ELPS Satchel Pulse Survey Data

📊 Fall 2025 Parent Climate Survey Results

We are pleased to share the results of the Fall 2025 Parent Climate Survey, part of our district’s ongoing effort to foster a positive and inclusive school culture. This survey helps us better understand the experiences of families in our schools and informs our school and district improvement planning.

This fall, we received 451 parent/guardian responses, an increase from 387 responses in Fall 2024. Thank you to all families who participated—your feedback matters and is driving real change.

🔍 Key Takeaways

• Safety and Trust: Families feel their children are safe at school (score: 6.9/10), and most would recommend their child’s school to others (6.6).

• Growth Areas: Families want to see more recognition of student achievements (5.2), stronger emotional wellbeing support (6.1), and clearer communication about student progress (6.1).

• Consistency in Experience: While there were modest improvements in some areas, several items remained consistent year over year, helping us identify persistent needs across buildings.

📈 How We’re Using the Data

The questions in the survey with lower scores have been prioritized by our school-based leadership teams as areas of focus in this year’s Culture and Climate Action Plans. These plans are now active in every school and address specific concerns such as:

• Communication between school and families

• Support for students’ emotional wellbeing

• Family engagement and connection to the school community

• Recognition of student growth and effort

Student Climate Survey Results Fall 2025

🧠 Fall 2025 Student Climate Survey Summary

The East Lyme Public Schools Student Climate Survey, administered in Fall 2025, offers valuable insight into the experiences and perceptions of students in grades 3 through 12. Their feedback is a critical component of our ongoing efforts to strengthen school culture and ensure a positive learning environment for all.

🧾 Participation

Approximately 1,400 students responded to the survey out of an estimated 1,940 eligible participants in grades 3–12, resulting in a 72% participation rate. This high level of engagement reflects the importance our students place on having a voice in shaping their school climate.

🔍 Key Takeaways

• Positive Peer Relationships

  • Most students report having many friends at school (7.7/10).

  • Peers are generally respectful, though peer collaboration shows room for improvement (6.8/10 for “Students help each other learn”).

• Sense of Belonging and Inclusion

  • Many students feel they belong at school (7.0) and feel safe (7.1).

  • Lower scores were reported for feeling valued: “I make a difference at this school” (5.9) and “Awards and rewards are given regularly” (5.6), indicating areas for growth.

• Trusted Adult Connections

  • Students gave high marks for being able to talk to trusted adults (7.2), which supports a strong emotional safety foundation.

  • Emotional wellbeing scored 6.4, reinforcing the importance of ongoing support services.

• School Environment

  • Schools are largely viewed as clean and tidy (6.6), and students feel respected by teachers (6.8), which contributes to a safe and respectful atmosphere.

• Student Voice and Recognition:

  • Scores suggest a need for more opportunities for students to feel heard, valued, and celebrated.

📌 How We’re Using the Data

The student survey data is a vital input in the school-based Culture and Climate Action Plans across our elementary, middle, and high schools. These results are not just reviewed—they’re actively shaping practice and priorities.

District-Level Actions:

• Identification of Priority Areas: Based on lower-scoring questions around student belonging, peer relationships, and student recognition, targeted strategies are being built into each school’s improvement plan.

• Alignment Across Schools: District leadership is working to ensure shared focus areas like peer support and student agency are addressed consistently across all schools.

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.