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CATASAUQUA MIDDLE SCHOOL
STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SAP)

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A SAP REFERRAL

Click here to view SAP Resources


What is SAP?
The core of the Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a team that has been professionally trained to identify issues that are a barrier to a student's learning and school success.  The SAP process provides early identification, intervention and support to address students' needs.  The SAP team can assist the student and the parents to access services within the community if the problem lies beyond the scope of the school.

What SAP is NOT:

  • Not an emergency hotline.
  • Does not provide immediate assistance.

If you believe someone is in immediate danger of hurting themselves or others or being hurt physically or emotionally by someone else please contact Lehigh County Crisis Intervention at 610-782-3127, Northampton County Crisis Intervention at 610-252-9060, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.


A SAP referral would be appropriate for a student who is:

  • Experiencing a decline in academic performance.

  • Not wanting to go to school.

  • No longer spending time with friends or family.

  • Being bullied or harassed.

  • Feeling emotionally overwhelmed or stressed.

  • Dealing with the breakup of a relationship.

  • Experiencing major changes in life - such as parents' divorce.

  • Dealing with the illness or death of someone close.

  • Experimenting with or using alcohol or other drugs.


SAP Referrals

Anyone can refer a student to the Student Assistance Program.  Some students are referred by teachers and other school personnel.  Also, students themselves, a friend or family member can make a referral.  You can go directly to a team member or access the referral form from the link on this page below to start the process.

What happens after a referral is made?

After a student is referred, the team gathers specific information regarding the student's academic performance, attendance and disciplinary records, and observable behaviors from the school's professional staff.  If this information suggests that action is necessary, parental and student consent is sought.  If the student and a parent provide consent, the team then works with them to access the help and support that are needed to overcome the obstacles to success.


CMS SAP Team Members

  • Kim Mooney, Assistant Principal
  • Jami Polony, Co-Coordinator
  • Stacey Carpenter, Counselor, Co-Coordinator
  • Amy Dymond-Jones, Counselor, Co-Coordinator
  • Jordyn Gutai, CMS Teacher
  • Donna Tercha, RN, School Nurse
  • Jill Morgan, CMS Teacher
  • Stacy Reilly, CMS Academic Coach
  • James Snyder, CMS Teacher
  • Kelly Sourwine, CMS Teacher
  • Jen Staib, CHC Mentor
  • Assigned Liaison, Center for Humanistic Change 
  • Assigned Liaison, Salisbury Behavioral Health

Family Checkup

Families strive to find the best ways to raise their children to live happy, healthy and productive lives. Parents are often concerned about whether their children will start or are already using drugs such as tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and others, including the abuse of prescription drugs. Research supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has shown the important role that parents play in preventing their children from starting to use drugs.