Alternative to Suspension Programs

The Guilford County Schools' Mental Health Department offers alternative to suspension programs for students that violate the GCS Student Code of Conduct rules related to tobacco, alcohol and other drugs, providing consequences for rule violations that include early intervention. 

ASAP (Adolescent Substance Abuse Program)
The middle school ASAP program (Rule III-4) provides students with the skills necessary for academic success, maximizing their individual potential, and returning to traditional programs as responsible members/citizens of the school community. ASAP serves students in grades 5-8 who have a short term suspension (3-10) days or a long-term suspension via the GCS's Hearing Officer, for violating the alcohol and drug policy. Parents must provide transportation to and from the site. Lunch will be provided for students. The program hours are from 9:30am - 4:30 pm. Continued support will be provided to students in the form of follow-up visits, if students are in a GCS school.

For more information contact: 
Greensboro Teacher - Joyce Williams at williaj5@gcsnc.com
(Schools: Allen MS, Brown Summit MS, Eastern Guilford MS, Hairston MS, Jackson MS, Kernodle MS, Kiser MS, Mendenhall MS, Northeast Guilford MS, Northern Guilford MS, Southern Guilford MS, Swann MS & The Academy at Lincoln)

High Point Teacher -   Cassandra Ward at wardc6@gcsnc.com
(Schools: Allen Jay MS, Ferndale MS, Jamestown MS, Johnston Street Global, Northwest Guilford MS, Penn Griffin School for the Arts, Southeast Guilford MS, Southern Guilford MS, Southwest Guilford MS, Welborn MS, Western Guilford MS)

ASAP Referral Form 2024-25

ASAP Referral Form 2024-25 (Spanish)

Lifestyles Program

The Lifestyles Program is provided for high school students who have a Rule III-4 Student Code of Conduct-Rule infraction. Utilization of the Lifestyles Program allows administrators to reduce the number of days a student is suspended from school. This is a six-hour substance abuse education and early intervention program for students and parents.  The program is designed to educate students and their parent(s) regarding issues of alcohol and other drug abuse and about healthy family relationships. Classes are currently being held virtually in the evenings. Parents of high school students who are concerned about their student's use of alcohol or other drugs can refer to the program (without a rule violation at school).
For more information, contact Kimberly Fields at fieldsk2@gcsnc.com

Lifestyles Overview and Referral Process

Lifestyles Referral Form 24-25

Lifestyles Referral Form 24-25 (Spanish)

Tobacco/Vaping Education Program
The Tobacco/Vaping Education Program is provided for students who have a Rule I-10 or I-11 Student Code of Conduct infraction or whose parents request that they attend the program because of their concern about their student’s use of tobacco/vaping products. 

• Middle school students attend the class in a live, remote format, in the evening. They are taught information on many aspects of vaping and traditional tobacco use and are encouraged to make healthier decisions while learning about the negative consequences of smoking, chewing and vaping tobacco products.

MS Tobacco Education Overview and Referral Process

MS Tobacco/Vaping Education Referral Form 24-25

MS Tobacco/Vaping Education Referral Form 24-25 (Spanish)

• High school students participate in My Health Futures program, which is coordinated at the student’s home school. Students who are motivated to quit are referred for further services. The Tobacco Education Program is provided for students who have a Rule I-10 or I-11Student Code of Conduct infraction. Students are provided with information on many aspects of tobacco use (including E-cigarettes). They are encouraged to make healthier decisions while learning about the negative consequences of smoking, chewing and vaping tobacco products.

For more information, contact Kimberly Fields at fieldsk2@gcsnc.com