Ridgewood Assistance Program (RAP)

Resources for Students	Staff Referrals	Parent Information

Overview	Mission
The Ridgewood Assistance Program (RAP) provides education, assistance, and support for students affected by others’ drug and/or alcohol use, divorce, chronic illness, death, and stress.  Students participating in groups often see results in better attendance, improved grades, reduced behavioral difficulties, higher participation in athletics and activities, enhanced health, and a more positive attitude.	The RAP Core team supports and enhances the Mission of Ridgewood High School by helping students be available for learning.
Students may refer themselves to the Ridgewood Assistance Program or may be referred by a fellow student, a parent/guardian, or a staff member.  Student involvement in the RAP is voluntary and no records of the student’s participation will become part of the student’s permanent record.  Federal laws and regulation protect the confidentiality of information, whether or not recorded, about students’ participation.  Parents/guardians who do not wish their child participate in these groups must notify school by September 19.	This is accomplished through: Identifying both students and their needs in order to connect them to appropriate resources. Offering team facilitated groups tailored to the needs of the students involved. Providing support both inside and outside of the context of the classroom. Creating educational programming focused primarily on the affective domain.

Contacting RAP:

Ms. Jen Snyder

(708) 456-4242

Student RAP Resources

In need of services?  Take a survey and find out.

RAP Groups - see which RAP group is right for you!

Group Name	What this group does.
ESL Transition	Are you new to this country and are just learning to transition to American culture, English and high school?  This group will help you learn to make the best of a stressful time in your life by providing you with the tools and resources that will help!
Grief Group I&II	Many of our students at Ridgewood are sadly coping with the loss of a mother, father, or a sibling.  This group can help you transition during this very emotional time in your life.
COA I&II	Home life can often be a stressful place for students - especially if one or both parents are abusing alcohol or other substances.  COA will provide you with the tools you'll need to reduce your feelings of isolation and know that you are not alone, and to understand that you are not responsible for the actions of your parent(s).
Stress - Academic or Interpersonal	High school can be about a lot of stress.  RAP understands that sometimes students can be stressed about their interactions with other students - especially with access to texting and social networks.  RAP also understands that stress can be from worrying about getting that A, or passing that class, or getting into the best university.  Both stress groups help you understand where those feeling come from and offers you a variety of ways to help you be less stressed out about it all.
Girls	Are you feeling like you have to be someone else?  Like you have to fit someone else's idea of a "perfect girl"?  Girls group can help you understand that it's much more important to be you than to try to be something else for other people.
Anger I&II	Do you feel like punching a locker after something upsets you?  Feeling frustrated because your parents, teachers and even your peers don't understand you?  The Anger group can help you understand the root causes of these feelings and provides you the tools needed to help cope with those time when you just feel mad.

Are you currently in a RAP Group?

Please take this survey before you begin.