The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is composed of a group of specially trained school staff and community agency liaisons who work together to identify students who are experiencing school problems such as:

• Divorce, separation and step family issues;
• Stressful situations and life pressures;
• Death and grief issues;
• Absence of coping skills due to poor communication, a low self-image;
• Establishing and maintaining friendships and getting along with others;
• Alcohol or drug use or experimentation;
• Depression or other mental health problems.
  
  

It is the parent’s right to be involved in all phases of the Student Assistance process. The Student Assistance Program is designed to assist students and parents by making in-school resources available and providing information about community resources. The Student Assistance Program does not provide therapy or implement disciplinary consequences.

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Staff members may notice a decline in school performance (attendance, grades, conduct) which may indicate that a student is experiencing difficulty. These behavior changes are reported to a SAP team member.

Self-referrals are accepted. Students may seek information or help by contacting a SAP team member.

Peers who are concerned about a friend’s problems are encouraged to discuss these concerns with a SAP team member.

Family members are encouraged to communicate with the SAP team for information or assistance.

Community agencies and institutions (church, social services, criminal justice systems and counseling agencies) deal with students and their families. Community referrals should be directed to the SAP team.

The SAP team collects information about the student’s performance and behavior from a variety of sources: teachers, counselors, nurses, administrators and other staff members as needed. All information is confidential.

If a SAP referral is appropriate, parental consent is requested. The team analyzes this information, along with input from the student and parent, in order to determine the best course of action for the student.

Intervention alternatives include: counseling services, individual counseling, referral to other school professionals and/or referral to outside agencies.

For more information, please contact your student’s School Counselor.

Mrs. Rachel Aldefer, Counselor
Miss Joanna Suriel, Counselor
Ms. Teresa Casimire, Assist. Principal
Mr. Robert Frey, Athletic Director
Mrs. MaryEllen Prager, Nurse
Mrs. Eileen Dophin, Nurse
Mr. Jason Gordon, Teacher
Mrs. Kerry Schultz, Teacher