• Great Valley High School Star Team
     
    is part of Pennsylvania's statewide Student Assistance Program (SAP). The Department of Education, in collaboration with the Departments of Health and Public Welfare, administers SAP. It is designed to assist school personnel identify issues, including alcohol and drugs, which pose a barrier to a student's learning and school success. SAP is not a treatment program; rather, it is a systematic process using effective and accountable professional techniques in order to mobilize school resources to remove the barriers to learning. When the problem is beyond the scope of the school, SAP assists the parent and the student with information so that they may access services in the community.
     
    STAR DOES NOT diagnose or treat. SAP DOES identify, support, and refer for further assessment.
     
    All STAR team members are professionally trained consistent with state guidelines. We attempt to stay up to date through involvement with District Council, training and regular maintenance meetings. The high school team meets formally three times each week to monitor and review cases. Informal contacts are made with students throughout the week.
     
     
    Star Team Referrals
     
    Any concerns regarding at-risk behavior or a worrisome change in a student's behavior are examples of an appropriate referral to the Star team. Referrals from teachers, parents, neighbors, social workers, counselors, administrators, the nurse, and even students themselves. Referrals can be kept anonymous at the referring person's request. Referrals can be made by accessing the Star Team Referral Form on Line, or by making a phone or sending an email to a Star Team member.
     
    Once a referral is made, the team reviews the referral. If deemed appropriate, a team member contacts the student to discuss the referral. With student's awareness and input, parents are contacted. Information is gathered to determine the extent of the problem. Then, with input from all concerned parties, a decision is made regarding an appropriate course of action.
     
    Options can include: arrangements for a student to have regular contact with a trusted adult, referral to a school based support group, referral to a Community Resource, and/or referral for a Drug and Alcohol or Mental Health Assessment. (An assessment is an interview conducted by a qualified D/A or M/H worker who assess the extent of the problem and makes a recommendation)
     
     
     
    Star Team Members:
     
    Dr. Heidi Capetola ext 21915
    Ms. Erin Catalano ext 22123
    Ms. Crystal Davis ext 22260
    Ms. Brenda Haley ext 22101      
    Mr. Kyle Hess ext 22159
    Ms. Erin Matthews 610-363-6164 ext 2005
    Dr. Karen Taratuski ext. 51985       
     
     
    If you are concerned that a student you know may be at risk because of possible Drug or Alcohol Involvement, please consider making a referral to the Star Team. You can find an electronic version of the Star Team Referral form on the first and front page of the Student Services Website. Click on the STAR TEAM REFERRAL FORM to make a referral. When you have completed the form, click on DONE and your referral will be referred to the Team who will explore and address your concerns. Thank You!
     
     
     
     
    Some Things That You Should Know
     
     
     
    SIGNS THAT A STUDENT MAY BE STRUGGLING WITH AN ISSUE RELATED TO DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
     
    General Changes in Behavior:
     
    • Increased Irritability, edginess
    • Extreme Apathy
    • Defensiveness
    • Hypersensitive
    • Withdrawn
    • Argumentative
    • Disoriented
    • Inappropriate laughter/giggling
    • Emotional highs and lows

    General Changes in School Performance:

    • Late for school and/or class
    • Frequent trips to the bathroom or nurse
    • Sleeping in class
    • Cutting class
    • Drop in grades
    • Change in class participation
    • Inconsistent work and grades
    • Decreased ability to think and problem solve
    General Changes in Social Behavior:
    • Change in Friends
    • Deterioration of communication with family at home
    • Loss of interest in things (sports, hobbies, activities etc)
    • Deterioration of rapport with adults especially in school
    • Shift in priorities
    • Increased time alone in room
    • Going out all the time; never wanting to be at home
    • More sleepovers
    Any of these signs or symptoms, in isolation are not necessarily cause for concern. A cluster of any these, however, may be indicative of a problem. It is important that we all work together to keep our eyes open to these issues.  They are not always things that we want to think about...especially in relation to people that are important to us.



    PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS IN OUR AREA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


    Caron Drug and Alcohol Parent Support Groups
    Chester County Parent Support Groups