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Student Assistance Program
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In 1986 Upper Darby School District joined the statewide effort to identify and address barriers to student success, which included alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs and mental health issues by establishing the Pa Commonwealth Student Assistance Program in the secondary schools. The SAP Program also extends itself to the elementary level to help students and families. The District's SAP program follows the state guidelines and procedures of SAP.
The Student Assistance Program is an integral part of the instructional program of Upper Darby School District. Through education and awareness programs targeting the dangers and risks associated with the use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco we hope to eliminate a barrier to academic achievement and success. These programs contribute to the universal school-wide supports needed to build resilient schools in our district.
Goals of the Student Assistance Program
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The overall goal of SAP in the elementary, middle and high schools is to help students overcome barriers so they may succeed in school
- To intervene with the identified students and, in cooperation with their families, refer them to appropriate outside agencies for treatment and mobilize school resources.
- To educate and heighten the awareness of students, faculty, parents, and the community concerning the risks of drug and alcohol abuse.
- To identify students who are involved, or who are “at risk” of becoming involved with the abuse of alcohol or other drugs.
The use and abuse of tobacco, marijuana, alcohol and other drugs among our students presents a significant barrier to academic success and thus impedes the realization of the instructional goals of our school district. The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a proactive effort to address this concern and advance the interests of our students. At the elementary school level the focus is on prevention through education and awareness, whereas, at the middle school and high school level it may be through intervention efforts.
The SAP Team
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The SAP Team of each school is made up of specially trained school personnel. Teams are representative of the professional staff of the school, i.e. school nurses, teachers, school counselors, school social workers, school psychologists, and administrators. The SAP Team provides information to faculty and staff regarding the warning signs and symptoms of substance abuse through in-service presentations, departmental meetings, new teacher orientation, and written materials.
The Referral Process
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Students are referred to the SAP Team by teachers, staff members, administrators, parents, and peers. If the referral is determined to be an appropriate SAP concern, objective behavioral data is gathered and reviewed by the SAP Team. Should the data support the concern, the parent/guardian is contacted and invited in for a meeting to discuss the concern and to offer support and a possible assessment by our professional drug and alcohol specialist. Based on the assessment, appropriate support and/or treatment strategies are suggested and discussed. All SAP referrals and the information obtained and discussed throughout the process is confidential. SAP records are not included in the students’ school file.
Need Help?
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Drugs, alcohol, marijuana and tobacco use can lead to many negative consequences, including bad grades, family problems, physical injuries, and legal problems. As a parent or guardian, look for the signs of substance abuse: a sudden change in behavior, a drop in grades, or a change in friends. If you suspect your child is using drugs, please call your child's guidance counselor at the high school for support from the SAP Team.