The Student Assistance Program (SAP) serves as an extension to our existing in-school counseling services and as a resource for staff, students, and parents by providing referral services for out-of-school assessment and treatment programs. The school setting provides the opportunity for the professional staff to observe and identify students who are at-risk and in need of help and support. At-risk students can be defined as students who are experiencing difficulty functioning in the school environment due to mental health problems and/or substance abuse. Through caring, concern, and appropriate intervention, the SAP Team will identify and help these at-risk students become responsible school citizens and achieve optimum learning.
Additional information about the SAP Team will be provided to students and parents during the first several weeks of school.
TEAM MEMBERS
Ms. Emma Grimes, Creative Health Services
Mrs. Kim Harris, Assistant Principal
Mr. David D’Andrea, Principal
Crystal Valentine, Social Worker
Mrs. Kimberly Good, Counselor
Mrs. Erin McMonagle, Counselor
Mrs. Kristin Hildreth, Counselor
Mrs. Michelle Lovell, School Nurse
Ms. Amanda Kristofco, MTSS Coordinator
Mrs. Melissa Napolitano, School Psychologist
WHO?
The PVMSE Student Assistance Program is a group of counselors and teachers who have been specially trained to identify, support and provide referrals for students who are experiencing difficulty. Counselors from Creative Health Services and Perkiomen Valley Counselors are also on the ASSIST Team.
WHAT?
The goal of the SAP Team is to identify, intervene, support and assist in the referral of students who are dealing with issues which pose a barrier to their learning and school success. These include substance abuse, violence prevention, eating disorders, grief and loss, youth depression, and problems in the family.
HOW IS A REFERRAL MADE?
If you are concerned about a student, a friend or even yourself, complete the initial referral form that is found in the box outside the Nurse’s Office. Please report specific, observable behaviors. Referrals will remain confidential. Place the completed form in the locked box outside the Nurse’s office or deliver it in a sealed envelope to one of the ASSIST team members.
WHAT DO I LOOK FOR:
Look for observable behaviors in any of the following areas: health, attendance, behavior, or academic performance. Here are some signs of possible problems:
Drop in grades
Depression
Poor hygiene
Frequent conversations about alcohol and drugs
Discussion of parties where drugs and alcohol are present
Frequent absences
Frequent lateness
Sleeping in Class
Bloodshot eyes
Crying
Defiance
Mood Swings
Decline in Motivation
Loss of interest in usual activities
Significant weight change
HOW DOES THE ASSIST TEAM PROCESS WORK?
