Why is the South Middleton School District Involved in the Student Assistance Program?
The primary responsibility of schools is to educate students. If a student is under the influence of mind-altering chemicals or feels depressed and hopeless, he/she cannot learn.
Schools are the only institution through which all children must pass. This gives the school a unique opportunity to identify and help those whose lives are being negatively affected by some high-risk behavior.
How Does the Student Assistance Team Operate?
A referral may be made by any concerned person by contacting a member of the Student Assistance Team or by requesting a SAP referral form.
Upon receiving a referral, the team designates a case manager who gathers information from faculty members who have contact with the student. Next, the case manager establishes contact with the parents. After receiving parental permission, the team member then meets with the students to discuss the reason for the referral.
Sometimes, the problem may be solved by intervention from school personnel. Other times, more information is needed. If the team recommends, a formal assessment is offered to the student by professionals from county drug and alcohol and/or mental health agencies. These specialists are team members and will make recommendations based on the information gathered from all the sources. The recommendation may range from school based services to a referral for formal treatment.
The team monitors and provides support for the student throughout the process. Confidentiality between the student and school personnel will be respected and maintained.
How to Make a Referral
Who can make a referral?
Anyone who is concerned about a student. A referral could come from a teacher, a parent, another student, or a student could refer him/her self.
How does one make a referral?
Referrals can be made in one of two ways.
- A concerned person could make a referral by calling or talking to a building principal, guidance counselor, or any of the team members listed on this site. A referral form will then be completed and sent to the team.
- A concerned student could also call or talk to a team member about themselves or a friend.
How do I get more information?
If you would like more information about the student assistance team, please feel free to call any team member. Call any member of the Student Assistance Team if you would like to make a referral.