|
||||
WHAT IS S.T.A.R.S.? (Students Taking A Right Stand)
MISSION STATEMENT: STARS exists to help students refrain from the use of alcohol, other drugs and violence and to enhance their educational achievement and character development.
· Welcome Parents/Guardians, Freshmen, new students. · What is a Student Assistance Program (SAP)? · Who is our SAP Specialist? · What are the services provided? · Where are they located? · How do I make referrals? What is not an appropriate referral? · What is a STARS SEC? · What is a Core Team Member? How do I become one?
S.T.A.R.S. Student Assistance Program is a part of the Williamson County School Board Policy/School Improvement Plan. Students have a right to request services (individual or small group)
STARS Welcome
My name is Ms. Guess and I am your STARS Student Assistance Specialist/Counselor.
This fall I will be entering my ninth year at Franklin High School as a STARS Specialist/Counselor, but I have worked with teens much longer.
It’s possible that I have worked with some of your family members who have attended Franklin. If so, I look forward to serving you as well. Franklin is a fantastic school. High school is as exciting as it is challenging. We want your high school years to be great and want you to know that STARS services provide daily assistance to help you.
I will see most of you this Fall. Watch for my classroom presentations on STARS.
Reginia Guess, MA, LADAC
For Students
WHAT IS S.TA.R.S? STARS stands for Students Taking A Right Stand. It is a Student Assistance Program designed specifically to assist students with problems that may interfere with your learning process.
It’s hard to focus when you have problems…sometimes you don’t have someone to talk to or the people you can talk to may be having the same problem as you. That’s where STARS comes in.
· STARS provides confidential, individual or small group counseling to students at no cost. · STARS is voluntary, you have the right to request services (school board policy) and you have the right to decline services, if you did not initiate the contact. The only except are students returning from the ALC or court ordered. · STARS arranges assemblies and promotes other positive activities/events that example our mission statement.
I DON’T WANT EVERYONE KNOWING MY BUSINESS. STARS understands your need for privacy and confidentiality. Ms. Guess will meet with you during school individually (it’s ok to bring a friend to our first meeting if that helps).
WHAT IS CONFIDENTIALITY? I HAVE NEVER MET WITH A COUNSELOR BEFORE. Anything that you discuss with Ms. Guess is confidential; unless it is determined that what you share could be a hurt, harm or danger to you or someone else, which means your parents or guardians will be contacted.
Don’t worry, Ms. Guess will fully explain that to you and of course, your options. There are no hidden agendas (Ms. Guess believes in “keeping it real.”). Ms. Guess is sensitive to what you may feel like to discuss your problems with a stranger. Most students find the relaxed atmosphere makes it easier to open up. There is no pressure. Remember, services are offered and may also be declined at any time.
WHAT KINDS OF ISSUES DOES STARS ADDRESS? I see students on a variety of issues, but my main focus: · Students who are struggling tobacco/alcohol or other drugs and want to change. · Students who have family members who have alcohol or other drug issues. · Students who are doing poorly in school. · Students who have anger/conflict resolution issues and want to change. · Students who have had a death, separation/divorce · Students returning from alcohol/drug treatment and want to work a recovery program. · Students who have had emotional issues, previously hospitalized. · Students returning from the ALC.
WHERE IS THE STARS OFFICE LOCATED? Currently the STARS office is located in room 809, next door to the boys bathroom. I have an open door policy…usually the office is open.
HOW CAN I SEE MY STARS SPECIALIST? It’s so easy. Just ask your teacher for permission. Don’t forget to get a note: it’s mandatory! If Ms. Guess is unavailable please leave a note under her door. In crisis situations, please see a Core Team Member….explained in more detail as you read on.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Your STARS counselor will use your schedule to locate you. Crisis situations are given top priority. Students are seen as quickly as possible. Ms. Guess appreciates reminders too.
WHAT IS A REFERRAL? It’s possible this year that Ms. Guess may come to speak with you individually without you expecting it. Our staff is trained to identify students that may require STARS services and are encouraged to make referrals to the STARS program.
We have a system in place in our school that the staff can use to make a referral. Specific problem areas are checked by the staff and the form is returned to Ms. Guess. Sometimes students are referred to a small group. If that happens, do not be alarmed. Ms. Guess will meet with you and assess if individuals, groups or outside referral may be needed. All will be explained at the first session. We care about you and only want to help you resolve the problem.
WHAT IS THE STARS SEC? The STARS Student Executive Council is a group of students who example the STARS mission statement and serve as peer role models. SEC members assist the STARS Specialist with all prevention activities or events. SEC students receive leadership trainings/peer mediation speaking opportunities throughout the year. Students who example the STARS mission statement may apply for the SEC at the beginning of the school year. If you have served on the SEC at a school previously and want to continue to make an impact with your peers, you may apply. Listen up for details during announcements at the beginning of the school year. You can see me in person/also write me a note to let me know that you are interested. Meetings will be announced and typically do not interfere with your classes.
WHAT IS A CORE TEAM? STARS could not exist in the school without help and is fortunate to have a group of dedicated staff within this school that assist us with keeping our program active. The Core Team receives training opportunities, works to keep a private, confidential STARS office within the school, assist with small groups and supports the goals and objectives of the STARS program. The Core Team consists of people that you see here everyday that go that extra mile.
Who is our FHS STARS Student Assistance Program Specialist/Counselor?
Reginia Guess has a passion for helping youth and families. She has served Franklin High School for nearly nine years In addition, she has served the Middle College High School and the Alternative Learning Center. She is a Licensed Alcohol/other Drugs of Abuse Counselor.
Ms. Guess currently serves Franklin High School, 5 days a week.
With over 20 years of experience in the counseling, juvenile justice and addictions area. Ms. Guess has worked with children, teens, adults and families in inpatient, outpatient, residential and partial hospitalization.
Ms. Guess received her B.S. in Communications and Journalism from the University of Louisville, her Masters of Arts in Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University and is a collaborative author of, ‘365 Meditations for Teens,’ 2001, Abingdon Press.
STARS 279-0058 ext 248 472-4450 ext 3429 Room 809 Motto: “never too busy for a student”
“ Thank you for supporting STARS. I personally feel that it is an honor and a privilege to serve our students. Our students welfare and safety is my first priority. Helping to eliminate barriers to their learning enhances their academic performance and character development. STARS is a great Student Assistance Program which provides free, confidential, individual/ group counseling in addition to other prevention and intervention services. Feel free to contact me about how I can be of service to you.” Reginia Guess
For Parents
What is a STARS Student Assistance Program?
S.T.A.R.S. (STUDENTS TAKING A RIGHT STAND) S.T.A.R.S. is a Not for Profit Student Assistance Program. The Williamson County STARS Student Assistance Program is a nationally recognized Program of Excellence.
Student Assistance Programs work with the schools to provide intervention via individual counseling and small group participation to students at no charge.
STARS SAP Specialists work with a trained Core Team of school personnel. A Student Assistance Program is like a help/counseling center that works in the school environment and with the school
S.T.A.R.S targets problem areas that are barriers to learning and negatively impact student academic, emotional, physical or social performance in school, at home/and in the community.
We are a local United Way designated community program.
S.T.A.R.S Student Assistance Programs currently serves Middle and High School Students, provides training opportunities for faculty and leadership, service learning opportunities for students and parenting resources such as the Elementary and Middle School research based Strengthening Families Program. Some of our parenting classes are also hosted by Parent Educator, Jim Williams.
S.T.A.R.S. promotes a strong “no use” message throughout the school year via posters, announcements, speakers, surveys, events and other related student led activities.
The SAP Specialist utilizes Freshmen/ Parent Orientations, Classroom Presentations, Faculty Meetings, Open Houses and other opportunities to educate students, parents, faculty, staff and the community on S.T.A.R.S. programs.
STARS utilizes research based curriculums and students participate in data collection at the beginning and end of services.
What are STARS services?
During the school year, the STARS Student Assistance Specialist /Counselor will work to identify students who have barriers to learning and may involve them in a variety of activities developed to assist in his/her ability to cope with the social and academic pressures young people may encounter.
Participation in program services is voluntary with the exception of students returning from the ALC. Those students are required to be involved with STARS services.
Services provided are: Mediation, Crisis Intervention, Individual, Group Counseling, referrals to outside resources and prevention activities.
Students receive confidential assistance; except in cases that present a hurt, harm or danger to them or someone else. This distinction is explained during initial sessions by the STARS SAP counselor. Students have the right to decline services, even if they are referred by the faculty.
Prevention activities are planned monthly and announced to the student body, via announcements, email, posters or handouts.
Except in crisis situations, students are encouraged to have a note to see the STARS Student Assistance Specialist/Counselor.
Teachers will be notified when students are seen, but do to confidentiality, will not be told the nature of the visit unless the student gives permission.
STARS SMALL GROUPS:
INSIGHT for students who are concerned about their own use of alcohol/other drugs. Students will receive education, guidance and support in learning to be clean and sober.
GRIEF/LOSS: Students will learn coping strategies for dealing with issues of loss: geographic move, death of a loved one, pet. major life change,parental/guardian military service, separation, abandonment/ divorce, incarceration…
CHOICES: An abstinence based group that teaches students how to address their risk factors and survival strategies for a variety of life controlling issues.
CONCERNED PERSONS: Students will learn coping skills in dealing family members or guardians that are impacted by: addiction/mental health issues/incarceration /blended families/rage…
RECOVERY SUPPORT: Students who are involved in a recovery program will receive guidance and support in remaining drug free.
SMOKING CESSATION: for only students who are serious about stopping smoking or using tobacco related products. Students receive education on how they are targeted, physical impact on their bodies, coping strategies, guidance and help to overcome their addiction to nicotine.
RECONNECTING YOUTH is for students who desire motivation to do well in school.
CONNECTING OTHERS is for students who would like to improve their social and emotional skills.
***Research based curriculums will be used in all groups and will additionally contain lesson instruction on: Asset building, character education, diversity tolerance, self esteem, boundaries, social skills.
FACULTY are encouraged to help me to reach students who are high risk and need to be identified and referred:
· Using/abusing alcohol/other substances such as tobacco products · Home environments where there is use/abuse of alcohol/other substances · Returning from/currently involved in a recovery program · Anger/violence issues · Grief issues: Losses/family illness/relocation/divorce, separations · Depression/suicidal · Abuse issues
This does not mean that students with other issues won’t be seen; however please understand that students with the highest risk are given priority.
Students will be assessed for their appropriateness for individual counseling or small group participation.
In some cases, parents will be contacted students with referrals to outside services/administration will be consulted.
How to make a S.T.A.R.S. REFERRAL
Parents may reach the SAP Counselor at school: Reginia Guess, ext 3429/email at Reginag@wcs.edu.
STARS also utilizes an internal referral process to identify students who need assistance. |
||||
