District 196 has released its results of the 2025 Minnesota Student Survey, highlighting a promising return to pre-pandemic levels of student engagement and well-being, alongside new insights into the impacts of technology and social media.

Administered in January 2025 to students in grades 5, 8, 9, and 11, the survey provides confidential, anonymous data on student health, safety, and academic success. District 196 had a high participation rate, ensuring a highly representative sample. 

District 196 Survey Respondents

Overall, District 196 students reported stronger connections to their schools, better physical and mental health, less bullying, improved healthy behaviors, and increased feelings of safety compared with the 2022 survey. Measures related to anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts improved as well, including the lowest rate in over a decade of students considering suicide. 

“Students express care in their learning and doing well in school,” said Stephen Beel-Kemp, research coordinator. “This is a direct result of the authentic relationships our staff have with students. Even when students may struggle behaviorally or academically, this data shows that most students care deeply about their performance and future success.” 

A new question on the survey addressed technology use. “Students are learning how to balance the integration of technology’s influence into their daily lives and report challenges with regulating screen time in the evenings,” reported Stephanie Ochocki, student support coordinator. “We bring this awareness to the community’s attention because the impacts of disrupted sleep have detrimental effects on the healthy development of children and youth. Our shared partnership in helping our children and youth navigate the digital frontier, and we will work to support families in helping their students regulate technology use.”

"The feedback from our students provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the needs and assets of our students and helps to inform and guide our work," Ochocki concluded.

Key Findings on School Experience and Wellbeing

• Optimism for the Future: Students are demonstrating renewed hope. Two-thirds of high school students responded "almost always" or "often" when asked if they feel good about their future, a critical indicator for school engagement and future success. This was a 14-point increase over 11th grade perceptions in 2022.
• Commitment to Learning: Academic drive has rebounded significantly to pre-pandemic levels. Approximately 90% of students indicated they care about doing well in school "all of the time" or "most of the time," reflecting deep investment in their learning and strong, authentic relationships with staff.
• Relevance of Education: The curriculum is resonating with learners. About 75% of middle and high school students agree that what they learn at school is useful, a testament to teachers creating meaningful, connected learning experiences.
• Sense of Belonging: Feeling valued is foundational to the district's culture. Approximately 70% of middle and high school students, and nearly 80% of fifth graders, reported feeling valued and appreciated by others at school.
• Supportive Adults: The 2025 data showed a large increase in 11th graders agreeing that "adults at my school listen to students." This stability and connection during a crucial academic year contribute heavily to stronger perceptions of adult support.

Navigating the Digital Frontier

• Social Media Challenges: The survey highlighted growing technology risks as a major focus for 2025. A significant number of students reported feeling they spend too much time on social media and acknowledged that this screen time frequently interferes with completing their homework and household chores.
• Late-Night Screen Time: Regulating device usage remains a major hurdle. Roughly 50% of students reported using technology between midnight and 5 a.m. on at least one school night per week, with 25% doing so three or more nights a week, raising concerns about sleep disruption and healthy development.

Safety, Mental Health, and Resilience

• Declining Bullying Rates: Reports of bullying showed a decline from elementary to high school. The district attributes these positive strides to evidence-based social-emotional learning and its comprehensive Second Step prevention curriculum. Bullying prevention is part of our elementary curriculum, and 5th grade is a developmental time when students grow in their awareness and understanding of bullying and how to report.
• School Safety: Safety remains a top district priority, and prevention efforts are showing impact. Over 90% of students reported feeling safe in their school environment. 
• School Resource Officers (SROs): Trust in school security is strong, with three out of four students reporting they would feel comfortable taking safety concerns directly to their school's SRO.
• Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Trauma outside of school remains a factor for many. Approximately 35% of students reported having at least one adverse childhood experience. While multiple ACEs have decreased since 2019, it remains a continued area of focus for support.
• Mental Health Treatment: Between 20% and 35% of students have reported receiving mental health treatment. The district continues to offer a comprehensive network of care, including school-based mental health services and telehealth options to reduce barriers. This year’s survey showed the lowest rate in over a decade of students considering suicide.
• Fostering Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs): To counteract adversity, District 196 actively cultivates resilience through positive childhood experiences, promoting safe environments, responsive caregiving, and engaging opportunities across academics, arts, and athletics.

During a Report to the School Board on May 11, Board members discussed the possibility of setting specific goals based on survey results, particularly regarding gender and racial disparities, and protective factors to counter Adverse Childhood Experiences. "When the Board receives data like this, it is impactful," shared Chair Cory Johnson. "This data should impact our strategic planning."

More details on the District 196 Minnesota Student Survey information are available on the website. To view the full state report, families and community members are encouraged to visit the Minnesota Department of Education website.