The Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) is a biennial survey of youth in grades 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th. PAYS asks questions about students’ perspectives of their school environment, attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors concerning alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, violence, depression, and other problem behaviors. The survey also collects information about risk factors, which are the conditions that increase the likelihood that a child will develop problem behaviors later in life. It also collects information about protective factors – people or conditions in a community that can buffer a youth from risk.
The Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) will be administered at PAHS during Health/Physical Education classes for students in grades 10 and 12. The survey is 100% anonymous and strictly voluntary. An informational letter regarding the PAYS survey is attached to this message. Please see the FAQ for additional information.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education also has information for parents:
If you have any questions or wish to remove your child from survey participation, please contact Christa Richards at 570-654-2415 ext. 2210 or via email at christa.richards@pittstonarea.com