Student Assistance Program (SAP)

The Pennsylvania Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a systematic team process used to mobilize school resources to remove barriers to learning. SAP is designed to assist in identifying issues including alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, and mental health issues which pose a barrier to a student’s success. The primary goal of the Student Assistance Program is to help students overcome these barriers so that they may achieve, advance, and remain in school. While Student Assistance Programs exist in other areas of the country, the structure and operation of the program in Pennsylvania is a unique expression of an integrated model serving the needs of Pennsylvania families and students.

SAP TEAM

The core of the Student Assistance Program is a professionally trained team, including school staff and liaisons from community drug and alcohol and mental health agencies. SAP team members are trained to identify issues, determine whether or not the presenting issue lies within the responsibility of the school, and to make recommendations to assist the student and the parent. When the issue lies beyond the scope of the school, the SAP team will assist the parent and student so they may access services within the community. SAP team members do not diagnose, treat or refer to treatment; but they may refer a student to a liaison who may screen or assess for further community based services and support.

 

APOLLO-RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL SAP TEAM 

Mr. Barta

 Principal 

 

Ms. Barta

Emotional Support Teacher

 

 Ms. Cecchini

6th Grade Representative

 

Ms. Ellison

School Psychologist

 

Ms. Fair

Guidance Counselor

 

Ms. Fisher

7th Grade Representative 

 

Ms. Hastings

8th Grade Representative

 

Mr. Isenberg

Life Skills Representative

 

Ms. Mika

7th Grade Representative

 

 

 SAP PROCESS

There are four phases to the student assistance process:

PHASE 1: Referral - Anyone can refer a student to SAP when they are concerned about someone’s behavior any school staff, a student’s friend, a family member or community member. 

PHASE 2: Team Planning – The SAP team gathers objective information about the student’s performance in      school from all school personnel who have contact with the student. 

PHASE 3: Intervention and Recommendations –  The team assists in linking the student to in-school and/or community-based services and activities. The team might recommend a drug and alcohol or mental health screening or assessment.

PHASE 4: Support and Follow-Up – The SAP team continues to work with and support the student and their family. Follow-up includes monitoring, mentoring, and motivating for academic success.