WHAT IS S.T.A.R.S.?

 

 

 

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.

 

·       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)

 

 

Who is our FHS STARS Student Assistance Program Specialist/Counselor?

 

Your  Franklin High School STARS SAP 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.

 

Reginag@wcs.edu

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

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

Students may sign up for weekly individual/group participation. 

 

Groups are rotated weekly during class periods.  Students are to remain in the classroom for tests/quizzes/reviews. 

Faculty are encouraged to communicate directly to the STARS counselor any concerns.  Teachers of missed class periods will be notified when their students come to STARS/schedule changes.

 

Each month, teachers will receive a copy of a STARS Small Group schedule in their mailboxes.

 

The schedule will contain: a confidential list of student names, their group number and times that they meet.

The group focus remains confidential.  Most groups are scheduled weekly on the same day.

 

Example:

Group 1                        Group 2                        Group 3        Group 4          Group 5

 

Sally Marks               Peter Chaulk          DeTjuian Bell     Ani  Lake   Mike Tinker

 

Monday, date 2nd Period, Group 1	Tues, date 2nd Period, Group 2	Wednesday, date 2nd Period, Group 3	Thursday, date 2nd Period, Group 4	Friday, date 2nd Period, Group 5
3rd Period, Group 1	3rd Period, Group 2	3rd Period, Group 3	3rd Period, Group 4	3rd Period, Group 5
4th  Period, Group 1	4th Period, Group 2	4th Period, Group 3	4th  Period, Group 4	4th Period, Group 5
7th Period, Group 1	8th Period, Group 2	7th Period, Group 3	8th Period, Group 4	7th Period, Group 5

 

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…

CONFLICT RESOLUTION/RESPECT AND PROTECT: Students will learn strategies for controlling their anger/peaceably resolving conflicts.

 

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  for students who desire motivation to do well in school.

 

CONNECTING OTHERS  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. 

 

 

Please remember:

 

All disciplinary referrals must go to the Assistant Principals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FACULTY,

Please 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, students will be referred to outside services/administration will be consulted.

 

 

***Please set healthy boundaries with students and do not enter into verbal contracts that prevent you from assistance with issues that may cause a hurt, harm or danger to them.  If in doubt, I am available to discuss with you any concerns, confidentially.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to make a S.T.A.R.S. REFERRAL

 

If you would like to refer a student for services, it is so simple.

 

Please fill out a referral sheet and return it stapled/placed in a sealed envelope to the STARS box in the mail room.

 

Attaching a copy of the student’s schedule will expedite the process. 

 

You will find copies of the Referral Forms in this folder.

 

Referral Forms are also located in the STARS Box in the mail room.

 

You will not be identified to the student as someone who made the referral unless you indicate that you want this to be known.

 

Observation sheets are then sent to all of the student’s teachers. 

 

Teachers please return the sheets promptly to the STARS Referral Coordinator: Judy Lifsey

 

Remember:

Forms are needed for accountability and are helpful when meeting with the student to give the student a realistic picture of his/hers overall performance (helps to break through denial or to pinpoint certain problem areas)

 

 Return all forms stapled or in an envelope

 

Reginia Guess, MA/LADAC, reginag@wcs.edu

Room 809

279-0058 ext 48

 

 

 

 

WHAT IS A STARS SEC?

 

STUDENTS REALLY LISTEN TO OTHER STUDENTS…..

 

THE STARS SEC (STUDENT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL) CONSISTS OF A DIVERSE GROUP OF STUDENTS WHO SERVE AS PEER LEADERS THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR. 

 

SEC MEMBERS EXAMPLE THE STARS MISSION STATEMENT AND WORK WITH THE SAP SPECIALIST AND THE CORE TEAM TO HELP OUR SCHOOL MAINTAIN A STRONG,”NO USE” MESSAGE.

 

STARS SEC STUDENTS MEET 1-2X A MONTH.

 

STARS SEC STUDENTS RECEIVE LEADERSHIP TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES, PARTICIPATE IN SERVICE LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND ASSIST WITH PREVENTION EVENTS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT IS A STARS CORE TEAM AND WHAT DO THOSE CORE TEAM SIGNS MEAN?

 

 

 

THE STARS CORE TEAM CONSISTS OF A GROUP OF FACULTY AND STAFF WHO VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME.

 

CORE TEAM MEMBERS RECEIVE TRAININGS TO ASSIST THEM IN  UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORTING  THE PROGRAM COMPONENTS OF THE S.T.A.R.S. STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM . 

 

CORE TEAM MEMBER SIGNS ARE USED TO DENTIFY THE CORE TEAM TO THE STUDENT.

 

CORE TEAM MEMBERS UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF AND PLEGE TO MAINTAIN STUDENT CONFIDENTIALITY.

 

CORE TEAM MEMBERS ADVOCATE FOR THE STARS PROGRAM TO ENSURE THAT SPACE IS AVAILABLE TO MEET WITH STUDENTS CONFIDENTIALLY.

 

CORE TEAM MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN TRAINING OPPORTUNITITES. 

 

CORE TEAM MEMBERS ARE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN CRISIS INTERVENTION AT FHS.

 

CORE TEAM MEMBERS MEET MONTHLY TO REVIEW, TRAIN,

PLAN AND HAVE FUN.

 

CORE TEAM MEMBERS IDENTIFY AT RISK STUDENTS AND MAKE APPROPRIATE REFERRALS.

 

CORE TEAM MEMBERS HELP ENSURE THAT STUDENTS HAVE SPACE IN THE BUILDING TO RECEIVE SAP SERVICES.

 

CORE TEAM MEMBERS EDUCATE THE SAP SPECIALIST ON SCHOOL PROTOCOL AND OTHER ISSUES.

 

CORE TEAM MEMBERS MAKE THEMSELVES AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS IN THE ABSENCE OF THE SAP SPECIALIST.

 

CORE TEAM MEMBERS ASSIST WITH MONTHLY PREVENTION ACTIVITIES.

 

CORE TEAM MEMBERS ARE ROLE MODELS

 

 

Are you someone who?

1. Demonstrates the ability to maintain student confidentiality among peers.

2. Demonstrates a working knowledge of the STARS program.

3. Uses the STARS referral process.  Identifies at risk students.  Makes referrals/requests consultations.

4. Examples the STARS Mission Statement:

      No illegal drug use. 

      Uses alcohol responsibly.

      No alcohol/drug/legal or domestic abuse history (as perpetrator). 

      Practices discretion regarding student/staff knowledge of alcohol use.

5. Seeks opportunities to work with culturally diverse student populations in the classroom.

6. Clearly defines student teacher relationship: 

      Appropriate with students, respectful, understands boundaries.

7. Recognizes areas of personal biases. 

8. Open to growth, willing to work on areas of challenge.

9. Supportive of STARS program:

      Will attend required monthly meetings.

            Participate in professional growth opportunities.

      Assume Core Team Roles/Responsibilities as assigned.

      Advocate when needed for STARS location in the building that is accessible to students.

10. Is a team player…positive…an encourager.

 

If you are, then come join our team, we need you.

 Anyone can join.

Interested, email me: Reginag@wcs.edu