Linden Schools Survey on Climate: Opt-Out Deadline October 2

Linden Public Schools will administer the New Jersey School Climate Improvement (NJ SCI) Survey this fall, according to Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins. The survey, developed by Rutgers University, gathers perspectives on school climate and the experiences of students, families, and staff.

The survey is anonymous and voluntary. Participation is open to students, parents and caregivers, and school staff. Results will be used to guide district planning and efforts to create positive, supportive learning environments.

The student survey will run from October 5 through November 2, 2026. Families may preview survey questions in advance and can opt their child out of participation. Parents who prefer their child not participate must contact their child's building principal by October 2, 2026. If the school does not receive contact by that date, permission for participation will be assumed.

A separate parent and caregiver survey will be distributed in October. School and district staff will view results through a password-protected online platform, with individual responses combined by respondent group for reporting purposes.

Linden Public Schools also observed no school on Monday, September 21, in observance of Yom Kippur.

FAQ

Q: What is the NJ School Climate Improvement Survey?
A: The NJ SCI Survey is a tool developed by Rutgers University to help schools gather perspectives on school climate and the experiences of students, families, and staff. Results guide school and district planning to create positive, welcoming, and supportive learning environments.

Q: When does the student survey take place?
A: The student survey runs from October 5 through November 2, 2026.

Q: Is participation required?
A: No. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. Families may preview survey questions in advance, and children do not have to participate.

Q: When is the opt-out deadline?
A: Parents who do not want their child to participate must contact their child's building principal by October 2, 2026. After that date, consent for participation will be assumed if no contact has been made.

Q: When will parents receive their survey?
A: A separate parent and caregiver survey will be distributed in October with instructions for completion.

Q: Who will see the survey results?
A: School and district staff will view results through a password-protected online platform. Individual responses are combined by respondent group for reporting purposes.