High School Student Assistance Program Williamsburg High School

High School Student Assistance Program Williamsburg High School SAP Team Updated 8/4/20

What is a Student Assistance Program (S. A. P. )? n A formal, consistent, and systematic approach to assist school personnel to identify issues that pose a barrier to a student’s learning and school success.

Student Assistance Programs An intervention program to gather information, intervene, and refer students to appropriate resources for help. n The Student Assistance Program is NOT a treatment program. n

S. A. P. Objectives To provide families with information regarding services to support students at home and school. n Provide students with a positive environment to seek help if needed. n Prevent student problems by early identification and intervention by prevention programs. n

What is a S. A. P. Team? The S. A. P. team consists of school personnel trained to identify, intervene and assist students and families in seeking appropriate help. n The team is assisted in their efforts by individuals trained in both mental health and drug and alcohol prevention. n

Williamsburg SAP teams Meets weekly on Tuesdays to discuss current students and newly referred students. n Are available for discussing student concerns with at anytime. n

Williamsburg High School SAP Team Michael Jones n Carrie Loose n Christine Ebersole n Jana Mock n Logan Mc. Kee n Jennifer Cala—Blair County DAP Case Manager n Rashonda Coffee-UPMC Altoona Behavioral Health SAP Liaison n

Williamsburg High School SAP Team n School Personnel: – Michael Jones – Carrie Loose – Christine Ebersole – Jana Mock – Logan Mc. Kee

Williamsburg High School SAP Team n Outside agencies: – Rashonda Coffee- UPMC Altoona Behavioral Health SAP Liaison – Renee Swogger- Outpatient Therapist, UPMC Behavioral Health – Genevieve Martin- Outpatient Therapist, UPMC Behavioral Health – Jennifer Cala—Blair County DAP Case Manager – Michaela Harrison—Blair County DAP Prevention Specialist – Jason Garman—Impact Counselor

What is a SAP team’s role? n n To collect information regarding a student who has been referred. Obtain parental permission. Refer student to appropriate services. Monitor student progress and make any necessary changes.

Reasons for referrals Change in student behavior or mood n Drop in grades or school performance n Change in friends, appearance, or interests n Physical symptoms or health problems n Defiance of rules at home or school n Low self-esteem n

Reasons for referral Alcohol or drug use, no matter how minimal, or misuse of medications. n Expressing hopelessness, worthlessness, helplessness. n Running away n Expressing desire to punish or gain revenge by harmful means n Personal stressors n

Reasons for referral The reasons listed are just a few of the many signs a student may be experiencing. n Any reason that is impacting a student’s ability to achieve, succeed, and advance in school is a good reason to refer. n

The S. A. P. Referral Process n STEP 1 -Who can refer? – Students are referred to the S. A. P. team by: n School administrators n Teachers/any staff members n Counselors, School nurses n Fellow students n Self –Students over 14 do not require parent permission for D&A n Parent/family member n Any concerned adult

Referral Process n STEP 2 – Referrals are reviewed by the team and formal information gathering is begun. Student data is gathered from various sources regarding: n Student attendance n Academic performance n Classroom behavior n Health room visits/concerns n Parent concerns/issues

Referral Process n Step 3 – After information is gathered, the team develops a plan of action based upon the student’s needs.

Referral Process n Step 4 – The student findings and recommendations that indicate the student’s need for help/assistance is presented to the parent/family by a phone call or a meeting. – Signed parental consent must be obtained prior to any further action by the team.

Referral Process n Step 5 – The team assists the parents/family and the student in pursuing a course of action designed to resolve the identified problem.

Referral Process n Step 5 continued: – Action plans for students may include: n In-school individual or group counseling. n Evaluation by the mental health system, drug and alcohol system or both. n Evaluation by school psychologist. n Other professional services outside the school setting.

Referral Process n Step 6 – The team monitors the progress of the student to determine if changes are required or if the student is succeeding in the selected program.

Confidentiality n All parties involved in the S. A. P. process must maintain and respect the confidentiality of the student throughout the entire process.

WILLIAMSBURG SAP TEAMS n Our goal is to provide our students with the tools and resources to be academically successful and be happy and productive in society.

“It takes time to know children; it takes time to work with them…it takes time to think, to read, to visit, to discuss, to seek, to grow, and to continue to grow. ” *Vincent R. Rogers

Together, WE can make a difference