Dear Parents/Guardians/Families,

As the new Student Assistance Program (SAP) counselor at Black River Middle/High School, I would like to introduce myself and clarify my role in the school community. My name is Megan Rudy and I will be working closely with the counseling and guidance offices. I will be in the school on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, so please feel free to drop in or call during those days. I have a degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution from American University and have been an alcohol and drug educator in the upper valley for the past three years. I look forward to supporting each family with any questions or concerns that they have and most importantly, creating a safe and supportive environment for the Black River school community.

The primary purpose of the SAP program is to identify and help students and their families who may be experiencing personal, school, family alcohol or drug problems. These problems may be affecting the student's ability to perform at school. SAP participation is completely confidential. While the SAP program is independently contracted, the SAP works closely with existing in-school services to make appropriate referrals so students can get the help they need, providing procedures for the early identification and intervention with students who are having personal alcohol and drug related difficulties in school. Teachers, administrators, guidance staff, and parents can make referrals to the SAP, and students can refer themselves. Students who refer themselves prior to suspicion can do so without consequences, as stated in the school's alcohol and drug policy guidelines: III E. The only mandatory referrals are made when a student violates the school's substance use policy. Another important role of the SAP Program is to develop prevention programs and activities for all members in the school community.

I will be meeting individually and in groups with students, providing consultations with teachers and parents and working with community agencies. I am looking forward to collaborating with our local prevention coalition BRACC in school wide and community activities. If you have any questions you would like to ask, programs you would like to see implemented, or if you are concerned about your child or another child at school, please call me directly at 228-4652 or email me at rudym@rwsu.net.

Thank you,

  Megan Rudy