At the Boerum Hill School for International Studies (BHS), our Substance Abuse Prevention and Intervention Specialist (SAPIS) Counselor, Mr. Javed Smith, plays a vital role in supporting students’ emotional well-being, safety, and personal growth. The SAPIS program is part of the New York City Public Schools’ Office of School Health and is designed to provide preventive education and early intervention services that help students make healthy decisions and build positive coping strategies.
Mr. Smith offers:
Individual and group counseling for students around issues such as peer pressure, conflict resolution, grief, substance use, family changes, and social-emotional wellness
Classroom workshops and presentations on topics like healthy relationships, self-esteem, stress management, and substance abuse prevention
Crisis intervention and conflict de-escalation
Partnership with families and staff to ensure students receive consistent support
Coordination with community resources to connect students and families to outside services if needed
Aligned with our school’s restorative and inclusive approach, Mr. Smith is a trusted adult who helps students develop self-awareness, resilience, and the skills to thrive both inside and outside of school. All services are confidential and tailored to the needs of each student.
At BHS, we believe every student deserves to feel safe, supported, and empowered to grow. Mr. Javed Smith is here to help make that a reality. If you would like to connect with Mr. Smith or learn more about SAPIS services, please contact the school’s main office for assistance.
