Program Coordinator
Mr. Joseph Martonik
412-264-9440 Ext. 2036
jmartonik@moonarea.net
What is the Moon Assistance Program for Students?
MAPS identifies students who are experiencing behavior and/or academic difficulties which pose a barrier to their learning and success in school. The Student Assistance Program has many resources that can help students overcome difficulties and improve their outlook and decrease their barriers to learning.
The Student Assistance Program is:
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An intervention and prevention program designed to help students who are not reaching their goals-whether these goals are social, emotional or academic.
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Recognizing and referring behaviors that pose a barrier to learning to the core team.
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Interventions to maximize school success.
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A close partnership with parents.
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Collaboration with all available resources to promote student success.
The M.A.P.S. Team
The MAPS team at Moon Area Elementary, Middle and High School includes a coordinator, teachers, counselors, administrators, school resource officer and community liaisons. These individuals are trained and certified by a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania – approved SAP training provider and are prepared to assist students in a positive manner. The team processes issues based upon state guidelines, professional standards and policies and procedures adopted by the Moon Area School Board of Education. The goal of the team is to identify students who are experiencing barriers to learning and in need of support services. The team does not diagnose, treat or refer a child for treatment. Rather, the team provides parents/guardians with information so that they may make choices.
The Student Assistance Process
Referrals:
Any staff member, parent, or student may refer a student whose behavior is a cause for concern.If the staff member is initiating the referral, they should contact the parent/guardian of the student being referred and express their concern along with informing them of the MAPS referral.Students may also seek help voluntarily.Once a referral is made, the MAPS coordinator contacts parents for signed consent to proceed with the confidential MAPS program.Referral forms are available in the counseling offices or on the district website. Once completed, the form is to be returned to the MAPS coordinators office in Moon Area High School.
Identification of the Problem:
The MAPS team will gather information from all school personnel which includes behavioral and academic information supplied by the student’s teachers, along with, if needed, a prescreening for risk factors for mental health or drug and alcohol problems by a SAP Liaison from Holy Family Institute. In addition, parental data in reference to the student is collected.
Meeting:
A meeting will be held with the SAP Liaison from Holy Family and MAPS team to discuss collected data and develop a plan.
Recommendations:
The MAPS team will make recommendations by way of a phone call from the Holy Family SAP Liaison to the parents/guardians regarding ways to improve the student’s success. Information on existing school programs and community resources along with school based mental health therapy will be presented. Teachers of the student will be given general information on strategies to improve the student’s success in their classroom on a need to know basis.
Follow-up:
The MAPS team will assign a case manager to touch base with the student weekly.
Confidentiality:
Information collected in the process of the referral is confidential and is shared with the parents, student and MAPS team and is not part of the students school record.
“It is the parents’ right and responsibility to be involved in the Student Assistance Process and any decision affecting their children’s education. This relationship is key to the successful resolution of problems.”
Signs and Symptoms of Students at Risk
- Changes in Friends / Relationship Problems
- Poor Concentration / Disruptive Behavior
- Low Self-esteem
- Sleep Problems
- Family Changes / Illness / Death
- Unexplained Physical Injuries
- Social Withdrawal / Isolation
- Sudden Drop in Grades
- Needing Money Without an Explanation
- Change in Friends
- Poor Attendance / Truancy
- Decline or Change in Appearance
- Mood Swings
- Suspicion of Alcohol, Tobacco, or Drug Use
- Pregnancy
- Dramatic Weight Change
- Suicidal Ideation
- Cutting
- Defying Authority / Aggressive Behavior
- Uncontrolled Anger or Tears
- Bullying Behaviors
- Any High-Risk Behaviors
Contact Information
Crisis Situations
- Moon Township Police: 412-262-5000
- re:solve Crisis Network: 1-888-796-8226
Local Agencies
- Gateway Rehabilitation Center: 800-472-1177
- Greenbriar: 412-788-6292
- Southwood Hospital: 412-257-2290
- Staunton Clinic: 412-749-7330
- Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic: 412-624-2100
- Holy Family Institute: 412-766-9020
Mental Health Resources
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:
MAPS Referral Form
Return to:
Mr. Joseph Martonik
Moon Area High School
8353 University Boulevard
Moon Township, PA 15108