This question, coming from the SurveyWorks questionnaire that goes to students every year, measures the percentage of students that answered favorably (either “trust quite a bit” or “trust a great deal”) to the question: “In the event of a conflict or problem, how much do you trust that your school community will hear your side of the story and take it seriously?”. The data shows how students answered in the whole state, district wide and by school. One thing to note is that not every student answers this questionnaire, so this data only represents the feelings of those who responded to the survey. 

Elementary school students responded more favorably than middle and high school students. This is notable in responses from Providence middle school students, who had favorable responses as low as 22% (Esek Hopkins Middle School), compared to the 77% favorable responses for middle schoolers in the state overall. A-Venture Academy, a high school serving students with individualized learning needs, was the high school with the highest percentage of favorable responses, with most high schools landing in the 20-30% range. 

Feeling a sense of belonging in a school community is especially crucial given the mental health crisis students are facing, not just in our district, but in this country as a whole. If students feel like they will not be heard or taken seriously in the event of a conflict or problem, they may not feel like they are part of the school community. Additionally, students may not report issues they are facing or reach out for supports when they need them. We know that student advocacy, organizing, and activism is what drives our education forward, but if those in positions of power do not listen to what students are facing, the changes necessary to improve equity and justice will not happen.