Student Assistance Program (SAP)

Columbia Borough School District provides Student Assistance Program (SAP) services to all students K-12.

What is a Student Assistant Program(SAP)?

SAPs are designed to identify and assist students that are struggling with circumstances that may prevent them from being successful within the school setting.

Each building has a SAP Team, made up of school and agency staff, that have been trained to help students. The teams receive referrals and discuss a plan of action to help assist each student that is referred. Participation in the program is voluntary and it requires permission from parents or a legal guardian. The program is completely confidential.

The SAP program does not diagnose or provide treatment to students. The team provides families with information, so they can make the best decisions for themselves and their children. This information may include recommendations for programs in school or in the community. The team will continue to assist and support the family/student as needed.

For more information, please see the SAP Brochures for each building.

How Do I Make a Referral?

Are you concerned about your: child, friend, sibling, neighbor, etc.? Anyone can refer a student to the SAP program. To make a confidential referral for a CBSD student, please complete a referral form or contact your child's school . 

Do You See A Student Showing Any of These Behaviors?

  • Withdrawing from family, friends or social activities

  • A change in friends

  • Unexplained physical injuries

  • Talking about suicide/ hurting themselves/negative self- talk

  • Observable expressions of anger/sadness

  • Defying authority, at home or at school

  • Acting aggressively

  • Lying/Cheating

  • Poor academic performance

  • Frequent visits to the nurse/restroom

  • Curiosity/Experimenting with drugs or alcohol

  • Change in physical appearance, including weight changes

  • Truancy/Absenteeism

Are You Concerned About A Student’s Reaction To:

  • A recent death/loss

  • Divorce of parents

  • Family relocation

  • A relationship problem

  • Other traumatic event