Who is on the SAP Team? Whitehall High School's SAP Team is composed of specially trained staff (teachers, counselors, administrators, school nurse, school psychologist, and the School Resource Officer). Each member of the team has completed specific training and is certified through an accredited agency.
Who makes SAP referrals? SAP referrals can be made by students, family, faculty, friends, or anyone who recognizes that a student is experiencing difficulties that are interfering with his/her academic success and/or personal well-being. Students, who may be experiencing difficulties and are seeking help, may refer themselves.
What happens when a referral is made? The SAP Team will receive the referral and will collect additional information from staff members who work with the identified student. The collected information will then be shared with the student and his/her parents. The student and parent/s then have an opportunity to pursue additional services if they wish or may decline any further service at that time.
Will a student be disciplined if they are referred? No. The goal of SAP is to help students overcome obstacles that stand in the way of their academic success and personal well-being. Students are never penalized for seeking help.
Who will have access to the information gathered during the SAP process? Only SAP team members will be privileged to any information gathered throughout the SAP process. A student's teachers will be notified that a referral was made so that information about their performance and behavior in the classroom can be utilized. Only SAP team members will know the reason/outcome of a referral. SAP team members understand the sensitive nature of the information they receive and the need for it to be handled in a confidential, nonjudgmental and caring manner.
How do I know if my child could benefit from the SAP process? Consider if your child is exhibiting any of the following behaviors:
Change in behavior/interests/friend group
Withdrawing from family, friends, and/or school
Drop in grades
Excessive absences and/or tardies
Defies rules/authority at home and/or school
Change in family dynamics
Recent loss
Unexplained physical injuries and/or body marks
Deteriorating personal appearance
Mood swings
Expresses anger/hostility
Expresses sadness/hopelessness
Talks about suicide
Talks about and/or is experimenting with drugs or alcohol