Douglas B. Mentzer
ACADEMICS, ATHLETICS, AND OPPORTUNITY 2022-23
Community Survey Feedback
Social Media & Communication Survey Results (from 12.16.2022)
The 2022-23 Superintendent Parent Council and Trenton Public Schools’ leadership has been working towards identifying an action item related to cell phone use, social media, and preferred methods of communication. A survey was sent to our school community in late December. The information has been reviewed and analyzed accordingly (there were 554 responses - thank you for your feedback).
Specific to our parents’ top three concerns related to social media, parents shared that they were most concerned about their children accessing inappropriate content (56% of responses), the amount of screen time and/or exposure (55% of responses), and the potentiality of online bullying/harassment (48% of responses). Sample questions included: Screen time/phone addiction (too much of), Inappropriate content (on or off campus), Students chatting with unknown people, Group text messaging, Dangerous TikTok messages, Staying updated on app challenges (Instagram, Snapchat, etc.).
Currently, we are exploring resources for our community to help address these concerns and support both our parents and students alike. Consequently, this has also been a major focus of the Superintendent Parent Council. Both our district leaders and Parent Council members have spent considerable time researching a platform offered through a company called Smart Social. Please visit their website at https://smartsocial.com/ and share your thoughts here: Smart Social Survey.
When it came to preferred methods of communication with TPS Staff, 63% of our responses revealed that parents chose communication preferences related to the use of Parent Square. 45% of our parents preferred “old school” email blasts, while 41% liked phone apps such as REMIND. Ultimately, Parent Square can also be used to send an email “blast” and work in a similar manner as REMIND. Thus, we feel that we are definitely on the right path using this modality to communicate.
The last survey question was specific to the Trenton Times. We have transitioned to using the Trenton Times in lieu of spending vital dollars on a separate publication. Our shared goal is to use the Times to promote our school district, recognize students and staff, and position ourselves as a destination district for our neighbors. Our survey illustrated that we need to do a better job of promoting awareness and publication dates. Over 55% of our respondents indicated that they were not aware of our partnership. Even worse, over 60% of our respondents shared that they did not read the Times. For now, we will continue to work towards increasing awareness and maintaining our effort to promote Trenton Public Schools and the corresponding Educational Excellence that is synonymous with our district.
On behalf of Trenton Public Schools, thank you for your input and perspective. We will do our best to address your concerns and improve Trenton Public Schools accordingly. For a link to parent comments and feedback, click here: Parent Survey Comments 12.16.22.docx.
Sincerely,
Douglas Mentzer, Superintendent
The 2022-23 Superintendent Parent Council and Trenton Public Schools’ leadership has been working towards identifying an action item related to cell phone use, social media, and preferred methods of communication. A survey was sent to our school community in late December. The information has been reviewed and analyzed accordingly (there were 554 responses - thank you for your feedback).
Specific to our parents’ top three concerns related to social media, parents shared that they were most concerned about their children accessing inappropriate content (56% of responses), the amount of screen time and/or exposure (55% of responses), and the potentiality of online bullying/harassment (48% of responses). Sample questions included: Screen time/phone addiction (too much of), Inappropriate content (on or off campus), Students chatting with unknown people, Group text messaging, Dangerous TikTok messages, Staying updated on app challenges (Instagram, Snapchat, etc.).
Currently, we are exploring resources for our community to help address these concerns and support both our parents and students alike. Consequently, this has also been a major focus of the Superintendent Parent Council. Both our district leaders and Parent Council members have spent considerable time researching a platform offered through a company called Smart Social. Please visit their website at https://smartsocial.com/ and share your thoughts here: Smart Social Survey.
When it came to preferred methods of communication with TPS Staff, 63% of our responses revealed that parents chose communication preferences related to the use of Parent Square. 45% of our parents preferred “old school” email blasts, while 41% liked phone apps such as REMIND. Ultimately, Parent Square can also be used to send an email “blast” and work in a similar manner as REMIND. Thus, we feel that we are definitely on the right path using this modality to communicate.
The last survey question was specific to the Trenton Times. We have transitioned to using the Trenton Times in lieu of spending vital dollars on a separate publication. Our shared goal is to use the Times to promote our school district, recognize students and staff, and position ourselves as a destination district for our neighbors. Our survey illustrated that we need to do a better job of promoting awareness and publication dates. Over 55% of our respondents indicated that they were not aware of our partnership. Even worse, over 60% of our respondents shared that they did not read the Times. For now, we will continue to work towards increasing awareness and maintaining our effort to promote Trenton Public Schools and the corresponding Educational Excellence that is synonymous with our district.
On behalf of Trenton Public Schools, thank you for your input and perspective. We will do our best to address your concerns and improve Trenton Public Schools accordingly. For a link to parent comments and feedback, click here: Parent Survey Comments 12.16.22.docx.
Sincerely,
Douglas Mentzer, Superintendent
