Dear Parent(s)/Caregiver(s),

This spring, our students will be participating in a statewide survey focused on alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, known as the Indiana Youth Survey. This survey is intended for students in grades 6 – 12 and is scheduled to be administered at Mount Vernon Senior High School on February 18, 2026. Our window for administering the survey is between February 9 and March 6.

The Indiana Youth Survey is conducted by Prevention Insights, the School of Public Health, Indiana University-
Bloomington. Links are provided for you to view the survey questions that will be used and other information
about the survey. Physical copies of the survey and consent forms are also available in the main office.

The primary objective of this survey is to gather accurate information about alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use among the youth in our community. The data collected will allow us to make comparisons at both the state and national levels. The results of the survey are invaluable for shaping our curricula and programs to address alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use prevention effectively.

Completing the survey typically takes around 30 minutes and participation is entirely voluntary, confidential, and anonymous. The responses are collected online. Because the survey is run through IU, no one in MSDMV will have access to individual student responses. Student answers will be summarized in a report that does not include any names. Importantly, IU and MSDMV will have no direct personal identifiers or IP addresses recorded as part of the survey.

Once more, I want to emphasize that participation in this survey is entirely voluntary and confidential. We hope you will allow your child to take part. If you agree to your student participating, no further action is needed. If you DO NOT wish for your student to participate in the survey, please print the consent form, check the box, and sign and return the form to the school by Friday, February 13, 2026. If you do not have access to a printer, email Mrs. Tharp at to have a copy sent home with your student or obtain a copy in the main office. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Tharp in the counseling office. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Following HEA 1447, written consent for student participation in the Indiana Youth Survey will be sent to families through Skyward by Friday, January 9, 2026, and again by Friday, January 30, 2026, with the survey expected to be administered on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. If you have complaints about how this survey has been conducted for how HEA 1447 was followed, please contact Dr. Strieter, Principal of MVHS.