STUDENT ASSISTANCE

Student Assistance Specialists

What is the Student Assistance Program?

The Student Assistance Program seeks to help students succeed in school and in life.   Students may not be performing in school because of issues other than learning difficulties, (i.e. substance abuse, difficulties at home, grief and loss, anger management, stress, etc.)  and need help. ALL services are confidential. It is a grant funded service.

How do I contact the Student Assistance Specialist?

• Leave a note
• Call
• Email 
• Stop by the office
• Ask your guidance counselor to see the Student Assistance Specialist. 

Leave a note:  To refer a student you could leave a note in our mailboxes or just slide it under the office door.       Please keep referrals confidential by using envelopes or staples. You can also email or call us. 

STUDENT ASSISTANCE SPECIALIST

• Specialized Groups and Intervention for Grief & Loss, Anger, Drug use (personal or family), Stress or Anxiety, LGBTQ issues
• Individual meetings (occasional), Groups
• Referrals and Resources for Teens and their families
• coordinate the Coalition Teen Council group at Chippewa Valley High School
• Referrals come from: Self, Parents, Teachers, Coaches, Other Students, Administration and Guidance
• CONFIDENTIAL - unless there is a safety issue - harm to self, others or someone is hurting the student.

What kind of services does Student Assistance provide?  

Student Assistance offers support groups and individual  meetings that focus on support, education, prevention and intervention. 

What Student Assistance does not do:

They do not deal with scheduling, grades, college applications or general counseling needs that would be the role of the Guidance Counselor. 

Purpose of Groups:

Support groups increase:

• knowledge 
• understanding 
• skills to promote resiliency

Frequency of Groups:

Support groups may meet anywhere from once a week to monthly.  Please contact a student assistance specialist for information on which groups are meeting this semester. 

Types of Groups May Include the Following:

• ANGER MANAGEMENT – This group focuses on Anger and Conflict Resolution. Lessons may include:  causes of anger, defining feelings, alternative choices to violence, calming skills, making good choices, and personal responsibility. 
• GRIEF AND LOSS – This group focuses on dealing with Grief and Loss. Lessons may include: stages of grief, defining feelings, reflection, memory boxes, personal responsibility and making positive choices. 
• STRESS AND ANXIETY – This group focuses on Coping with Anxiety and Stress. Lessons may include: Causes of anxiety and stress, coping skills, calming skills, changing negative thought patterns, making good choices, and personal responsibility. 
• FAMILY and HOME SUPPORT – This group for those who are concerned about someone close to them, maybe they are dealing with a health issue, drug addiction, abuse, etc.  Topics will include: What I can and cannot control, making healthy choices, personal responsibility, coping skills, how to talk about the issue, and where to get additional help. 
• COPING SKILLS – This group is meant for those struggling with life, goal setting, and friendships.  Topics will include: defining self, working on goals, identifying strengths, making positive choices, coping skills, identifying wants/needs and creating a plan of action.  

 Other Information about group:

• Group sessions are during school usually for one hour.  Groups are conducted different hours each week so that the student  does  not miss the same class each week. 
• Students are responsible for any classroom work they miss. 
• Group is voluntary. Sharing is optional. 
• All group members are expected to keep confidentiality.  
• If there is a group not listed, it can be requested. 

What happens if a student sees the Student Assistance Specialist?

• When a student is referred, the Student Assistance Specialist will coordinate with the student's guidance counselor, school staff, administration  guardians as appropriate.
• The Student Assistance Specialist will met with the student and assess potential needs.  

Here are some of the possible outcomes  after meeting with the Student Assistance Specialist:

• Referral to outside community agencies
• Offered education
• Support group
• Determined to be seen individually for a few meetings
• Student Assistance Specialist and guardian discussion about resources available 

What if the student is referred because of suspension, detention or other problem behaviors?

• Once Student Assistance is notified of a recent suspension,  the student will be seen upon their  return to school.   The student will be provided some educational materials and screening to determine if there are services that the Student Assistance Program can provide.  
• Based on the screening, the student may be recommended to participate in group or individual sessions.  
• If the suspension is due to substance use concerns, a recommendation may be made to a community resource,  the chemical awareness  group and/or other educational programs.

Who can refer to the Student Assistance?

• Administration
• Friends
• Parents/Guardian/Siblings/Family Member
• Self
• Students 
• Teachers
• Any other school staff member