Meet the Student Assistance Counselors

Student Assistance Counselor Program

Student Assistance Programs are designed to help students and their families with problems affecting their personal lives and academic performance. The Student Assistance Counselor’s (SAC) role is to enhance and support students’ success in the school environment. There are a range of school-based prevention and intervention services offered to assist students with personal problems and encourage them to build upon their strengths.

 

 

The role of the high school SACs can be separated into four parts: 

1.  Assisting families and students with alcohol and drug issues by connecting students and families to community resources.

2.  Providing support for families, staff and administration for students who may have academic issues relating to social-emotional/mental health issues such as peer pressure, relationship difficulties, family problems, self-esteem and depression, among others.

3.  Assisting students with the adjustment to high school and getting to the next step of college or career.

4.  Serving as members of the high school student support teams (such as crisis, 504, I&RS, and emergency management teams) and assisting with staff development.

 

In short, Student Assistance Counselors provide a support system for students and families to use when circumstances threaten school performance.  Students may see the SAC for assistance with any personal issue.  Many parents contact the SAC to discuss a potential problem or ask for help connecting to community resources. 

Get to know the Student Assistant Counselor at your child’s school. Develop a working relationship with him or her that will strengthen the “safety net” that supports your child. Working together with SACs, nurses and teachers can make a difference.

 

 

We have 4 Student Assistance Counselors (SACs) that service our middle and high school students.

 

High School

(Grades 9-12)

 

 

 

Middle School

Liberty/Roosevelt Schools

(Grades 7-8)

 

Jaclyn Headlam

Liberty Middle School

Last Names - (A-Z)

(jheadlam@westorangeschools.org)

(973) 243-2007

 

 

 

How to initiate a referral to the Student Assistance Counselor

 

·   Students may self-refer and come in to see the counselor at any time during the school day.

 

·   Students can confidentially refer to other students who may be in need of support.

 

·   Students may be referred by school administration, school counselor, nurse, or any other school staff member that has identified an

     area  of concern.

 

·   Parents who have concerns about any non-academic issues may contact the Student Assistance Counselor.  Please feel free to call or

     email with any questions or concerns.

 

·   Teachers and other school staff have been alerted to signs and symptoms of possible indications of a crisis, and they are encouraged

     to seek assistance through this program.