SAC Counselor's Role
What is a Student Assistant Counselor?
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.
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.
What is a Student Assistance Program?
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
Diversity / Unity / Kindness
Consent and Dating Violence Awareness
After the Fire - Resiliency and Self-Preservation
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
Student Assistant Coordinator
Rose A. Clark, M.S., LCADC, SAC
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).
Athletes Being Leaders Everywhere
Project A.B.L.E. (Athletes Being Leaders Everywhere) is a Cross-Age-Teaching Program. Student Athletes in Grades 10, 11 and 12 are recommended by their Coaches. Paulsboro High School has been facilitating the Project A.B.L.E. Program for over 19 years.
- Once a month these Student/Athletes are trained in a Lesson from the Princeton Health Press, Evidence-Based "Botvin LifeSkills Training (LST) program, 2023 Drug/Alcohol Curriculum".
- In groups of eight to ten, Student/Athletics teach the Lesson to the 6th Grade Students at Loudenslager Elementary School.
PROJECT A.B.L.E (Athletes Being Leaders Everywhere): To access the Google Classroom link for PROJECT A.B.L.E: Click HERE
Big Brother/Big Sister
Peer Mentorship Program
Big Brother/Big Sister is a Peer Mentor Program. We are in our 37th year and in 1996 we were recognized by the National Big Brother-Big Sister Organization. Juniors and Seniors volunteer to be a positive role model to an incoming 7th grade student. Each 7th grader is assigned a Big Brother or Big Sister to assist them with adjusting to the setting of high school.
- Each Big Brother and Big Sister is scheduled to meet with their Little Brother - Little Sister once a month, ideally during Homeroom. This Program is during school hours only. Matches are made based on interest, hobbies, sports involvement, gender, and race. Our Annual Awards Program/Make Your Own Sundae is the last Thursday in May to show our appreciation to everyone involved in this program.
Big Brother & Big Sister Program: To access the Google Classroom link for BB/BS: Click HERE
Paulsboro Raiders Student Mentoring Program
Mentorship Program