S.A.P. or Student Assistance Program is a nationwide program designed to help students who are at risk. At varying times during all of our lives we have been depressed, struggled with fitting in, and may have even thought about experimenting with a controlled substances. It is at this point that a team of trained concerned professionals can lend a helping hand in a non-punitive manner. Many times the services provided are free of any charges.

All that is needed to start the process is an anonymous referral to any staff member at the school or write the referral and drop it off in the S.A.P. referral box in the counseling offices located at the entrance.

There are four phases to the student assistance process:
Referral - Anyone can refer a student to SAP when they are concerned about someone's behavior -- any school staff, a student's friend, a family member or community member. The students themselves can even go directly to the SAP team to ask for help. The SAP team contacts the parent for permission to proceed with the SAP process.

Team Planning - The SAP team gathers objective information about the student's performance in school from all school personnel who have contact with the student. Information is also collected from the parent. The team meets with the parent to discuss the data collected and also meets with the student. Together, a plan is developed that includes strategies for removing the learning barriers and promoting the student's academic and personal success to include in-school and/or community-based services and activities. 

Intervention and Recommendations - The plan is put into action. The team assists in linking the student to in-school and/or community-based services and activities. The team might recommend a drug and alcohol or mental health assessment.

Support and Follow-Up - The SAP team continues to work with and support the student and their family. Follow-up includes monitoring, mentoring, and motivating for academic success.