Pennsylvania Youth Survey: 4th Grade PAYS Jr. Survey Passive Parental/Caregiver Permission Letter

Our school is taking part in the 2025 Pennsylvania Youth Survey Junior (PAYS Jr.) sponsored by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. The survey has been specially designed for 4th graders in terms of survey length, content, and question wording. The survey will ask questions about the behaviors and perceptions of students in the 4th grade on topics such as school climate, bullying, and mental health. The survey will take about 25-30 minutes to complete.

The information we receive will assist us and our community partners in working to promote mental health, a positive school climate and healthy youth development. We want to ensure that all parents and caregivers are notified that the survey is being conducted and provide you with as much information about the survey as possible. As a parent or caregiver, you have the right to prohibit your child’s participation. The following facts about the survey will help you make an informed decision about your child’s participation:

  • Participation in this survey is completely voluntary. Students will be instructed by their proctor that they can opt out of the survey entirely and that they can skip any questions they do not understand or choose not to answer. If they have any questions or concerns after taking this survey, they are instructed to talk with their school counselor or a trusted adult.
  • The survey is designed to protect each student’s privacy. It is anonymous and confidential. Students will not put their names on the survey, and no student will ever have their individual responses reported.
  • The information collected is valuable, as it will allow prevention planners in selecting programming to promote healthy youth development.
  • Includes a read-aloud audio feature to support student comprehension.

You can request a list of the survey questions by visiting this link: https://epis.psu.edu/PAYS/question. For more information about the survey, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions, please visit www.pays.pa.gov.

The survey will be administered during the school day between November 3rd and November 14th.  It will take about 25-30 minutes to complete.  If you do not want your child to participate, please submit your request in writing to the building principal by October 30, 2025.

Thank you for your help in our efforts to keep our students healthy and schools safe for learning. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Jeanette Black at 814-886-8121 x1183.