The Student Assistance Team (SAT) is a school-based approach to dealing with the underachievement and problem behaviors of youth. It is an early intervention program designed to address students’ needs before they become bigger problems. The program is based on three convictions:

1. Students who are worried about personal problems will not effectively learn, even in the best taught classes;
2. Schools are often the first system to observe the warning signs of troubled youth; and
3. Given their vested interest in student welfare, schools provide a logical setting in which to provide help to these students.

The SAT will respond to self-referrals or to referrals from staff, parents, student’s friends, or outside agencies. It will assess the nature and extent of the problem and follow-up with the student, parent, and/or staff member. This team is composed of an administrator, guidance counselors, nurse, school psychologist, and teachers. The school social worker is the Coordinator of the SAT.

As a parent, if you have any concerns about your child’s performance, behavior, or emotional well-being, please contact his or her guidance counselor to discuss whether an SAT referral is appropriate.