Dear Parents/Guardians/Families:

This letter calls to your attention the changes in the Student Assistance Program ( SAP) this year at Black River Middle/High School. My name is Tracy Kerr. I have been recently hired as the student assistance professional and will be in the school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays of each week. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services and an Apprentice Substance Abuse Counselor. I have worked in various schools in the nearby community for the past five years supporting youth with emotional and behavioral challenges.

The primary purpose of the SAP program is to identify and help troubled 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. Providing procedures for the early identification and intervention with students who are having personal and drug and alcohol-related difficulties in school, the SAP works closely with existing in-school services to make appropriate referrals so students can get to the help they need. Teachers, administrators, guidance staff, and parents can make referrals to the SAP, and students can refer themselves. The only mandatory referrals are made when a student violates the school's chemical 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 as well. If you have any questions you'd like to ask or if you are concerned about your child, please call me directly at 228-4171.

Sincerely,

Tracy Kerr