Student Support Team

IT’S YOUR CHOICE!

Being a middle school student has always been tough. It is a time when so many things in your life are changing, and sometimes it seems hard to keep track of everything. Feeling both confused and strange is normal as you go through all these changes. The point is, you’re not strange or weird - you’re just like every other teenager. However, you have many more choices to make as a middle school student.
Most of you will make the right choices; however, some of you may make the choices that will make this confusing time even tougher. Those of you who make poor choices are at risk of becoming involved with alcohol and other drug use.
You are all aware of the harmful effects of alcohol and other drug use. Most of you will usually be strong enough to say “NO!” A few of you may feel pressure from friends, home, or school and decide to experiment with drugs and alcohol. To say “NO”! may be one of the hardest and most important choices you make at this time in your life. You have a bright future ahead of you … you can take charge of your life … you can make healthy decisions …

YOU CAN DO IT!

NEED HELP?
The Orefield Middle School Support Team (SST) is a chance for you to help yourself or a friend if alcohol or drugs are a part of your life. Here are the answers to questions you may have about the SST program.

1. Q: WHO IS THE SST?
The SST is a group of counselors, nurses, principals, and teachers specially trained in alcohol and other drug use or abuse and mental health issues. They coordinate the identification and referral of troubled students.

2. Q: WHO CAN MAKE A REFFERAL TO THE SST?
Referrals can be made by parents, peers, students, or school staff.

3. Q: WHEN IS A REFERRAL MADE TO THE SST?
A referral is made when a student is troubled by alcohol or other drug problems that prevent them from functioning normally at school.

4. Q: HOW IS A REFERRAL MADE?
A referral is made on a sheet of paper or an SST referral form obtained from an SST member, teacher, or the guidance office. Explain the problem you see and sign your name to the form. ALL REFERRAL SOURCES REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL AND NO ONE OUTSIDE OF THE SST TEAM WILL KNOW WHO FILLED OUT THE REFERRAL FORM. Completed forms should be given to any SST team member or the guidance office.

5. Q: WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A REFERRAL IS MADE TO THE SST?
After receiving a referral, the SST collects information from faculty who have contact with the student. After reviewing the information collected, the SST will decide on a course of action. An interview may be conducted with the student and/or their parents.

6. Q: WILL A STUDENT GET SUSPENDED FROM SCHOOL OR RECEIVE DETENTION IF THEY ARE REFERRED TO SST?
No. However, students who violate the school district’s drug and alcohol policy as outlined in your student handbook may be subject to disciplinary action.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN TROUBLE WITH ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUGS, MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE – HELP, REFER!