M.A.P.S.

The Moon Area Student Assistance Program (MAPS) in Pennsylvania helps schools identify students who are experiencing behavior and/or academic difficulties, which pose a barrier to their learning and success in school. MAPS offers support to those students and their families. 

The core of the student assistance program is a team of school employees who have received specialized training from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Approved SAP Training Providers. This team may include teachers, nurses, counselors and administrators, and it is often called the "core team."

One of the most important tasks of a student assistance team is to build a working partnership with families, focusing on the student's success as their common goal. In addition, the team may offer student-centered services such as educational support groups and aftercare resources. The team may also assist families in identifying options for professional support when the problem is beyond the scope of the school. Participation in the student assistance program is voluntary and is offered as a source of help and support for the student and the family. When a student needs assistance outside of the school setting, knowing how and where to find assistance can be overwhelming. The student assistance team will help students and their family access services and resources outside of the school.

 

State website for Pennsylvania Student Assistance Program: http://www.sap.state.pa.us/

Barriers to Learning

Some of the barriers to learning students may experience include:

  • Use of, or pressure to use alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Relationship problems
  • Emotional disorders
  • Aggression toward or from others
  • Grief due to separation or death
  • Disruptive life changes
  • Violence or safety concerns

Signs of Alcohol and Drug Use:

  • Drop in grades, decline in study habits or attitude about school
  • Loss of interest in activities including sports, and clubs
  • Change in friends
  • Decline in self-esteem
  • Change in eating and sleeping habits
  • Defying authority
  • Undependable or irresponsible
  • Lack of initiative or motivation
  • Personality changes, uncharacteristic behavior, unpredictable, inconsistent, mood swings
  • Paranoid, secretive
  • Physical changes, energy level, personal hygiene, bloodshot eyes
  • Use of cover-ups (sunglasses, breath mints, room freshener)
  • Drug paraphernalia or containers
  • Impaired memory, concentration or confusion
  • Quick-tempered and volatile
  • Isolating or withdrawing from family activities

Board of Education Policies

    236 - Student Assistance Program

Referral Form

A student who is encountering a barrier to learning may be referred to M.A.P.S.  (Moon Assistance Program for Students) by clicking on the link below:

Click here for Referral Form

Return to:
Mr. Joseph Martonik
Moon Area High School
8353 University Boulevard
Moon Township, PA  15108