Student Assistance Program (SAP)
LEHIGH ELEMENTARY SAP TEAM
What is the Student Assistance Program?
In Pennsylvania, schools at every level are required to have a Student Assistance Program (SAP). This team consists of school personnel and agency staff who meet regularly to identify barriers to student learning and success. The purpose of this team is to help parents and guardians access school and community-based services and supports for their child/student.
The team will not diagnose or treat your child, rather provide you with information to make the best choice(s) to fit your child’s needs. As a parent/guardian, you are a valued member of the team and will be part of the decision-making process.
How Does My Child Become Involved in the Program?
Students can be referred to the SAP team in many different ways. Some students are referred by teachers or school personnel, while others are referred by concerned family members or friends. A child also has the ability to directly ask for help from the team.
Please note that the team will not proceed past this point without written permission from parents/guardians.
Once permission is received by parents, the SAP team will work with the family and their child to develop an action plan. Parents/Guardians are a valued member of the team and will be part of the decision-making process.
Participation in this program is voluntary and confidential.
Do You See Your Child Showing Any of These Behaviors?
Sudden drop in grades
Decreased school attendance
Withdrawing from family, friends, and/or activities
Sudden change in friend group
Unexplained physical injuries
Talking about suicide
Feeling sad and/or depressed
Defying authority (both at home and at school)
Lying
Engaging in high risk behavior
My Child Has Been Referred. What Happens Next?
Someone may have referred your child because they have witnessed a noticeable change in your child’s behavior and are concerned for their well-being. Please know, participation in this program is not punitive in any way.
Once a child is referred, a member of the SAP team will reach out to you and request that you sign a permission form for your child to become involved in the program. Once this permission is received, a team member will begin to work with you and your child to create a plan for success.
Center for Humanistic Change
Stephanie Dorney, the Senior Student Assistance Program Liaison, presents information on the Student Assistance Program for the 20-21 school year. The SAP Liaisons are introduced throughout the video.
SAP Team Members:
Mrs. Shannin Peters - Principal
Mrs. Adrienne Costenbader - School Counselor
Mrs. Megan McHugh - School Nurse
Mr. Jarad Haupt - Technology/Lead Teacher
Mrs. Erica Amato - 2nd Grade Teacher
Additional Resources:
BULLYING:
Pennsylvania Bullying Prevention Toolkit
Center for Safe Schools
VAPING:
My Life. My Quit.
My Life My Quit educates adolescents and teens on the dangers of vaping and using products that contain tobacco and nicotine. Support is available for teens attempting to quit. Resources are also available for parents, families, educators, and healthcare professionals.
The Real Cost of Vaping
These lessons, activities, and videos created by Scholastic and the FDA will allow adolescents and teens to analyze informational text, collect data, and evaluate marketing messages when it comes to vaping. Addiction and cessation resources are also available for teens, schools, and families.