Bethlehem

Students at Bethlehem Central Middle School will soon be asked to fill out a 96-question survey to assess their character strengths. Four of those questions ask about faith: "I have a faith that I practice, I feel better when I pray, I believe there is a higher power that points me to do the right thing, There is a higher power looking out for my best interests."

Some parents said they object to those questions being asked in a public school.

"If it's a tool for discussion, it's OK, but I don't want my daughter to be judged because she is not a person of faith," said Donna Patterson, a mother of a Bethlehem eighth-grader.

The survey is part of a schoolwide effort to promote positive values. The school hosts pizza parties for students who display good character traits like caring, respect and fairness. Teachers give out Eagle Awards throughout the school day to students who show acts of kindness, courtesy and cooperation. A lunch table is set aside each week to recognize students who behave positively during lunch.

Taking the survey is optional. Students who fill it out will enter their email address and unique student ID number. The principal and teachers will see individual students' responses, according to parents who attended a recent PTO meeting where the survey was discussed.

"I'm all for it," said Kathleen Gleason, who is curious to see how her eighth-grader scores on spirituality. It doesn't matter what God they pray to or what church they attend, but faith is something everyone needs in their life, Gleason said.

"Unfortunately, some people will disagree with this," she said about the survey. "They always say don't talk about politics or religion in school."

Several parents said they don't object to the spiritual questions, but wondered why a public school would delve into that touchy area.

The Bethlehem Central School District did not respond to questions about the survey or a request to interview principal Michael Klugman for this story.

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Faith questions concern parents