Student Assistance Team

The Pennsylvania Department of Education mandates the establishment and operation of a Student Assistance Program (SAP) in Pennsylvania’s public schools. At the Bellefonte Area Middle School, the present SAP is made up of teachers, guidance counselors, and building administrators.  The job of the specially trained members of the SAP is to help students who are having problems related to substance abuse or mental health issues. Students are encouraged to refer a classmate who seems seriously worried, cannot sleep, uses drugs, tobacco, or alcohol, has eating problems, is always angry or crying, threatens to run away, or talks about bringing harm to others or to him/herself.   A student should also make a self-referral if he or she is troubled in any of the above-mentioned ways.  

Referrals to SAP may be made by school personnel, parents, and/or students.  Students wishing to make a referral should contact a member of the school team or a confidential note can be placed in the SAP box that is located in the main office or in the library.  The processing of referrals is handled with the utmost confidentiality. Team members for the 2007-2008 school year are: Mr. Copper, Ms. Jami Miller, Ms. Pighetti, Ms. Krisch, Ms. Flanigan, Dr. Joy Miller, Ms. Barickman, Mr. Nye, Ms. Flanigan, and Mr. Bandel.