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Student Assistance Program Mission Statement
The Howell Township Public School’s Student Assistance Program (SAP) is committed to helping our students make healthy choices regarding alcohol, drugs, smoking and violence through education, intervention, referral and supportive services.
Standard 2.3: All Students Will Learn The Physical, Mental, Emotional, And Social Effects Of The UseAlcohol, drug and violence prevention programs are delivered in various forms throughout the school year in collaboration with the Howell Police Department and the Howell Community Alliance to Prevent Alcohol and Drug Abuse.
The SAP Program also includes the Student Assistance Coordinator (SAC), Tom Letson, a NJ licensed alcohol and drug counselor who provides substance abuse intervention when needed and investigates potential substance abuse by referred students. When appropriate, referred student’s are interviewed by the SAC to determine the need for treatment at an approved outside agency. Students may also be referred to the SAC for preventative education and counseling via groups and/or one to one sessions.
According to the New Jersey Professional Licensure and Standards code (6A:9-13.2), the Substance Awareness Coordinator (SAC) endorsement authorizes the holder to perform the functions of a SAC in grades preschool through 12. The functions of the SAC may include:
1. Assisting with the in-service training of school staff concerning substance abuse and related issues and with the district program to combat substance abuse;
2. Serving as an information resource for substance abuse prevention, curriculum development and instruction;
3. Assisting the district in revising and implementing substance abuse and related policies and procedures; click here to review NJ's Substance Abuse Law for Public Schools.
4. Developing and administering substance abuse and related intervention services in the district;
5. Providing counseling and referral services to students regarding substance and related problems; and
6. Cooperating with community service providers or other officials in the rendering of substance abuse and related treatment services.
Students displaying several risk factors of substance abuse are offered to participate in our Mentoring Program with Mr. Letson or other pre approved staff members.. Students Mentored by a School Staff member meet with their mentors for brief meetings during school hours for extra support and encouragement.
Students experiencing problems such as depression, anger, bullying, victim of bullying or violence may also be referred to the SAC for in school support and referral for outside services when necessary.
The SAP program also serves as an educational resource to parents. Books, informational pamphlets, parent workshops and meetings with the Student Assistance Coordinator are offered. Please call to schedule an appointment.
The SAP program helps to support the NJ Department of Education New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education. Click here to review