Student Assistance Program

The Student Assistance Program is a short-term counseling and referral service for students who may be having performance and/or behavioral concerns. This confidential service will screen for a broad variety of teen issues, such as depression, anger management, substance abuse, anxiety and other mental health issues that may impact a student’s ability to focus in school. Referrals are made by administrators, guidance counselors, teachers, and students themselves. Educational support groups can be offered, as well as referrals to outside treatment providers.

In addition to the individual and/or group services, the TRMS Student Assistance Program has taken an active role in offering leadership opportunities for students through the 8th Grade Leadership Academy. Students in the 8th grade self-select to be part of this program where they receive training and guidance on how to be a positive role model to our younger students. They then are assigned to a 6th grade advisory where they will work these students throughout the year on issues such as bullying prevention and making healthy decisions.

The TRMS Student Assistance Program has also been involved in the bullying prevention efforts that have been initiated throughout the district. At the middle school, the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program has influenced the school climate for our students to address bullying situations.

Because one of the programs specialties is looking at substance abuse issues, the federal law of confidentiality governing substance abuse records, 42 CFR Part 2, protects the entire program. Even though students do have a right to privacy around these records, every effort is made to join with parents to make recommendations for the student and family that will help address the issues identified.

If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Kelley Binette, MSW, MLADC – Student Assistance Counselor at TRMS by email at Kelley.Binette@timberlane.net or phone at (603) 382 – 7131 4927.