Student Assistance Team

 

What is a STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM?

Student Assistance Programs (SAP) were designed to aid school personnel in identifying and assisting middle and high school level students who may be experiencing problems which may affect academics or behavior at school.  At times, these problems may be related to mental health concerns, depression, suicidal thoughts or alcohol and other substance abuse.  The SAP team utilizes a systematic process, along with specially trained school personnel, to intervene, and refer these students to appropriate in-school and/or community services.

Why do we have a SAP Team?

All school districts in PA are mandated to establish and maintain a prgram to provide appropriate counseling and support services for students who experience difficulties in school.  The program has been in existence  since 1985.  Approximately 71,274 students in PA are referred to SAP teams every year. 

How does SAP work at CHS?

SAP consists of a core group of professionally trained staff of teachers, principals, school nurses, guidance counselors, and counselors from Altoona Hospital Behavioral Services department.  SAP team members meet weekly to review referrals and make appropriate recommendations for services. 

Students can be referred to SAP for different reasons:  violating the district‘s drug and alcohol policy; exhibiting signs of metal health problems, including the risk of suicide; behavioral concerns; or a drop in school performance.  It is important to know that students can be referred to SAP by teachers, school personnel, parents, friends, or by themselves.

Student participation in the program is voluntary and is meant to be a support service for students and families.  All information regarding a student‘s involvement in SAP is confidential and maintained in the best interest of the student.

Who is on the CHS team?

Team Member	Title	Email Address
Mr. Carlson	11th & 12 Grade Counselor	gcarlson@scsd.k12pen.com
Mrs. Clawson	English Teacher	jclawson@scsd.k12pen.com
Mr. Crumrine	School Principal	dcrumrine@scsd.k12pen.com
Mr. Grill	Learning Support Teacher	sgrill@scsd.k12pen.com
Mrs. Benzel	Prevention Coordinator
Mrs. Martin	School Nurse	tmartin@scsd.k12pen.com
Mrs. Boland	Learning Support Teacher	lboland@scsd.k12pen.com
Mr. Pater	Drug & Alcohol Liaison
Mrs. Shultz	Prevention Specialist
Mrs. Smith	Mental Health Liaison
Mrs. Thompson	9th & 10th Grade Counselor	sthompson@scsd.k12pen.com

 

What Services are Offered by the SAP team?

1. Referral Screening
2. Mental Health Assessment
3. Drug & Alcohol Assessment
4. Individual Counseling
5. Referrals to outside agencies/services when needed
6. Support Groups
7. Prevention Services

Additional SAP Related Information:

Crisis Information (What do I do in a crisis situation?)

How do I make a referral?

Local Drug and Alcohol Services

Parents Page

SAP Links

Students Page

Red Ribbon Week

SAP Activities for 2007-2008

SADD

 

If you need more information, please contact Stephanie L. Thompson, Central High School SAP Team Coordinator, at:

Central High School

RD#1, Box 420

Martinsburg, PA 16662

Phone:  (814) 793-2111  Fax:  (814) 793-4942