Survivors' Math Page

S.S.T.
Student Support Team
What is it?
Middle School can be a great experience. However, it is also a time when so many things in your life are changing. At times you may feel confused, scared, alone, and overwhelmed. You are not alone. These feelings are normal for all teenagers. How you choose to deal with these feelings can have a great impact on your life. All of us are aware of the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol. Many of you will find yourselves in situations in which you feel pressure from friends and others to experiment with drugs and alcohol. Some of you will make a healthy choice and say no. However, saying no may be one of the most difficult things you do, especially if you have not found a healthy way to deal with your feelings and stress. For those of you that did not say no, there is help. The student support team is there to help anyone you know who is experiencing problems with drugs, alcohol, or other issues.
Student Assistance Program Web Site		http://www.sap.state.pa.us
Safe and Drug Free Schools Web Page		http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osdfs/index.html
Several Drug Abuse Web Sites		Center for Substance Abuse Prevention Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Join Together Online (Substance Abuse & Gun Violence) National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information National Institute on Drug Abuse National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Office of National Drug Control Policy Parents Resource Institute for Drug Education Partnership for a Drug-Free America PTA: Common Sense Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Indiana National Guard's Drug Demand Reducation Program
Bullying, Hazing, and Harrassment Web Sites		http://www.pde.state.pa.us/svcs_students/cwp/view.asp?a=141&q=98087
Self Harm Web Sites		http://health.discovery.com/centers/teen/cutters/cutters.html http://www.palace.net/%7Ellama/psych/injury.html http://www.pde.state.pa.us/svcs_students/cwp/view.asp?a=141&Q=90030
Youth Depression and Suicide Web Sites		http://www.pde.state.pa.us/svcs_students/cwp/view.asp?a=141&q=89876






Did You Know? Facts about Alcohol consumption and teens
Nationally, the average age when adolescents first try alcohol is 11 years old for boys and 13 for girls.	The average age at which Americans begin to drink regulary is approximately 16 years old.	Children in Pennsylvania start to drink earlier than the national average.
65% of underage drinkers get alcohol from family and friends	Research states that parent drinking behaviors and favorable attitudes about drinking have been positively associated with adolescents initiating and consuming alcohol.	Parents tend to deny, minomize, or rationalize alcohol use as apposed to drug use.
In our continuing effort to promote drug and alcohol awareness, listed below are signs and symptoms of possible drug and/or alcohol use or mental health issues:
Change in friends (possible with older teenagers or young adults -A decline in academic performance -Increased tardiness and/or disciplinary problems -Diminshed interest in hobbies, sports or favorite activities -Avoids family contact or decreased involvement with the family -Eating habits will change, change in appetite -Extreme mood swings -Irritablility, overreact to mild criticism -Unusual odor on breath or clothes -Eyes are red or glassy, blood shot eyes -Pupils of eyes are extremely big (dilated) or extremely small ( Pinpoint -Chronic cough or nose is runny, but no allergies are known -Careless about their personal appearance -Sluggish, listlessness or constant sleeping -Hyperactivity -Slow or slurred speech -Rapid, explosive speech -Using street or drug language

Frequently Asked Questions
Who/What is SST?	The SST is a group of counselors, nurses, and teachers who have specially trained in drug and alcohol use or abuse and mental health issues. They coordinate the identification and referral of troubled students.
Who can make a referral to SST?	Referrals can be made by students, teachers, other staff members, and/or members of the community.
When would I make a referral to the SST?	A referral is made when you or one of your friends is troubled by drug/alcohol or mental health issues that make it difficult to function normally at school.
How do I make a referral to SST?	A referral is made on a sheet of paper or on one of the pink SST referral forms you can pick up in the nurse’s office, guidance office or from your classroom teacher. Explain the problem you see and sign your name to the form. All referrals are kept confidential. No one other than the SST members will know who made the referral.
What happens when I make a referral to SST?	After receiving a referral, the SST collects information from teachers who have contact with the student. Based on this, the team decides whether or not the student needs to be interviewed. If a student does need to be interviewed, a parent is contacted for permission. After reviewing the information collected and conducting the interview, the SST will decide if the student needs more help from outside the school.
What happens after the referral paper work is completed by the SST?	Once a referral is made and future action is necessary, a SST member will contact the parent with observations, strengths, and concerns that are noted at school. Together, you will develop a plan of action to help the child to the best of our ability.
Who are the SST members?	Mr. Barone - Mrs. Bauer - Mr. Eakins Mrs. Fitch- Mr. Haines - Mr. Leach Miss Letoski\| - Mrs. McLaughlin Ms. Minotti - Mrs. O’Neil - Mrs. Ouly Mrs. Sefko - Mr. Troutman - Ms. Yazujian
Need a copy of the SST Brochure? Just Click Here = SST BROCHURE