Ephrata schools will take part in biennial Healthy Youth Survey

EPHRATA – Ephrata will be among numerous public school districts statewide participating in Washington’s biennial Healthy Youth Survey.

The local district will administer the 2025 survey on Monday, Oct. 20, to students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12.

Survey results are anonymous. Families can choose to opt out their students from participating, and students who do participate can skip questions they would prefer not to answer.

The survey takes about 50 minutes to complete during a set-aside class period and will be administered at Parkway Intermediate and Ephrata Middle and High Schools.

The Healthy Youth Survey covers a wide variety of topics, from asthma to vaping. It includes questions about student attendance, involvement in clubs and activities, demographics, alcohol and drug use, texting and driving, sexual health and orientation, “screen time” including video games, nutrition, physical activity, mental health, safety and violence, support from family and friends, bullying, and gang involvement.

In 2023, more than 215,000 students in 873 schools across Washington participated in the HYS. Data from the survey provides schools and other agencies with insights into the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of young people – both locally and statewide – along with current health trends and concerns.

The HYS is a collaborative effort involving the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Washington Department of Health, Health Care Authority, and Liquor and Cannabis Board.

Ephrata has previously participated in the statewide surveys.

The collected information provided “very powerful data … to meet student needs” and assisted the district in qualifying for funding grants, superintendent Ken Murray told school board members during their Sept. 29 meeting.

District officials say survey results can also help planning by school counselors and bolster student attendance, before-and-after-school activities, food programs, and more.

Murray said the district wants to ensure that parents and families are aware of the survey process, including the opt-out provision.

Earlier this week, letters with contact information were mailed to families, sent home with students, and posted on the district’s website and Facebook pages. Reminders will also be sent out next week.

Families are asked to review the material with their students and those who choose to opt out are asked to do so by 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19. 

“We are committed to keeping families updated every step of the way,” the district stated in its information letter.