Student Assistance Program (SAP)

The Student Assistance Program (SAP) has been established in schools throughout Pennsylvania with the cooperative support of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Health and Welfare. SAP Programs provide schools with the means to identify, refer, and support students who are exhibiting behavioral, academic, or attendance issues that put them at risk.

Each school in the Bangor Area School District has a SAP team of dedicated school personnel who are trained to assist students, faculty, and family members in identifying problems that impact the student’s ability to function in school. The team can also offer students and their family’s resources to assist them in alleviating these problems.

Why would a student be referred to the SAP team?

Students can be referred to the SAP team based on a variety of reasons. Is there anything that is interfering with the student's success at school? Are their grades dropping? Are they absent from school frequently? Have they had a change in behavior (suddenly very quiet? Or have they been acting out, or getting in trouble)? Has their appearance changed (including fatigue, weight loss/gain)? Is there a suspicion of alcohol or drug use? Has there been a change in peer group? Any changes in affect (depressed? anxious)? Has there been a significant or traumatic event in the family, such as divorce, illness, or death? If you are concerned about a student for any of these reasons and would like to find a way to support them, feel free to make a referral.

Who can make a referral to the SAP team?

Anyone. A parent, teacher, counselor, or peer/friend may make a referral to the SAP team.

How do I make a referral?

Anyone can make a referral by contacting a member of the building SAP team.

Are referrals confidential? Will this go in my file?

The entire start process is confidential, and is completely voluntary -- it may be stopped at any time. A SAP referral does not become part of the student's cumulative file, and does not go on to colleges or employers. The process is designed to support students and families, and is not disciplinary in any way.

What resources are available to students who go through the SAP process?

After the SAP team receives a referral and reviews objective information about the student, the team may make recommendations for appropriate school-based or community-based supports or interventions. The SAP teams in the Bangor School District works in partnership with Northampton County.  The student may receive recommendations for additional or ongoing community-based supports, which may include private counseling, classes, support groups, etc.