A teenager’s mind can be a cluttered

space.

Worrying about their parents’ divorce

or the pressure to go to a Friday-night party or being accepted

into college — these thoughts can make it difficult to concentrate

on math.

It’s a problem the Whitefish School

District recognizes and began working on when it introduced the

Student Assistance Program last year. As the district continues the

program, SAP already seems to be having an impact on students and

staff.

An intervention program for K-12

students, SAP primarily focus on providing support groups where

students can talk about various issues in a safe environment.

“There’s a lot of issues students face

every day,” school psychologist Robin Bissell said. “We want to

make sure we have a place to get those needs met. This gives them a

space to be themselves.”

Students at Muldown and the high school

might tackle similar issues, such as divorce, but in different

ways. There are several groups focusing on different topics

including drug and alcohol abuse, grief or general concerns.

Linda Whitright, Muldown assistant

principal, has seen the impact for her students.

“It’s one of the best programs we have

introduced,” she said.

At the elementary level, teachers refer

students and parent permission is needed to attend a group. She

said roughly 95 percent of parents agree to their child entering

SAP.

The education benefits are easily

recognized too, she said.

“Until you get to them as a person, how

can we get to them as a student?” she asked.

A student most often attends a group

led by someone other than his or her teacher. The proof of that

connection is easily seen, according to Whitright.

“The bonding that happens,” she said.

“The student waves and smiles at that teacher in the hallway.”

SAP was implemented after a meeting of

school officials looking for a way to better serve students. The

group felt there was a gap in services for students who might need

or want extra support. Administrators chose the Student Assistance

Training International program, which provided the training and

structure for SAP.

Former Whitefish superintendent Jerry

House was involved in its creation.

He said the training helps staff

members to be even more aware and sensitive to student issues and

the groups provide a place students know they can go for help. The

groups translate into a better opportunity to learn, he noted.

“They come out of class to go to

group,” he said. “But a kid sitting in class that is thinking about

a fight they had or suicide is not learning anyway. They are more

ready to accept education if they aren’t distracted. If a student

is distracted he or she can loose a lesson or can get set

back.”

SAP groups meet for eight weeks.

Roughly 200 students participated in a group last year. At the

middle and high school students can self-refer into groups.

Comments from high school students

surveyed about the program show its impact.

“It has taught me that I am not alone

with my problems and that there are others like me and people who

can and want to help,” writes one student.

Another says, “Group has really made me

see how other people have problems too. I used to feel like I was

the only one with problems I didn’t know how to fix, but this made

me open my eyes and realize other people do have challenges. I

don’t feel as alone.”

“It helped me to pay more attention to

others and talk to more people I never thought I would like very

much,” writes another.

Between training last year and this

summer, roughly 60 staff members in the district are trained to

lead the SAP groups. Two adults lead a group.

Kim Schneider, high school health

teacher, led two groups last school year. Teachers give up a

preparation period to lead groups.

She said the program is a reminder of

the issues facing students every day.

“In a class of students there might be

23 sets of really great things, but there’s also 23 sets of

issues,” Schneider said. “This is a reinforcing reminder that we

all need a break and how much these kids come to school with.”

She said it’s important for the

program, which is funded by donations and grants, to continue.

“My greatest hope is that more students

and teachers can become involved and that it can reach out to

everyone in the community,” she said. “This can touch and really

help kids. If it’s going to keep going it needs continued

support.”