World Mental Health Day: Mental Health resources available for students in the Colonial School District 

Colonial School District would like all students to be successful in the classroom. So whether a student is experiencing a minor emotional or behavioral issue or a family needs to know where their child can receive treatment, the District has resources to help. 

While Colonial provides academic, emotional, and behavioral support through counselors, school psychologists, and other personnel, the District also has classroom programs that address Social and Emotional Learning for all students. 

At the K-3 elementary schools, children take part in the Second Step Program with lessons that focus on topics like self-management, relationship building, cooperation, and conflict resolution. Colonial Elementary School fourth and fifth graders experience the Too Good For Drugs program and Colonial Middle School students learn Botvin LifeSkills. Both of these programs target behavioral health topics — like managing stress and developing coping skills — and begin conversations around making good choices when it comes to alcohol and drugs. The initiative this year at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School focuses on Signs of Suicide.  

Student Assistance Program 

The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is available to help any students who are experiencing “barriers to learning” in one of five areas: 

• Behavior 
• Academics 
• Health 
• Attendance 
• Drug and Alcohol Use 

A student can be referred to the school’s SAP by anyone — including a teacher, coach, friend, or family member. The student can also reach out to the SAP team themselves through any school personnel.  

SAP services do not diagnose, and it is not a treatment program. What the SAP team does is help identify barriers and help create plans for students and their families. They can also provide information about different resources in the school and community and the kinds of support they offer.  

Are you concerned about a student in Colonial? Click here to have someone contact you during regular school hours with more information about the SAP process and available services.  

NOTE: The Student Assistance Program is not an emergency service. If you need immediate help, call 9-1-1 or seek the nearest Emergency Room. 

Click here to read more about the SAP program, as well as a list of Behavioral Health providers.