STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SAP)

All students are unique, and their individuality helps our schools flourish with creativity, community spirit, growth, and kindness. However, students may also face challenges that affect their well-being or academic success. Overcoming these challenges builds confidence, coping skills, and resilience.

The Springfield School District recognizes that these barriers can sometimes impact a student’s ability to thrive academically or socially. The Student Assistance Program (SAP) identifies students who may be struggling and connects them with resources and supports to help them succeed.

The Springfield School District understands that these challenges and barriers can have a negative impact on a student's ability to achieve in their academic career.

The SAP program has developed a system to be able to identify students who are being negatively impacted by challenges and barriers. Our goal is to provide resources to overcome obstacles our students are facing.

Purpose of SSDM SAP Team

Identify students who are experiencing adversity in or outside of the classroom or school day that is negatively impacting their academic performance as well as their mental or physical health.
Create and implement action plans to support students
Intervene with student when appropriate through personal 1 on 1 or group support.
Refer these students to appropriate supports within the community or School District
Monitor the success of the supports and the growth towards a healthier and and safer lifestyle

Four Phases of SAP

Referral - Anyone can refer a student to SAP when they are concerned about a student’s behavior.

Data Collection – The SAP team gathers objective information and data to inform their decision-making process. Parent permission is required to continue the SAP process.

Action Planning – A plan is developed to assist the student in accessing recommended school and/or community supports. The team may utilize liaison services, which may include a drug and alcohol and/or mental health screening/assessment. (SSD does not offer this – we would refer out for d/a, and I would complete the MH assessment.)

Follow-Up – Follow-up includes monitoring progress towards goals and checking in with the family, student, and referral source. The plan may be adjusted as needed

Referral Process

Referral Submitted

Team Review

Parent/Guardian Contact

Action Plan Development

Implementation and Monitoring

When To Make A Referral?

A referral to the SAP Team may be appropriate if a student shows noticeable changes such as:

Declining academic performance or loss of motivation
Frequent absences or tardiness
Withdrawal, isolation, or loss of interest in activities
Significant mood or behavior changes (e.g., anger, outbursts, risk-taking)
Bullying involvement (as victim or aggressor)
Changes in peer group, especially toward risk-taking peers
Talking about family problems, running away, or giving away possessions

Referral Completion Process

Once a referral enters the portal, the SSD SAP team will review the referral and contact the parent/guardian. The team then will determine if the student would benefit from SAP and/or other resources are needed.

Data will be collected to track and monitor the team’s intervention(s). Collaboratively, parents/guardians and the SSDM SAP team will create an action plan that is best suited for the student’s success.

SSDM SAP Team Members

If you have any concerns or are interested in learning more/getting involved with the SSDM SAP team, please contact any of our committed members.


Carolyn Wolff	School Social Worker & SAP Team Leader
Erin Turtirici	Teacher (6th - 8th Grade)
Andrew Lord	Teacher (7th Grade)
Katie Sirolli	Teacher (8th Grade)
Adam Krauter	Teacher (6th - 8th Grade)
Dana Shea	Teacher (6th - 8th Grade)
Ozzie Irons
Maddyson Minalda	Teacher (6th Grade)
Lauden Sibley	Teacher (6th Grade)
Jamie Weaver	Guidance Counselor (6th Grade)
Greg Ricken	Guidance Counselor (6th - 8th Grade)
Maramei Beaty	Guidance Counselor (7th Grade)
Jocelyn Smith	Guidance Counselor (8th Grade)
Amanda McLucas	School Nurse
Nicole DiPalma	Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Confidentiality & Disclaimer

Confidentiality Statement- All information shared with the SAP Team is kept strictly confidential and used only to support the student’s success and well-being.

Disclaimer- The Student Assistance Program is not a disciplinary or diagnostic program. It is a support service that connects students and families with resources to address academic, behavioral, or emotional challenges.

In the event of an emergency, please call 911 or in the event of a mental health emergency, please call 988 for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline