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Student Assistance Counselor (SAC)

Student Assistance Counselor (SAC) - Hamilton West

Mrs. Lauren Petraglia

(609) 631-4168, ext. 3308

lpetraglia@htsdnj.org

 

See the links on the left-hand menu (or on top for mobile, hit the arrow next to "Guidance Office") for Wellness resources and more info.

 

What is a SAC?

SAC stands for "Student Assistance Counselor".  As the Student Assistance Counselor (SAC) at Hamilton West, I provide a variety of services to students who are dealing with non-academic issues that might interfere with their ability to achieve in school.  This allows us to reduce risk factors and increase positive assets so that students can more effectively learn, grow and reach their goals.

 

To this end, some of the services I provide include: 

  • Counseling & assessment (short term) 

  • Groups 

  • Crisis intervention

  • Coordination with and referral to outside agencies

  • Coordination with School Counselors, Crisis Team, and I&RS committees

  • Resource provider for issues relating to substance abuse and mental health

  • Coordination with Police/Probation/DCPP

  • Serving as our school's Anti-Bullying Specialist

  • Provide in-service and training to staff

 

Some issues I address include:

  • Substance Abuse by the student

  • Substance Abuse by the student's family member or peer

  • Other addictions (e.g. gambling, internet)

  • Emotional Distress

  • Bullying

  • Stress/Anxiety

  • Anger Management

  • Death and Grief

  • Self-injurious behaviors

  • Disordered Eating behaviors

  • Peer mediation/conflict resolution

  • Bias/Discrimination

  • Sexual Orientation/Identity

  • Family issues/divorce

  • Healthy relationships

All services are confidential unless a student is in immediate danger.

Services are voluntary unless a student is under an administrative contract or part of a HIB investigation.

 

Referral Procedures:

Any student who wishes to utilize SAC services may stop by the office or email me to make an appointment. My office is located on the first floor, in the Main Guidance Office.

Alternatively, you may drop a note in my mailbox requesting a meeting.

Parents, family, community members, students and teachers may also refer a student if they are concerned that an issue is affecting his or her abilities in school. I can be contacted in person, by phone, or by email.

If you refer a student, your referral will be kept confidential.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if I may be of assistance to you or your family. 

 

 


Check out my Virtual Office for resources and wellness activities: Mrs. Petraglia's Virtual Office

 

 

See our district's Community Resource Guide and Partnerships page for important resources:

Community Resource Guide  (Info. and local contacts for crisis intervention, mental health/behavioral health listed by concern)

Community Partnerships (Info. on local food, financial, medical, and support services)