Student Assistance Program

Student Assistance Program

What is the Student Assistance Program (S.A.P.)?

In Pennsylvania, every middle and high school and some elementary schools have a Student Assistance Program (SAP). A SAP team, made up of school and community agency staff, is here to help you access school and community services.

PennMiddle School S.A.P. Team

Mr. James Simpson, Principal

Dr. Bill Hahn, School Psychologist

Mrs. Linnea Riley, Counselor

Mrs. Fran Strane, Nurse

Mrs. Becky Hohol, S.A.P. Liaison

Mrs. Anna Inglese, Head Teacher

Mrs. Kathy Kelly-Garris, Teacher

Mr. Chad Waszo, Teacher

Mrs. Kelly Podkul, Teacher

Mrs. Stagno, Teacher

Miss Jane DeBone, Art Teacher

Mrs. Elissa DeBiase, L.S. Teacher

Miss Lea Vanelli, Gifted Teacher

Do You See Your Child Showing Any of These Behaviors?

• Withdrawing from family, friends, and/or school
• Changing friends; no longer spends time with old friends
• Unexplained physical injuries
• Talking about suicide
• Depressed
• Defying authority, both at home and at school
• Acting aggressively
• Lying
• Needing money without an explanation
• Sudden drop in grades
• Experimenting with drugs or alcohol

Are You Concerned About Your Child's Reaction To:

• Recent death of a loved one
• Divorce of parents
• Family relocation
• A relationship problem
• Other traumatic event

How Does My Child Become Involved in the Program?

PennMiddle School's SAP team will help you find services and assistance within the school and, if needed, in the community. We do not diagnose, treat, or refer your child for treatment. Rather, we will provide you with information; you make the choices. Remember, you are part of our team. Our goal is to help your child succeed in school.

Students come to the SAP team in different ways. Anyone can refer a student to the Student Assistance Program. Some students are referred by teachers and other school personnel. Any school staff member, a student's friend or family member can let the SAP team know that they are worried about someone. The students themselves can even go directly to the SAP team to ask for help. However, the SAP team will not become involved unless we receive your permission.

What Happens After I Give My Permission

There are several steps that the team will take after you sign the permission form:

1. The SAP team will gather specific information about your child's performance in school from all school staff that has contact with your child. A SAP team member will also talk with you either in person or over the phone about your observations, your child's strengths, and your concerns.
2. Together, you and the SAP team will develop a plan of action to help your child achieve success in school. The plan might include services and activities in school and/or services from a community agency. If necessary, the SAP team will talk with you about services in the community and give you information on how to contact others who may be able to help.
3. The SAP team will continue to work with and support your child. They will stay in touch with you to talk about your child's progress and success in school. Your continued involvement is very important.

Contacting PennMiddle School's SAP Team

If you feel your child may need help, complete the SAP Referral Form and return to Mrs. Riley, Guidance Counselor. If you have further questions, please call 724-744-7877.