Middle School is a time of  tremendous challenge and change, for our students and their families.  While we hope our children will make constructive decisions, we know that they will make some mistakes. Some of the choices they make could impact them for years to come. We all know good kids from good families who have problems with alcohol and other drugs, or who get involved in violent activities.  Though we can do much to protect our children, we recognize that no one is immune from substance use and violence.

 Student Assistance is a Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities project,  in place in all Montgomery County secondary schools.  Our purpose is to identify and intervene with students who are showing signs of problems relating to violence or substance use.  We  help families obtain free assessments by professional  treatment providers, who then refer to appropriate services.  This is a confidential process, and does not  involve  reports to police or  juvenile services.  Students   may be referred to Student Assistance by family members, school staff, or other students.  Students may refer themselves.

Anyone who has concerns about a student may download a Confidential Concern Form fill it out,  seal it in an envelope marked “CONFIDENTIAL,” and  place it in Ms. Stenger's mailbox.  The team will collect data relating to academic and behavioral indicators, and  give that information to parents, along with referrals to professional assessors.

You do not need “evidence” to submit a concern form.  It is for the professional assessor to determine what the problems are.  The purpose of the process is always to help, not hurt.  The entire process is confidential, and the Concern Form need not be signed. Information gathered in the Student Assistance will never be discussed outside the team and family.  There will be nothing in the student's school records to indicate the involvement of Student Assistance, and we do not retain paperwork.