The Student Assistance Coordinator (SAC) endorsement authorizes the holder to perform the functions of a student assistance coordinator in grades preschool through 12. The position of SAC shall be separate and distinct from any other employment position in the school District. Paulsboro Public Schools Job Description.

 The functions of the SAC may include:

   1. Assisting with the in-service training of school staff concerning substance abuse and related issues and with the district program to combat substance abuse.

  2. Serving as an information resource for substance abuse prevention, curriculum development and instruction. 

   3. Assisting the district in revising and implementing substance abuse and related policies and procedures.

       4. Developing and administering substance abuse and related intervention services in the district.

       5. Providing counseling and referral services to students regarding substance abuse and related problems.

      6. Cooperating with community service providers or other officials in the rendering of substance abuse and related treatment services. 

A comprehensive program providing prevention, intervention, support and instructional services for students implemented by the Student Assistance Counselor (SAC).  The SAC offers assistance to students facing familial, emotional, social, legal, physical, sexual, or substance abuse challenges.  They also serve as a structured, organized liaison between the school, parents/guardians, and outside agencies.

The SAC promotes healthy, safe, and drug-free lifestyles along with strength-based approaches in working with youth. They utilize existing resources within the school to address school-based concerns, and link students and their families with community resources to provide specialized services, such as outside psychiatric and drug/alcohol evaluations.

Initiatives and Programming

The Student Assistance Program includes activities and in-class lessons that cover a variety of topics that may include, but not limited to:

• Suicide Prevention

• Self Care

• Drug Misuse: Prevention and Treatment

  • Paulsboro Public Schools Drug Abuse Policy (5530)

• Diversity / Unity / Kindness

• Red Ribbon Week

• Drug and Alcohol Fact Week

• Consent and Dating Violence Awareness

• Challenge Day

• OM3D: One Moment 3 Decisions

• After the Fire - Resiliency and Self-Preservation

• National Substance Abuse Prevention Month

  • • DEA National Take Back Day

    • National Prescription Drug Take Back Day 

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• Mental Health Awareness and Supports

  • Mental Health Awareness Month

  • Students Helping Students, The Mental Health Awareness Club

In addition to the functions of  being a Counselor; SAC Counselors are known as SAC Coordinators 

•  SAC Counselors Coordinate and Network with outside agencies to provide additional resources that the state of NJ offers. 

  • • Specific funding is giving to each county to help with substance prevention and intervention. 

      • Funds provide psychoeducation to students, staff, parents, and the local community. 

• SAC counselors coordinate specific events (i.e., assemblies, activities, classroom instruction, individual and group counseling) to bring awareness to topics surrounding substance misuse/abuse and/or mental health. Events also take place in the local community.

•  As the  Paulsboro Jr/Sr High School SAC, I have a dual role as the SAC Coordinator of three Mentorship programs, listed below.  

The listed programs below are supported by the Municipal Alliances Committee of Gloucester County and the Paulsboro Education Association (PEA). The Paulsboro Education Association is the union that represents the teachers and staff of the Paulsboro Public Schools. The PEA has many goals, some of which include creating a future where schools are funded, educators are supported, and students are thriving.  Another goal is to increase community awareness of the great things happening in the Paulsboro Public Schools. This goal is possible by building community support and involvement to prepare each student to be a viable and productive member of society.

The Municipal Alliance Committee receives funding to administer the program from the Drug Enforcement Demand Reduction Fund (DEDR). The goal of the Municipal Alliance Council is established by municipal ordinance and engage residents, local government and law enforcement officials, schools, nonprofit organizations, the faith community, parents, youth and other allies in efforts to prevent alcoholism and drug abuse in communities throughout New Jersey. 

Benefits of any High School club/extracurricular Activity

Research indicates that participation in extracurricular activities positively correlates with students’ development both academically and personally. Article written by  Claudette Christison (Brandon University’s graduate diploma program, 2013)

• Colleges consider extracurricular activities to be a great supplement to the resume. 

• Not only are they good for your student's profile, but they'll also help them in life in many ways. 

• Students who participate in extracurricular activities have greater academic success, greater character development, especially in the areas of time-management and leadership skills, more positive social development, and greater interest in community involvement. 

• Students who participate frequently in extracurricular activities tend to have higher grades, better test scores, and more positive educational experiences in general (Fredricks, 2011).

• Students who participate in extracurricular activities report higher levels of self-concept and self-worth (Blomfield & Barber, 2009). 

• Students also have opportunities to develop personal interests and discover their strengths and weaknesses (Fredricks & Eccles, 2008).

•  Group activities build team-work and communication skills, which are necessary for success in the workforce and other future endeavors.

• Group activities provide opportunities for students to build connections with others who have similar interests and goals, which will increase their motivation to commit long term to an activity that also increases enjoyment. 

• Also, extracurricular activities provide opportunities for students to connect with positive social groups that influence students to avoid negative life choices (Veltz & Shakib, 2013). 

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