Personal and Emotional Development / Support

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania requires the formation and function of student assistance programs in all public schools. The primary goal of East Pennsboro Area High School’s program, PAWS (Panthers Always Want Success), is to provide the support necessary to promote students’ achievement and success.

What is the PAWS Program?

PAWS is a confidential and voluntary program aimed at assisting students who are faced with barriers to learning. Such challenges may include but are not limited to, family problems, eating and/or sleeping difficulties, hostility/anger, peer conflict, depression, pregnancy, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, anxiety/fears, and drug/alcohol use. The core of the program is a professionally trained team, including school staff and liaisons from community mental health and drug & alcohol agencies. PAWS team members are trained to identify problems, to determine whether or not the presenting problems lie within the responsibility of the school, and to make recommendations to assist students and parents. When problems lie beyond the scope of the school, the PAWS team can help parents and students to access services within the community. PAWS team members do not diagnose, treat, or refer to treatment, but they may refer students for screening or assessment for treatment. PAWS follows state-mandated guidelines for student assistance programs.

Click here to learn more about PAWS: Student Assistance Program