Elementary Student Assistance Programs Williamsburg Elementary School SAP Team

What is a Student Assistance Program (S.A.P.)? 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. The S.A.P. is NOT a treatment program.

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

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. The team is assisted in their efforts by individuals trained in both mental health and drug and alcohol prevention.

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

Williamsburg ESAP Team Jennifer Metzler Carrie Loose Camala Gilbert Christine Ebersole Renee Swogger- Outpatient Therapist, Home Nursing Agency Rashonda Coffee-UPMC Altoona Behavioral Health SAP Liaison

What is the team’s role? 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 Drop in grades or school performance Change in friends, appearance, or interests Physical symptoms or health problems Defiance of rules at home or school Low self-esteem

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

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

The S.A.P. Referral Process STEP 1 Students are referred to the S.A.P. team by: School administrators Teachers/any staff members Counselors, School nurses Fellow students Self Parent/family member Any concerned adult

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

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

Referral Process 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. Parental consent must be obtained prior to any further action.

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

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

School Personnel Role Each and everyone of you are a very important part of making the Williamsburg ESAP team successful. Your primary role is early identification of student barriers that impact their ability to learn. Refer at your own discretion, the team will decide if a course of action for the student is required at this time.

ESAP Team Goal 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