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Assessment: Waterford students score highest in county on developmental assets; vaping and social media use flagged
Summary
Focus on Community reported that 687 Waterford students averaged 40.7 out of 60 on the developmental asset scale (highest in Racine County); presenters highlighted vaping and heavy social media use as areas for intervention and proposed youth-focused strategies.
Jason Meekma, executive director of Focus on Community, presented fall assessment results for 687 students in grades 9–12, reporting an average developmental asset score of 40.7 out of 60 — the highest score recorded in Racine County. Meekma identified organizational strengths in family connection, empowerment and support/boundaries, and noted areas for growth including commitment to learning, positive identity and constructive use of time.
Meekma flagged vaping as a persistent concern linked to a low perception of risk among students and said nearly half of surveyed students spend four or more hours daily on social media. Proposed responses included amplifying youth voice, instituting strength-based evaluations, and piloting a "social media reset" challenge aimed at reducing screen time and improving well-being.
The board received the findings as an information item; no formal action was taken. The assessment and recommended strategies will inform district and partner programming for the 2026–27 school year.
