Schools are the only institution through which all young people must pass.  This gives schools a unique opportunity to identify and help those whose lives are being negatively affected by high-risk behaviors.

Because the teachers of the West Shore School District are dedicated to helping students maximize their learning experience, we participate in the Student Assistance Program.  Therefore, the Student Assistance Program is a program that helps At-Risk Students.

The mission of the Student Assistance Program is to identify intervene, refer and monitor students having school-related problems because of alcohol, drug, or mental health issues, social or behavior concerns, cutting/self-harm, sexual or health issues, academic problems and/or family problems.

Student Assistance is an intervention program...NOT a treatment program.  The core of the program is the Student Assistance Team (SAT), which is comprised of teachers, administrators, school counselors, school nurses, and outside consultants trained to work with students.

The student Student Assistance Team is committed to the confidentiality of student's concerns.  However, in most circumstances, the team has found it beneficial to the student's welfare to include parents/guardians from the beginning of the process.