As the school year gets stressful, students feel like they need help and do not know where to go. Student Assistance Programs (SAP) are a beneficial resource for many students. What are SAP groups? It is are an eight week program any student can join. They started in September and will run for the rest of the year. Each group has a maximum of 10 students per group. The smaller groups are beneficial because then the students do not  have to open up in front of so many people and get flustered and embarrassed. Students do not have to talk about any issues or problems if they do not want to, but they are always encouraged to but not required. 

     There are various groups that will be happening this year. Students get the chance to pick their group that they feel will be best for them. Students get the chance by filling out a form to figure out what groups might be best for them. There will be various groups in the span of eight weeks until the next cycle. There are eight groups in total including anger management, changing families, project connect, grief and loss, and kids of promise.

     The SAP groups are beneficial to the students and here’s how: the students are put in with other kids who might have similar issues or concerns. They can get the chance to work with peers and a professional counselor. “The idea is that through learning, sharing, and peer support, each member can gain strategies and confidence to address their problems,” said Mrs Machamer. The most beneficial part in the groups is that students do not have to be ashamed for these things they are struggling with. The students will get various opportunities to almost be themselves. “The idea of joining a group is people think they have to talk and have to participate,” said Mrs Machamer. While it is advised and recommended students can do whatever they are comfortable with. “Another great benefit to highlight that occurs naturally in groups is the idea of altruism which means you are participating in something not only for personal gain but that may be helpful to others as well.” For more information on sap groups contact Mrs. Machamer at the guidance office.