Page 15 - MS_handbook_20_21

• School-wide behavioral expectations that are STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
consistent for all settings The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a state-mandated
• Modeling, teaching, practicing, and reinforcing program in which the primary goal is to help students
those expectations overcome any barrier to learning. The SAP team helps
• Acknowledging when students are meeting those students so that they may achieve, remain in school, and
expectations advance.
SAP is a systemic process utilizing techniques to mobilize
SALE OR TRANSACTIONS school resources to remove barriers to learning. The core of
The selling or purchasing of items in school between the program is a professionally trained team, including
students (i.e, clothing, electronics, jewelry) is not permitted school staff and liaisons from community mental health and
without permission of the principal. drug and alcohol agencies. SAP team members are trained
to identify problems, determine whether the presenting
SCHOOL COUNSELING SERVICES problem lies within the responsibility of the school and to
The Mission of the Pine-Richland School Counseling make recommendations to assist the student and the parent.
program is to provide a comprehensive developmental When the problem lies beyond the scope of the school, the
counseling program addressing the academic, career and SAP team will assist the parent and student so they may
personal/social growth of all students. In partnership with access services within the community. The SAP team
other educators, parents or guardians and the community, members do not diagnose, treat, or refer to treatment; but
school counselors advocate maximizing student potential, they may refer for a screening or an assessment for treatment
academic achievement and preparedness for success in a with parent permission.
global society. Students or parents are welcome and
encouraged to contact their School Counselor with concerns There are four phases to the student assistance process:
at any time. Please call 724-625-3111; Jennifer Mullaugh • Referral – Anyone can refer a student to SAP
(ext. 2229) is the Counselor for students with last names A- when he/she is concerned about someone’s
K, and Olivia Mastrangelo (ext. 2230) is the Counselor for behavior. Examples: Any school staff, a student’s
students with last names L-Z. friend, a family member or community member.
The students themselves can even go directly to
SEARCHES the SAP team to ask for help. The SAP team
School officials have the authority to lawfully search contacts the parent for permission to proceed with
students or their belongings, including lockers, automobiles, the SAP process.
electronic devices, purses, backpacks, clothing, and other • Team Planning – The SAP team gathers objective
possessions, without a warrant, when in school, on school information about the student’s performance in
grounds or when otherwise under school supervision, if there school from all school personnel who have contact
is a reasonable suspicion that the place or thing to be with the student. Information from the parent is
searched contains prohibited contraband, material that also collected. Together, the team and parent
would pose a threat to the health, safety and welfare of the develop a plan that includes strategies for
school population, or evidence that there has been a violation removing the learning barriers and promoting the
of the law, board policy, or school rules. The scope and student’s academic and personal success to
extent of searches must be reasonable in relation to the include in- school and/or community-based
nature of the suspected evidence, contraband or dangerous services and activities.
material and to the grounds for suspecting that it may be • Intervention and Recommendations – The plan
found in the place or thing being searched. Every effort will is put into action. The team assists in linking the
be made to contact the student’s parent/guardian prior to student to in-school and/or community-based
searching a student’s belongings. Additional information services and activities. The team might
related to searches can be found in district policy via this recommend a drug and alcohol or mental health
link. assessment. For those students receiving
treatment through a community agency, the SAP
SNACKS/TREATS FROM HOME team, in collaboration with parents and the agency,
The Pine-Richland School District Wellness Policy was can assist in helping plan in-school support
adopted in 2017. This policy states that: services during and after treatment.
• Only non-food based parties and celebrations • Support and Follow-up – The SAP team
shall occur on the school campus during the continues to work with and support the student and
school day in district schools. their family. Follow-up includes monitoring,
• Shared classroom snacks are not permitted in mentoring, and motivating for academic success.
district schools.
• Foods and beverages shall not be used as a The student assistance process is based upon state
reward or incentive in district schools. guidelines, professional standards and policies, and
procedures adopted by the local school board of directors.
The wellness policy allows students to choose healthy foods Professional training for team members in all phases of the
over those high in carbohydrates, sugar and empty calories. student assistance process is required to ensure the
A list of suggestions was prepared by Pine-Richland Food appropriateness of the recommended services, effective
Service Manager Diane Bucknum. Items that may be interagency collaboration and compliance with state and
included are foods with no added sugar or minimal amount federal laws and protecting the privacy rights of parents and
of sugar, fresh fruits and vegetables, and water, 100% fruit students.
juice or milk.
SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS/AUDIO RECORDINGS
14