Nebraska Risk and Protective Factor Survey
August 27, 2012
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s) of 8th, 10th, and 12th graders,
Youth substance abuse is a concern not only for parents, but also for the entire community as a whole. In order to promote the well-being and life outcomes of Nebraska's youth in every community, the State of Nebraska is committed to empowering local communities to effectively identify and address local substance abuse and violence prevention issues.
An important part of this commitment has been the development and implementation of the Nebraska Risk and Protective Factor Student Survey, which is co-administered by the Nebraska Department of Education and the Nebraska Health and Human Services System. In 2007, 31,044 students participated in this survey, which identifies the underlying risk factors within the community that predispose youth toward substance abuse and violence, as well as the protective factors that protect them from those destructive behaviors. Armed with this information, schools and communities can develop effective and locally-appropriate strategies to reduce youth substance abuse and violence.
Burwell Public Schools is participating in the 2012 Nebraska Risk and Protective Factor Student Survey this month. All participating students will be asked to complete a questionnaire about their opinions and beliefs toward alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and violence. Some questions will be asked about their own drinking, smoking, and experiences using drugs. Even if your student does not drink, smoke, gamble or use other drugs, their participation is very important. In order for this survey to provide a truly representative picture of the community, it is important that as many students as possible take part.
The survey takes approximately 30 minutes to complete, and is completely anonymous. This confidentiality of every student's response is protected and your student's name will not appear anywhere. A copy of the survey questions is available for your review at http://bosr.unl.edu/sharp. If for some reason you would prefer not to have your child participate in this important survey, please contact Burwell Public School by the end of the school day on August 31st.
We hope that we can count on your partnership. We thank you in advance for your support of this important endeavor.
Sincerely,
Burwell Public Schools
