Fresh Start Survey

Welcome to 9th grade! Please fill out this survey honestly. Your responses will help me get to know you better and tailor our class to your interests and needs.

1. Personal Information

Full Name:

Preferred Name (if different):

Pronouns:

Best Way to Contact You (email, school portal, etc.):

2. Family & Background

Where did you grow up?

How would you describe your family? (Who lives at home? Siblings? Pets? Traditions?)

3. Interests & Hobbies

1. My top three hobbies or activities outside of school are:

   1. __________________________
      
      
      
   2. __________________________
      
      
      
   3. __________________________
      
      
      

2. Favorite books, movies, TV shows, or games:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Do you participate in any clubs, sports, or community groups? If yes, which ones?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Learning Preferences

1. Which subjects are you most excited about this year? Why?

2. Which subjects do you find most challenging? Why?

3. When learning something new, what helps you the most? (Check all that apply)

• Visual aids (charts, diagrams)
• Hands-on activities or experiments
• Listening to explanations or lectures
• Working in pairs or small groups
• Reading text (books, articles)
• Teaching or explaining to others

5. Goals & Motivation

1. What are your academic goals for this year?

2. How do you stay motivated when schoolwork feels difficult?

3. List two personal (non-academic) goals you have for this year:

1. __________________________
   
   
   
2. __________________________
   
   
   

6. Communication & Support

1. How do you prefer to receive feedback on your work? (e.g., written comments, one-on-one conferences, rubrics)

2. Is there anything that helps you learn more easily, or makes learning harder for you?

7. Additional Thoughts

Is there anything else you’d like me to know about you?

Thank you for sharing! I’m looking forward to a great year together.

Fresh Start Survey Key

Use this key to guide your review of each student’s responses on the Fresh Start Survey. Since answers will vary, focus on patterns, insights, and any areas needing follow-up rather than “right” or “wrong” responses.

1. Personal Information

• Confirm full/legal name vs. preferred name and record both correctly.
• Verify pronouns and update your class roster/email list accordingly.
• Note each student’s preferred contact method; ensure you can reach them (or guardian) if needed.

Tips:

• Correct pronunciation of names can build trust—practice aloud.
• If a student lists an uncommon or unmonitored channel, follow up privately to secure reliable contact info.

2. Family & Background

What to look for:

• Living situation (siblings, parents, guardians, pets) and any cultural or familial traditions.
• Geographic roots (urban, rural, moved frequently) that may affect social/emotional needs.

Note-taking prompts:

• Does the student live with extended family or a single guardian?
• Are there languages spoken at home besides English?
• Any mention of challenges (e.g., frequent moves, caregiving responsibilities)?

Follow-up:

• If you sense a lack of support or stressors, check in privately or enlist counseling resources.

3. Interests & Hobbies

Goals:

• Identify common interests to build community (clubs, project themes).
• Spot potential groupings (e.g., students who enjoy robotics, art, sports).

What to record:

• Top three activities—and whether they’re solitary (reading, gaming) vs. social (teams, clubs).
• Favorite media—use as reading or writing prompts.
• Current extracurricular commitments—helps schedule around busy calendars.

4. Learning Preferences

Key insights:

• Preferred modalities (visual, hands-on, auditory, collaborative, textual, teaching others).
• Subjects of excitement vs. challenge—prioritize early scaffolds in difficult areas.

Action steps:

• Plan lessons incorporating multiple modes to reach diverse learners.
• For students listing challenges in a core subject, consider pairing with peer mentors or offering mini-lessons.

5. Goals & Motivation

What to capture:

• Academic goals (grade targets, skill mastery, college prep).
• Motivation strategies (breaks, music, checklists, peer study).
• Personal goals—understanding life outside class fosters stronger relationships.

Use these to:

• Craft goal-setting check-ins midterm (e.g., “Are you on track for your algebra goal?”).
• Offer study tips aligned with their motivational methods.

6. Communication & Support

Notes:

• Preferred feedback style—tailor your comments, rubrics, or conference schedule.
• Learning facilitators/barriers—any accommodations, environmental preferences, or distractions.

Follow-up:

• If a student cites sensory issues, attention challenges, or needed accommodations, coordinate with support staff or IEP teams.

7. Additional Thoughts

• Record any unique insights: hobbies, health considerations, travel plans, or personal stories.
• These details build rapport—reference them in conversations or writing prompts.

Red Flags & Next Steps

Watch for comments indicating:

• Social isolation or bullying.
• Persistent stressors (family conflict, health concerns).
• Lack of basic support (food, housing instability).

If you identify any warning signs, schedule a confidential check-in, involve the counselor, or follow your school’s protocol.

Teacher Note-Taking Template

Customize this table in your gradebook or digital note-taking tool to track key takeaways for each student.

Thank you for using the Fresh Start Survey to launch a supportive and personalized classroom experience!