In Pennsylvania, every school district is required to have a plan for identifying and assisting students who experience barriers to learning. Bellwood-Antis has one for every school in the district. The high school team is called SAP, short for the Student Assistance Program.
Teachers, administrators, and guidance counselors are able to be a part of the SAP team. This series will focus on individual team members, beginning with high school health and physical education teacher Mr. Nick Lovrich.
How did you hear of the SAP program?
When I started teaching Ms. R (Julia Roseborough) was still teaching and she was on the team. I actually was part of a SAP group when I was in school my senior year. They were new at that point and they had students from different group in them.
What’s the best part about being on SAP?
I have 2 answers for this!
- When there are friends of a student and they see them struggling. If they refer them, it shows how much they care about their friend.
- The success stories. Seeing someone get help and it makes things better for them.
How long have you been on SAP?
18 years
What’s the most challenging part of being on SAP
Hearing some of the struggles that our students have in their lives.
How do you help students that are in SAP?
Most of the time an outside counselor does a lot of the hard work. I always try to touch base with some of the other referrals, even if it is just a hello in the morning.
What’s your perspective on SAP?
I think it is a great resource for students. It allows someone a chance to talk to someone here at school.
What’s something that inspires you, that could also inspire a student?
We all have issues in our lives, even the people you don’t think do. There are going to be times we struggle, and it will be okay. Control the things you can control and put all the other things in your backpack. At the end of the day, empty that backpack, because that backpack will weigh you down. Don’t let those things pull you down. Sometimes we just have to let it go! You choose your attitude everyday. Choose a positive one.
