1	Forest Oak Student Assistance Program Deborah Bole Laura Tuscano Andrew Finch Judy Stenger Gerry Thomas Monica Yeager Mary Zwolinski
2	What is Student Assistance? The goal and purpose of Student Assistance is to identify students who may need assistance because of…. Possible drug involvement Possible depression Violence Other issues
3	Why Do We Need to Know about Student Assistance? Alcohol is the most common illegal substance used by Maryland Adolescents. Followed by marijuana (2^nd) and cigarettes (3^rd). 18.8% of 12^th graders who ever used alcohol, started drinking beer/wine/wine coolers at age 12 or younger
4	Middle schoolers make choices which could impact their lives for years to come. 31.3% of 12^th graders who ever smoked cigarettes started smoking at age 12 or younger 14.8% of 12^th graders who ever used marijuana started at 12 or younger Source: 2004 Maryland Adolescent Survey (Dept. of Ed)
5	Also remember… Inhalant abuse still occurs, although this has declined in recent years. 2.5% of children and up to 8.3% of adolescents in the U.S. suffer from depression (Source: NIHM/Red Flags 2006)
6	Gang violence Gaithersburg has been identified as a RED ZONE for gang activity. Drugs and gang involvement are closely related.
7	“GOOD” kids can make mistakes. Good kids from good families can make poor choices. Unfortunately, no family is immune from alcohol and other drugs, depression, violence.
8	Who Can Report a Concern? Anyone! Staff and/or students can fill out a form located in the classroom as well as the main office and guidance. There is a printable concern form on the FOMS website, under Student Assistance.
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10	Confidentiality Receiving a form does not always mean that a student is involved with drugs. Do not discuss the form with students, parents, or other teachers Do not tell the student you received a form.
11	Confidentiality Continued… All teacher sheets are shredded once behavior is noted. *The comments are recorded (not the name of the teacher who made the observation) Please return in the provided envelope to the manager’s box. Do not leave this lying on your desk where it may be accessed by students.
12	What Feedback is Possible? The Student Assistance Team can acknowledge that we received a concern form from you if you turn one in. The Student Assistance Team can acknowledge we received the checklist from you. We cannot give you specific information about a case.
13	So What Now? Understand that we take all forms seriously We appreciate the concerns you have for your students Know that we have addressed what issues there may be Keep your eyes open, you may be able to help a student J
14	Thank you for your attention J Created by Gabby Uza © 2006 Edited by Erin Marks and Sally Stolz Modified by Judy Stenger for FOMS