In accordance with Section 1547 of the PA School Code

North Allegheny School District

Mission Statement

In accordance with Section 1547 of the PA School Code, enacted as Act 211 of 1990 the mission of the North Allegheny Student Assistance Program is to develop an action plan for any student, K-12, who is identified as engaging in behavior that is endangering the health, safety and welfare of themselves or others.

History of the NA Student Assistance Program

The North Allegheny School District was one of the first districts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to implement a program to address the issue of student substance abuse. In November of 1983, the District Superintendent established the North Allegheny Substance Abuse Committee. The broad based committee consisted of school personnel and members from every facet of the community. The committee developed a series of recommendations for the district. One of the first recommendations was for a revision of the school board policy which occurred July 25, 1984. In the fall of 1984, twenty five secondary staff members participated in an intensive week of training by St. Francis Medical Center. Two full time coordinators were hired and Student Assistance Teams were established at both the Intermediate and Senior High Schools.

The Student Assistance Program at NASD has evolved over the past 26 years from a singular focus of substance abuse to a proactive, comprehensive program that supports students whose learning is compromised due to a number of adolescent issues. See "LINKS" below for articles about adolescent issues.

Goals of the Student Assistance Program

To provide a systematic, comprehensive and effective mechanism to students, parents and school staff which addresses the realities of alcohol and other drug abuse and other critical issues among adolescents that interfere with learning.
To work cooperatively with parents to assist students by gathering pertinent information on behavior and performance.
To develop a personalized action plan that utilizes in-school services and to provide follow-up.
To offer information regarding community resources when appropriate and/or requested.
To increase student and community awareness regarding issues that affect a student's ability to learn.
To insure quality prevention, intervention and aftercare in school in accordance with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Standards and Guidelines for Student Assistance Programs.
To develop a personalized action plan that utilizes in-school services and to provide follow-up.
To offer information regarding community resources when appropriate and/or requested.
To increase student and community awareness regarding issues that affect a student's ability to learn.
To insure quality prevention, intervention and aftercare in school in accordance with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Standards and Guidelines for Student Assistance Programs.