SAP - Student Assistance Program

The Student Assistance Program brings together school, community, family and the youth in a working partnership. We offer assistance to students currently experiencing problems or those at risk for problems.

The SAP is designed to help students succeed in the school setting and break down barriers to learning, allowing students to successfully complete their education. Typical issues of concern for students are personal and/or family alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, truancy, family change, eating disorders, and pregnancy/parenting, and mental health issues.      

Student Assistance Program Components

• School Board Policy.
• Staff Development.
• Program Awareness.
• Internal Referral Process.
• Problem-Solving and Case Management.
• Student Assistance Program Evaluation.
• Educational Student Support Groups.
• Cooperation and Collaboration with Community Agencies and Resources.
• Integration with other School Based Programs.

Students experiencing problems, (or who are at risk for problems), require special assistance to make optimal use of their educational opportunities.  In the Brockport School District a student assistance team exists in each building.  These teams work closely with students, staff, parents, and administrators.  Building teams consist of teachers, nurses, psychologists, administrators, support staff and counselors. 

The Student Assistance Programs provides confidential services based on the educational premise that students who receive help and in dealing with pressing personal concerns, will be able to focus their remaining energies more effectively on the important task of developing academically, socially, and emotionally.

The Student Assistance Program provides the following programs for students:

Support Groups

Students may wish to join an educational support group offered by either the Counseling Departments and / or the Student Assistance Program. If you think your child would benefit from a group experience please call your child’s school for more details or the SAP Office at (585) 637-1815. Support Group offerings are dependent on student interest and need.

Peer Mediation

Mediation is an approach in which trained student mediators assist disputants or the people who disagree, in talking face-to face, allowing each side to be heard.  When an agreement is reached, it is written and signed by both disputants and the peer mediators.

Student mediators are recommended by their peers and are trained for this program.

Red Ribbon National Campaign

The Red Ribbon Campaign is a national celebration to commemorate the life of KiKi Camarena, a D.E.A. agent murdered by a drug cartel in 1985. Collaboration among the youth, parents, educators, and community leaders emphasizes a healthy, drug free lifestyle through prevention and education. A number of activities are held throughout the school and community.

Asset Builders

The Search Institute research indicates there are 40 assets children need which will allow them to grow up to be caring, responsible and successful people. Teens have been trained using the asset model acting as “Asset Ambassadors” in the schools. The school district is also working in conjunction with the Towns of Sweden, Clarkson, Hamlin and the Village of Brockport to establish a Community Asset Program.

DeLTA -

Designated Listener Trusted Adult Mentoring Program

This program has been created to help the student who needs a broader support system and safety net. DeLTA advocates are volunteers among the school staff who meet informally with the students during the school day for brief supportive interactions. Extra care and attention is given to the student in the hopes of building the student’s self-worth and developing coping strategies. The advocate will be paired with one student for several weeks, depending on the need.

Safe School Ambassadors

Safe School Ambassadors are a group of diverse committed and trained students who intervene with their peers to prevent and stop acts of cruelty and reduce tension in school, on the bus and in the community. Ambassadors are taught interventions to impact the attitudes and behaviors of bystanders. By modeling respect and teaching tolerance the ambassadors help create a campus of inclusion where all feel welcome, none feel fear and all students perform well.

Mental Health Crisis Teams

A crisis is an unpredictable, tragic event or situation that has potential to cause a state of upset and disorganization. Some examples are:  death of a student, death of a staff member, death of a significant other to a student or staff member, traumatic event, suicide, serious accident, fire, violent school intrusion, threat to campus, community/national/world crisis event and natural disaster. The goal of the mental health crisis teams are to return students and staff to normal functioning in the event of a crisis. 

How do I refer a student to the SAP program?

Parents as well as staff utilize the Student Assistance Program. The Student Assistance Office is located in the main hallway of the high school. Anyone concerned about a student may visit or call the office at (585) 637-1815. The buildings’ counseling offices also provide information about how to access services.