Philosophy Statement

Marquette University High School believes that along with parents and other segments of the community, the school has a role to play in helping students make decisions about their lives. MUHS believes that students today encounter many challenging and stressful events in their lives. Reactions to these events vary widely, and sometimes include: depression, alcohol and other drug use, stress or suicide. We believe that students need education and assistance in dealing with these concerns. Therefore, in addition to the individual counseling services provided, the Student Support Program has been developed.

Functions of the Student Support Program (SSP)

1. Identify students who are in need of support services.
2. Provide initial screening to determine nature or severity of the problem.
3. Motivate students to accept help.
4. Offer options for treatment (In-school support group/outside treatment)
5. Support the students' efforts to make positive life choices.

Referral to SSP

A student can self-refer to the SSP. In addition, referrals can be made by another student, by faculty, staff, administration or parents. A student may be referred if he exhibits behavior that is inappropriate, has an unexplained change in academic performance, develops an unacceptable pattern of absence, shows signs of depression or other signals that a problem may exist. An SSP counselor will consult with the student to determine what further involvement with the SSP is needed.

Various support groups are available to MUHS through the Student Support Program. This program offers small group support sessions which allow students the opportunity to discuss their feelings, meet peers who share similar experiences, and come to an understanding of life events which influence them.

Descriptions of Support Groups

(Groups are confidential)

Attention Deficit Disorder Group (ADD)

This group is for students with Attention Deficit Disorder. The purpose of the group is to give students the opportunity to learn more about ADD, to share their experiences and to learn strategies which will enable them to maximize their potential. Emphasis will be placed on organizational skills which will allow the student to meet the academic challenges of MUHS.

AODA Education Seminar

This group is available for students who are presently involved with alcohol and other drug use and who are interested in looking at what effect their usage may be having on their lives. Group members will learn about chemical abuse and dependence and will be provided a non-judgmental environment to encourage open and honest discussion of personal attitudes, beliefs and feelings.

Anger Management Group

This group is designed to help students who have a difficult time understanding and controlling their anger. The focus of the group is to gain personal insight and to learn anger management skills.

Concerned Persons Group

This group is available for students who are concerned about a family member's use of alcohol or other drugs. Group members will learn about chemical abuse, its effects on families and friends, and skills for coping with difficult situations.

Spectrum

This small group is designed for students who are living in a single-parent home as a result of a divorce. Students who share this experience lend support and insight to their peers. The goal of SPECTRUM is to help students understand, accept and adjust to a new life-style. Whether the divorce occurred recently or long ago, all are welcome to join. If you have already adjusted to this type of change, you are welcome to join to assist others!

Genesis

This small group is designed for students who have experienced the death of a parent, brother or sister, relative or friend. The goal of the group is to assist students as they seek to understand and cope with the many moods and feelings that occur after experiencing the death of someone you care about.

Stress Reduction

The stress reduction group assists students in pinpointing the areas that produce stress in their lives and helps them develop long-term coping skills such as relaxation techniques, good exercise and eating habits, assertiveness, good communication skills, relationship building and life-planning.

Smoking Cessation Group

This group supports students who wish to break their addiction to nicotine. The group offers preparation for quitting, supports the student as he takes action, and encourages and reinforces the student as he becomes an ex-smoker.