• SAP - Student Assistance Program

    • If you would like to refer a student to the SAP program, please either:

       

      a) complete the electronic or

       

      b) print out the  and return it to Student Services or a SAP team member 

      CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE SAP TEAM:

       

      Marykate Schrack, School Counselor
      Kate Mallon, School Counselor
      Carissa VanDerSluis Social Worker
      Dr. Michele McIntyre, Psychologist
      Lara Harley, School Nurse
      Betty DiFranceisco, Teacher
      Zach Marttila, Teacher
      Nicole Brandecker, Teacher
      Betsey Coyne, Teacher
      Carrie Tyburski, Teacher

       

      WHAT IS SAP?

      SAP is a state-mandated student assistance program developed to help students, teachers and staff members in dealing with concerns about students who are believed to be experiencing barriers to learning. SAP utilizes a systematic process to identify and refer students who may appear at-risk due to drug and alcohol or mental health issues. SAP is NOT a disciplinary process.

      WHAT ARE SOME FUNCTIONS OF THE SAP TEAM?

      Identify students who may be at-risk due to alcohol or drug use, depression or other mental health problems.
      Intervene and refer those students to appropriate in-school or community services (assistance programs are intervention, NOT in-school treatment programs).
      Inform students, parents and school staff about the available student assistance services.
      Encourage parental involvement in the SAP process.

      WHO ARE THE TEAM MEMBERS?

      The core team members consist of volunteer faculty and staff who have been trained to assist the student and his/her family in identifying problems that impact on the student's ability to function successfully in school, and to offer assistance in alleviating these problems. The SAP team is supported by the Bucks County Council (215)230-8218 and the Lenape Valley Foundation (215)345-5300.

       

      WHO CAN REFER STUDENTS TO SAP?

       

      Teachers, school staff, parents, and peers are the source of student referrals. Also, students often refer themselves for help.

      HOW IS A STUDENT REFERRED?

      Students may be referred to the SAP team by completing a SAP Referral Form found on the top of this page or in the guidance or health office.

      HOW CONFIDENTIAL IS THE REFERRAL PROCESS?

      Confidentiality is essential for the student, parent, teacher and administrator. Every effort is made to keep extremely confidential any information gathered by the SAP team. The names of specific school personnel are never mentioned.

      WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SAP RECEIVES A REFERRAL?

      The SAP team meets weekly to discuss the progress of any pending referrals and to assign new referrals for processing. In the case of new referrals, all faculty and staff who have regular contact with the student are sent a confidential survey of specific observable behaviors. Any concerns for the students are communicated to the team members and will be shared with the parents.


      WHAT DOES SAP DO WITH THE DATA THEY GATHER?

      The data gathered by the behavior survey is then entered on a spreadsheet for the purpose of documenting any patterns. State law requires that SAP notify the student's parent/guardian of the reported behaviors. During this exchange, the SAP caseworker will offer team assistance.

      WHAT IS AN INTERVENTION?

      When reporting the behavior survey to the student's parent/guardian, the SAP caseworker will offer to meet with the student and parent(s) and two/three other team members to share and discuss the reported concerns. Often the appropriate county agency representative is also in attendance at these interventions. It is during the intervention process that the student is encouraged to undergo an assessment to determine the extent of the problem.

      WHAT HAPPENS TO THE INFORMATION GATHERED DURING AN ASSESSMENT?

      All information gathered during an assessment by a county agency clinician is strictly confidential.