life, and teaching staff. 

Participation: 

• 387 Parent/Guardian Reponses
• With less than a 10 percent response rate, the results of this survey are not statistically valid for drawing broad conclusions.
• However, we value the responses we did receive and will consider them as part of our ongoing improvement efforts. 

 

Belonging and Engagement 

• "I would recommend this school to other parents": Scored an impressive 7.8/10, with 358 total responses. 

• "My student feels welcome in this school": Achieved a strong 8.1/10, reflecting a welcoming environment for students. 

Communication 

• "I feel well-informed by the communications I receive from my school": Received a 7.6/10 average score, showing our efforts to keep parents updated. 

• "The school responds promptly when I contact them": Scored 8.0/10, indicating effective responsiveness. 

Learning 

• "I am happy with the education my child has received this year": Rated 7.8/10, showcasing satisfaction with academic quality. 

• "Teachers listen to my suggestions about how to best support my child": Received a 7.4/10. 

Safety 

• "The school is a safe and respectful environment": Scored 7.7/10, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining safety and respect. 

• "The school deals effectively with bullying": Rated 6.4/10, highlighting an area for ongoing improvement. 

Leadership 

• "I trust the principal to do what they say they will do": Scored 7.3/10, reflecting strong confidence in leadership. 

• "The school is well led and managed": Earned a 7.2/10. 

School Life 

• "I am happy with the overall cleanliness of the school": Achieved a high score of 8.5/10. 

• "The school enforces rules equally for all students": Received 6.9/10. 

Teaching Staff 

• "Students are supported by the teachers": Rated 8.1/10, indicating robust teacher support. 

• "I feel respected by my child’s teachers": Scored an excellent 8.5/10. 

Key Takeaways 

Strengths: 

• High scores in areas such as teaching staff support, communication, and cleanliness highlight our strengths. 
• Parents value the welcoming and safe environment provided by our schools. 

Opportunities for Growth: 

• While scores for bullying prevention and equitable enforcement of rules are satisfactory, these remain priority areas for continued focus and improvement.

Due to a challenge with accessing the family survey, there were two different surveys administered. As a result, for the fall survey, there are two different reports for the family survey. Click the links below to review each full report. 

Family Survey Report #1

Family Survey Report #2

Student Climate Survey Results: Fall vs. Winter Comparison

As part of our commitment to student voice and school improvement, East Lyme Public Schools conducts regular climate surveys to better understand the experiences of our students. Below is a comparison of responses to key questions asked on both the October and February surveys.

Comparison Table: October 2024 vs. February 2025

Survey Question	October Score	February Score
I have lots of friends at the school	7.7	7.9
Students help each other learn	6.8	6.5
Most students get along well	6.3	6.4
Other students take my opinions seriously	6.0	6.0
I make a difference at the school	5.9	5.8
I would recommend my school to other students	6.8	6.9
I like the food served by the school	5.5	5.3
My school is kept clean and tidy	6.6	6.7
I can talk to trusted adults at school	7.2	6.9
Awards and rewards are given regularly	5.6	5.3

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February 2025 Student Survey Summary

In February, 79% of students across East Lyme Public Schools participated in our second round of the Satchel Pulse Student Climate Survey—an increase from 74% in October. We are grateful to our students for continuing to share their perspectives with honesty and thoughtfulness.

The questions selected for the February survey were intentionally chosen based on lower-rated items from October’s data. Areas such as peer relationships, student voice, recognition and reward systems, and the overall learning environment were examined more closely. While some scores showed slight improvement, these remain areas of focus.

The February survey results are being carefully reviewed by school and district teams and will directly inform our School Improvement Plans. In particular, strengthening peer-to-peer respect, ensuring student opinions are valued, and improving how we celebrate student success will be priorities as we move forward.

We remain committed to listening, learning, and acting in ways that help all students feel safe, supported, and valued.

Full Student Survey Report Winter 2005

Student Climate Survey Fall 2024

The East Lyme Public Schools recently conducted a district-wide Student Climate Survey for the 2024/2025 school year, with the goal of understanding students' experiences and perceptions of the school environment. The survey assessed key areas such as belonging, safety, relationships, health and wellbeing, academic preparation, and student life. The data gathered will guide ongoing efforts to foster an inclusive, supportive, and engaging learning environment. 

Participation: 

• Respondents: Over 1,600 students district-wide (grades 3-12) 

• Survey conducted using Satchel Pulse platform 

Key Findings by PillaR

Belonging at School

• Most students agree that the school is inclusive, with an average score of 7.0/10. 

• Students feel heard by their teachers (average score: 7.2/10). 

• Representation of diverse backgrounds in class materials and fair treatment by teachers were positively noted (scores: 6.9/10 and 7.8/10 respectively). 

Feeling Safe at School

• Safety while at school and commuting received high marks (scores: 7.1/10 and 8.0/10). 

• Bullying remains an area of concern, with a lower average score of 4.7/10. 

• Students feel generally comfortable with their teachers (score: 7.6/10). 

Health and Wellbeing

• Availability of trained staff for emotional support was rated positively (score: 7.5/10). 

• Opportunities to talk with trusted adults and care for emotional wellbeing scored 7.2/10 and 6.4/10 respectively. 

Learning at School

• Students feel challenged and receive helpful feedback (scores: 7.4/10 and 7.2/10). 

• Homework and interest in learning were rated lower, highlighting opportunities for growth (scores: 6.0/10 and 6.5/10). 

Relationships with Students

• Having friends at school was a standout (score: 7.7/10). 

• Respect among peers and cooperation received mixed ratings, with room for improvement (scores: 5.6/10 and 6.8/10). 

Relationships with Staff

• Trust in teachers and respect for students were rated highly (scores: 7.3/10 and 7.4/10). 

• Teachers’ ability to understand and address students' needs scored lower, at 6.6/10. 

Reward and Recognition

• Students felt acknowledged for their achievements (score: 7.3/10). 

• The frequency and enjoyment of awards and recognition opportunities scored lower (scores: 5.6/10 and 7.1/10). 

Student Life

• Availability of extracurricular activities scored positively (score: 7.3/10). 

• Cleanliness of facilities and students’ sense of importance in attending class were rated moderately (scores: 6.6/10 and 6.7/10). 

Next Steps: 

The survey results provide valuable insights into students' perceptions, guiding the district's efforts to: 

• Enhance inclusivity and ensure all students feel a sense of belonging. 

• Address bullying with targeted interventions. 

• Strengthen peer to peer relationships. 

To view the full report, click below:

Student Survey Report Fall 2024

 

Students

Relationships & School Climate

Focus Statements:

• Bullying is NOT a problem among students
• The behavior of other students around school is good
• Other students have good behavior in my lessons
• Most students get along well 
• Students at my school are respectful of each other 

Action Steps:

1. Support Peer-to-Peer Relationships

   • Work with building administration on strategies to build and support healthy student relationships.

2. Analyze Behavior Data for Trends

   • Identify patterns by school level to improve decision-making and behavioral supports.

3. Increase Student Voice in Decision-Making

   • Ensure student representation on all culture & climate committees.
   • Include student perspectives in future school-wide decisions.

4. Develop a Viking Voices Marketing Campaign

   • Create a Viking Voices logo to accompany the Satchel Pulse survey.
   • Ensure survey results are shared at school-wide meetings, kiva meetings, advisory periods, and faculty meetings.

5. Continue Messaging the ‘Why’

   • Reinforce the importance of the survey data in improving school culture.

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Families

Increasing Parent Survey Participation

Baseline Parent/Guardian Registrations:

• ELHS: 173
• ELMS: 150
• Flanders: 60
• LBH: 64
• NC: 38

Action Steps:

1. Develop a Viking Voices Marketing Campaign

   • Create a Viking Voices logo to enhance survey branding and visibility.

2. Market the Survey at Key School Events

   • Provide dedicated time and space for parents to complete surveys at:
     • Concerts
     • Open House
     • Parent-Teacher Conferences

3. Improve Survey Accessibility

   • Post QR codes in high-traffic areas throughout all school buildings.
   • Set up an information table at Back-to-School Night.

4. Expand Communication Through Weekly Sways

   • Distribute flyers and digital materials via school newsletters and Sways.

5. Collaborate with PTA & Parent Advisory Committee

   • Partner with parent groups to support engagement and participation.

6. Continue Messaging the ‘Why’

   • Reinforce the importance of the survey in shaping school culture through ongoing communication.

Students

Belonging

Focus Statement:

• I make a difference at the school

Action Steps:

1. Initiate School-Wide Dialogue on Survey Participation

   • Conduct an advisory lesson (developed by the school-based DEI committee) focused on the ELHS student community and low response rates from the Satchel Pulse survey.
   • The school-based DEI committee will review Advisory lesson responses.

2. Explore the Creation of a Student Advisory Board

   • Form a board with representatives from student clubs and service organizations to focus on the ELHS student experience.

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Safety

Focus Statement:

• Bullying is not a problem among students

Action Steps:

1. Clarify Survey Language

   • Rephrase the question to be more accessible to all learning levels and capabilities.

2. Initiate School-Wide Dialogue on Survey Participation

   • Conduct an advisory lesson (developed by the DEI committee) focused on community engagement and low survey response rates.
   • The DEI committee will review responses to guide future planning.

3. Develop School-Wide Language for Safety and Behavior Expectations

   • Work with students and teachers to develop shared language regarding safety and behavior expectations.
   • Display behavioral expectations in common areas (classrooms, hallways, cafeteria).

4. Expand Peer Mentoring Program

   • Continue to develop mentoring efforts to support a positive school climate.

5. Develop Advisory Lessons on Bullying Awareness

   • Deepen understanding of bullying, its definition, and the process of reporting it.

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Relationships with Students

Focus Statement:

• Students at my school are respectful of each other

Action Steps:

1. Initiate School-Wide Dialogue on Survey Participation

   • Conduct an advisory lesson (developed by the DEI committee) focused on the ELHS student community and low response rates from the Satchel Pulse survey.
   • The DEI committee will review responses to inform future planning.

2. Expand Peer Mentoring Program

   • Continue efforts to foster a positive and respectful school climate.

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Rewards and Recognition

Focus Statement:

• Awards and rewards are given regularly

Action Steps:

1. Initiate School-Wide Dialogue on Survey Participation

   • Conduct an advisory lesson (developed by the DEI committee) focused on the ELHS student community and low response rates from the Satchel Pulse survey.
   • The DEI committee will review responses to inform future planning.

2. Review Current Awards and Recognition Programs

   • Work with Curriculum Instructional Leaders to evaluate existing incentives for grades, behavior, and attendance.
   • Identify areas where improvements can be made.

3. Utilize School Resources to Celebrate Student Accomplishments

   • Feature student successes in the ELHS Saga.
   • Highlight achievements in the Morning Show "Did You Know" segment.

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Families

Increasing Survey Response Rate

Action Steps:

1. Increase Survey Visibility and Accessibility

   • Promote the survey at key events (concerts, open house, conferences).
   • Provide dedicated time and space for families to complete the survey at these events.

2. Strategic QR Code Placement

   • Post survey QR codes in high-traffic areas (main office, hallways, cafeteria, library).
   • Display QR codes on digital screens before evening events and presentations.
   • Include QR codes on flyers, event programs, and handouts at school performances and parent nights.

3. Engage Parents Through School Communications

   • Publish an article in the Viking Saga explaining the importance of the survey, along with a QR code.
   • Include survey updates and QR codes in the weekly ELHS Newsletter.

4. Utilize School Events for Outreach

   • Set up an information table at Back-to-School Night to inform parents about the survey.
   • Offer incentives (raffles, prizes) at sports events and school plays to encourage participation.

5. Leverage Existing School Programs

   • Ensure all parent-focused school events (music performances, parent nights) include the survey QR code on distributed materials.

Students

Relationships with Students

Focus Statements:

• I have lots of friends at the school
• Students help each other learn
• Students at my school are respectful of each other
• Most students get along well
• Other students take my opinions seriously

Action Steps:

1. Revisit School-Wide Expectations

   • Reinforce expectations at the start of the school year and conduct a mid-year review.

2. Mid-Year Ice-Breaker Activities

   • Engage students in ice-breakers to strengthen peer connections.

3. Student Achievement Recognition

   • Implement school-wide team recognition of student achievements each trimester.

4. Student Shadowing Initiative

   • Provide DEI-focused opportunities for student shadowing to gain diverse perspectives.

5. Student Voice in Survey Development

   • Work with student leadership teams to review and refine student survey questions.

6. Advisory Lessons

   • Develop and implement lessons focused on building relationships and respect.

7. Collaboration with Salem School Students

   • Expand opportunities for ELMS students to engage with Salem school students.

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Student Life

Focus Statements:

• My school is kept clean and tidy
• I would recommend my school to other students
• I like the food served by the school
• Students try hard to get good grades
• There are a lot of extracurricular activities for me to get involved in
• Students feel it is important to attend class daily

Action Steps:

1. Student Voice in Health & Wellness

   • Provide student representation on the district Health & Wellness Committee.

2. Evaluation & Expansion of After-School Clubs

   • Gather student feedback on club offerings and explore expansion.

3. Attendance Recognition Programs

   • Implement 100% Attendance Awards and Rising Star Awards for attendance improvements.

4. Morning News Accolades

   • Highlight student achievements and positive contributions on the school’s Morning News program.

5. Rebranding & Recognition Through Viking Vouchers

   • Expand the Viking Voucher program to recognize Excellence, Leadership, Mindfulness, and Service.

6. Student Recognition via ‘5 at 5’ Announcements

   • Utilize daily communications to highlight school offerings and student accomplishments.

7. Year in Review Celebration

   • Host a school-wide Minute to Win It event to celebrate student engagement and success.

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Families

Increasing Survey Response Rate

Current Engagement:

• 65 parents participated in the fall survey
• ELMS has 707 households, with 150 parents/guardians registered

Action Steps:

1. Share Survey Findings with PTA and Committees

   • Provide transparency on results and encourage family discussions.

2. Increase Accessibility for Survey Completion

   • Offer devices/tables for parents to complete surveys during Student-Led Conferences and Back-to-School Night.

3. Strategic QR Code Placement

   • Display survey QR codes in multiple high-traffic locations within the school.

4. Expand Survey Promotion Efforts

   • Regularly publish survey links through:
     • Infinite Campus Portal
     • PTA Social Media
     • ELMS Social Media
     • Morning News Announcements
     • Parent Advisory Meetings
     • 5@5 School Updates

Students

Health & Wellbeing

Focus Statement:

• I can talk to trusted adults at school

Action Steps:

1. Relationship Mapping

   • Identify and ensure every student has at least one trusted adult in the school.

2. Utilize Student Data for Support Plans

   • Leverage insights from relationship mapping, DESSA assessments, and ODRs to develop support plans for students at risk.

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Belonging at School

Focus Statement:

• I make a difference at the school

Action Steps:

1. Increase Authentic Student Leadership Opportunities

   • Provide roles that allow students to take on responsibilities and develop leadership skills.

2. Empower Grade 4 Announcers

   • Engage students in making school-wide announcements, including:
     • Choose Love Challenges
     • Shout-outs
     • Greetings and closings in different languages

3. Expand Leadership Groups

   • Develop student-led groups such as:
     • Masters of Ceremony
     • Community Partners
     • Ambassadors
     • Safety Patrol

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Feeling Safe at School

Focus Statement:

• Bullying is NOT a problem among students

Action Steps:

1. Clarify Survey Question Wording

   • Revise the statement to reduce confusion around the double-negative phrasing.

2. Facilitate Student Focus Groups

   • Engage Grades 3 and 4 students in reviewing survey data and developing action plans for classroom lessons.

3. Utilize School Psychologist & Social Worker

   • Seek professional support in implementing classroom lessons on school safety and conflict resolution.

4. Implement Choose Love Curriculum

   • Continue integrating Choose Love lessons to foster a culture of kindness, respect, and emotional resilience.

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Families

Increasing Parent Survey Participation

Current Engagement:

• 64 parents registered for the survey, 50 participated
• LBH has 244 unique families

Action Steps:

1. Share Survey Data Transparently

   • Present findings to the PTA and School Climate Committee to encourage discussion and engagement.

2. Market the Survey Effectively

   • Promote participation at major school events, such as:
     • Concerts
     • Back-to-School Night
     • Parent-Teacher Conferences

3. Improve Survey Accessibility

   • Post QR codes in high-traffic areas throughout the school building.
   • Set up an information table at Back-to-School Night for parents to complete the survey.

4. Increase Outreach Efforts

   • Use flyers, digital Sways, and Parent Advisory meetings to remind families about the survey.
   • Send message blasts and explore offering incentives to encourage higher participation.

Students

Relationships & School Climate

Focus Statements:

• Bullying is NOT a problem among students
• Students at my school are respectful of each other

Action Steps:

1. Analyze SEL Data from Satchel Pulse

   • The SEL Committee and SIT Team will review data to identify trends and areas for intervention.

2. Professional Development for Faculty

   • Provide ongoing training on student interactions during faculty meetings and professional learning days.

3. Develop a School-Based Climate Action Plan

   • Ensure that school-wide strategies align with district-wide climate improvement initiatives.

4. Implement Structured Morning Meetings

   • Allocate time in the daily schedule for structured morning meetings to promote positive interactions.

5. Utilize Choose Love SEL Curriculum

   • Integrate Choose Love lessons to support emotional development and peer relationships.

6. Relationship Mapping with School Staff

   • Ensure every student has at least one trusted adult through relationship mapping exercises.

7. Hold All-School/Town Meetings

   • Use these assemblies to explicitly teach SEL skills and reinforce schoolwide expectations.

8. Expand Restorative Practices

   • Continue the use of restorative circles and restorative conferences for conflict resolution.

9. Enhance Communication via Sway

   • Share updates and resources through weekly Sway newsletters to keep families informed.

10. Create a Culture & Climate Committee

• Include parents, custodians, secretaries, and other stakeholders to ensure diverse perspectives.

11. Engage in the Parent Advisory & District Climate Committees

• Strengthen connections between school-level and district-wide climate initiatives.

12. Expand Student Leadership & Clubs

• Empower students through clubs like:
  • Leadership Team
  • Tech Squad
  • Run Club

13. Develop a Student Survey Evaluation Group

• A student-led team will analyze survey questions and educate peers on their importance.

14. Host Student Focus Groups & Classroom Lessons

• Develop student-led discussions and lessons aligned with the goals in this action plan.

15. Encourage Student Shadowing (DEI Cohort 1)

• Offer student shadowing experiences to foster inclusion and belonging.

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Families

Increasing Parent Survey Participation

Current Engagement:

• 38 parents responded to the survey

Action Steps:

1. Share Data with PTA & Committees

   • Present survey findings to encourage family discussions and collaboration.

2. Market the Survey at School Events

   • Provide time and space for parents to complete surveys at:
     • Concerts
     • Open House
     • Parent-Teacher Conferences

3. Increase Accessibility via QR Codes

   • Post survey QR codes in multiple high-traffic areas around the school.

4. Back-to-School Night Outreach

   • Set up an information table to assist parents with survey completion.

5. Expand Communication Through Weekly Sways

   • Share flyers, survey links, and updates in the school’s weekly Sway newsletters.

6. Collaborate with PTA & Parent Advisory Committee

   • Partner with family leadership groups to increase outreach (consider hosting a Town Hall event).

7. Use Message Blasts & Incentives

   • Send targeted reminders and explore incentives for participation to meet a school-wide goal.

Students

Relationships & School Climate

Focus Statements:

• Students at my school are respectful of each other
• Other students take my opinions seriously
• Bullying is NOT a problem among students

Action Steps:

1. Analyze SEL & Behavior Data

   • The SEL Committee will review behavior data trends to identify ways to support students in making healthy decisions.

2. Utilize Relationship Mapping & DESSA Data

   • Use these tools to ensure every student feels supported and valued within the school community.

3. Student Focus Groups

   • Organize discussions around key focus areas and develop classroom lesson plans.

4. Use Special Area Teachers for Studio Time

   • Provide additional spaces for students to engage in structured discussions and learning experiences.

5. Student Shadowing Initiative (DEI Cohort 2)

   • Offer student shadowing experiences to foster inclusion and belonging.

6. Utilize School Psychologist & Social Worker

   • Conduct classroom lessons focused on emotional well-being and positive peer relationships.

7. Review Student Survey Questions with Students

   • Engage students in refining surveys to improve participation and accuracy in responses.

8. Choose Love Lessons

   • Integrate Choose Love Social Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons into daily instruction.

9. Be Kind Lessons & Activities

   • Encourage student leadership in kindness initiatives and peer-led activities.

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Families

Increasing Parent Survey Participation

Current Engagement:

• 24 parents responded to the survey

Action Steps:

1. Share Data with PTA & Committees

   • Present survey findings to encourage family discussions and collaboration.

2. Market the Survey at School Events

   • Provide time and space for parents to complete surveys at:
     • Concerts
     • Open House
     • Parent-Teacher Conferences

3. Increase Accessibility via QR Codes

   • Post survey QR codes in multiple high-traffic areas around the school.

4. Back-to-School Night Outreach

   • Set up an information table to assist parents with survey completion.

5. Expand Communication Through Weekly Sways

   • Share flyers, survey links, and updates in the school’s weekly Sway newsletters.

6. Collaborate with PTA & Parent Advisory Committee

   • Partner with family leadership groups to increase outreach and engagement.

7. Use Message Blasts & Incentives

   • Send targeted reminders and explore incentives for participation to meet a school-wide goal.