Student Assistance Program (SAP)

  • Student Assistance Program (SAP)

     

    SAP Team

    The Hamburg Student Assistance Program Team is a multi-disciplinary team composed of school personnel (teachers, administrators, school nurses, and counselors). This team is trained to understand the issues of adolescent chemical use, abuse, and dependency, as well as mental health issues. SAP plays a primary role in the identification and referral process of students coming to their attention through the procedures outlined by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Student Assistance Program (SAP). SAP is not a treatment program. Rather, it is a systematic process to mobilize school resources to remove barriers to learning and, where the problems are beyond the scope of the school, to assist the student and parents with information so they may access services in the community.

     

    Hamburg Area Middle School has made a commitment to serving each student to help them obtain a complete academic education. The SAP Team's priority is to have students concentrate on the process of learning without the negative impacts of chemical use/abuse and emotional distress.

     

    Team Member Training

    Each team member has undergone special training approved by the PA Department of Education. The team works based on referrals from teachers and parents to identify and help students with substance abuse problems or who have emotional health issues hindering their ability to obtain a complete education. The team works closely with a trained drug/alcohol and mental health professional.

     

    For a list of SAP Team members, please contact the Middle School Main Office (610) 562-2241.

     

    Referral Process

    Students may be referred to the SAP Team by teachers, parents, other students, or by self-referral. Any student who violates the HAMS drug and alcohol policy will automatically be referred to SAP for an assessment. All referrals to SAP are kept confidential within the team. With parent approval, HAMS may offer student-centered services such as educational support groups, in-school mentoring, and aftercare resources.

     

    Please see the forms below to request a SAP referral.

     

    Warning Signs

    Adolescence is a time of many transitions. Some moodiness and change in a student's behavior is part of normal development. However, when you notice a marked change or gradual deterioration over a period of time, it should cause concern. The SAP Team can assist in deciding if a student needs help in accessing appropriate community resources. Referral forms may also be submitted in the blue box in the Nurse’s Office. Please contact a member of SAP if you notice any of the following signs listed below. 

     

    • Deterioration of relationships with family members
    • Change in friends
    • Change in eating habits
    • Change in sleeping habits
    • Excessive need for privacy
    • Change in personal grooming or attire
    • Poor school attendance
    • Declining grades
    • Lost interest in hobbies, sports and other favorite activities
    • Unexplained moodiness or anger
    • Unusual fatigue or burst of energy
    • Unusual spending habits or having unexplained money
    • Possessing drug paraphernalia
    • Glassy bloodshot eyes
    • Frequent cold-like symptoms     

     

    Please see the forms below for a SAP referral checklist.

     

     

    For those looking for additional resources or support, please see our Student & Families Resources/Support page under the "School Counseling" tab. 

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