Gaithersburg High School WELLNESS CENTER JULY … · The Gaithersburg High School Wellness Center...

Gaithersburg High School WELLNESS CENTER JULY 2015–DECEMBER 2015

WELLNESS CENTER WIRE Envisioning students healthy in body, mind, and spirit

The Wellness Center is

operated in partnership with

Montgomery County’s

Department of Health and

Human Services,

Montgomery County Public

Schools, Identity, Inc., Pride

Youth Services, Inc., Mental

Health Association, and

Catholic University.

Gaithersburg High School

Wellness Center

Principal: Dr. Christine Handy

101 Education Boulevard

Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Main Office: (301) 284-4500

Health Suite: (301) 284-4531

MISSION


committed to helping students

in the school community reach

their full potential by offering

coordinated medical care,

quality counseling, positive

youth development, and health

education experiences in a

confidential and culturally

sensitive manner.

The Gaithersburg High School Wellness Center envisions stu-

dents healthy in body, mind and spirit fully committed to high

academic achievement and models of leadership, strength and

success. The Center’s goal is to increase protective factors

and decrease risk factors among Gaithersburg High School

youth. Its objectives are designed to give youth and their fami-

lies a greater knowledge base relating to overall wellness

while promoting positive healthy behaviors.

We would like to say THANK YOU to the Gaithersburg High

School staff for their continued support ensuring that students

can easily access the services within the Wellness Center. We

also appreciate the feedback our parents have provided. Their

involvement has allowed the Wellness Center to better serve

the youth.

In collaboration with Identity’s 21st Century Community Learning Cen-

ter program, Wellness Center staff provided a four week Summer Bridge

Program for twenty-seven ESOL and general education students needing

additional support in math. Students participated in academic instruction

and enrichment activities that focused on the importance of academic

success, conflict resolution, healthy relationships, bullying, and stress

management. They enjoyed field trips and a special presentation by the

“Adventures with Raptors” program.

Additionally, seventeen incoming ninth graders from Forest Oak and Gaithersburg Middle Schools partici-

pated in Gaithersburg High School Wellness Center’s Summer program for 9th graders. Students participat-

ed in WC youth development and recreational activities. Participants enjoyed completing team building and

problem solving activities, and setting goals for high school. Students had the opportunity to get to know

their peers well, familiarize themselves with the school grounds, and engage in discussions about their

thoughts and feelings regarding entering high school.

SUMMERTIME FUN During the summer months, Wellness Center staff made connections with incoming ninth graders through their summer

program and kept in contact with previously serviced youth by participating in a summer league basketball team.

SUMMER BASKETBALL

GHS WELLNESS CENTER JULY 2015–DECEMBER 2015

Past participants enjoyed playing

on the Wellness Center’s All Star

Summer Basketball team. The

students did not advance to the

championship this summer, but

enjoyed playing on the team and

improving their athletic skills. The

program emphasized individual

and team development, self-

confidence, and empowered par-

ticipants to work towards their full

potential.

SummerSummerSummer

FUN!!FUN!!FUN!!

WELCOME FALL Fall is a time of new beginnings for our students— a time for new class schedules, new school supplies and the chance

to meet new friends. This fall, Wellness Center staff had the opportunity to create new relationships with students of di-

verse backgrounds.

Wellness Center staff hosted two lunchtime pep rallies to promote the programs and services offered.

Each day, hundreds of students attended the event to enjoy fun activities, food, music, and receive infor-

mation regarding the after school programs.

Later in the semester, WC held orientations for their afterschool programs. Informational meetings for the

Adolescent Female Forum to Inspire, Respect, and Motivate (AFFIRM), Adolescent Male Empowerment

Network (AMEN), and Be Yourself (Se Tú Mismo) programs took place throughout the month of Sep-

tember. Interested students learned more about the programs and obtained information required to join.

In addition to the aforementioned programs, Achieve, Distinguished Gentleman, and Divine Divas com-

menced in the month of October. These programs empower youth to recognize and utilize their strengths,

build friendships, and discover solutions to issues they might face throughout high school.


A FAMILY AFFAIR

Wellness Center staff also reaches out to the parents of the

youth. In the month of November, approximately 40 Lati-

no parents attended a parent meeting. ESOL students pre-

sented their dream project in English to parents. The stu-

dents then led table discussions with the parents that fo-

cused on the parents’ dreams for their own children and

the challenges they have overcome in order to accomplish

those dreams they identified.

LIFE IS A TRIP, ENJOY THE RIDE Wellness Center often complements their afterschool program sessions with field trips. These out-

ings allow participants to have fun and fellowship with Wellness Center staff and other group

members outside of their weekly gatherings.


Students joined Wellness Center staff on two,10 mile hikes

at Sugarloaf Mountain. On both occasions, the youth pushed

themselves to successfully complete the challenging, but re-

warding hike. Later in the semester, students from AMEN,

AFFIRM, and Be Yourself accompanied Wellness Center

staff to the Field of Screams in Olney, Maryland. Students

enjoyed navigating the multiple haunted buildings where they

experienced the zombie tunnel, scary clown house, night

maze, and slide. All participants enjoyed the trip. It was an

opportunity for the various group members to interact and

start the process of building a large cohesive group. Another

group of individuals coming together included past and pre-

sent AFFIRM and Divine Divas group members. These

young ladies went to Hot Skates Roller Rink in Baltimore,

Maryland. Students enjoyed the activity and the opportunity

to explore another city.

Additionally, members of Be Yourself participated in a day

retreat to Calleva Farms in Dickerson, MD. Students enjoyed

a day of team building, friendly competition, and goal setting.

SERVICE LEARNING

In addition to recreational events,

Wellness Center staff provide stu-

dents with opportunities to serve

others in the community. Members

of Distinguished Gentleman and

Divine Divas serve at St. Martin’s

Church Soup Kitchen on a month-

ly basis. While there, youth serve

dinner and dessert to the individu-

als present and help clean up.

Members of Achieve organized a

canned food drive during the

month of November. Students cre-

ated flyers to distribute and a post-

er tracking their progress. One

hundred thirty-six non perishable

food items were collected and do-

nated to a local non-profit,

Lead4Life to support their annual

Thanksgiving dinner and food bas-

ket distribution event.


ATTITUDE OF GRATIUDE In addition to crunchy leaves, crisp air, and football, fall brings Thanksgiving, a holiday emphasiz-

ing the importance of giving thanks and possessing a spirit of gratitude. Such a disposition can be

seen in these letters written by youth to one of our Youth Development Specialists, Donnell King.

“Dear Mr. King,

I would like to say thank you because you have pushed me to do

basketball. When I doubted myself you helped me to have confi-

dence. You pushed me to try out and I made it! I also want to deeply

thank you for helping me with the finances. I am really grateful for

that! I want to keep working […] because I want to get better and I

want to get a scholarship. But thanks for everything you’ve ever

done for me!”

“Dear Mr. King or DK,

Thank you Mr. King for having AMEN group,

and for always telling about things that will

help our future. Also thank you for sharing

your memories even though it might be per-

sonal. Thank you for the food and […] sup-

porting us and helping us in AMEN and al-

ways.”

Not only does Wellness Center staff work to inspire the youth within their programs, they understand

the importance of continuing to learn new skills to bring a new perspective to their programs. One

technique is leading peacemaking circles.

CIRCLE UP

Wellness Center staff participated in a three day training on peacemaking circles. Kay Pranis teaches and

writes about the Dialogue Circle process. The Wellness Center staff have utilized this technique through-

out the school year as an enhanced method of understanding and responding to youths’ concerns.

During the month of October, AFFIRM and Divine Divas students participated in dialogue circles. These

Circles provided students an opportunity to discuss their interests and lessons learned since starting high

school. Be Yourself group members also participated in a Dialogue Circle. The Circle taught students the

importance of communicating their emotions in a healthy ways. Students appreciated the space to openly

express themselves in a nonjudgmental process.


Along with several organizations and the City of Gaithersburg, the GHS Wellness Center staff and sixteen

WC students participated in the Youth Summit on October 16 at Gaithersburg High School. This was the

second Youth Summit, bringing together youth and law enforce-

ment to promote communication and understanding. Circles

were facilitated in English and Spanish and over 70 youth from

the community attended the event. Youth in attendance earned

Student Service Learning hours for participating in the dialogue

and helping with set up and clean-up. Following the dialogue

circles, youth were able to participate in an afternoon of engag-

ing field day activities with staff, law enforcement, and students

from other schools.

THIS CALLS FOR A CELEBRATION For many, December is a time of gathering with family and friends, joy, jubilee, and goodwill toward hu-

mankind. The same holds true for the Wellness Center. During this month, Wellness Center staff held

several events celebrating the students and families they have worked with thus far.

Be Yourself held a celebration for its partici-

pants on December 15th as well. Students

had fun participating in activities to com-

memorate their time in the program.


To acknowledge the successful completion of this ses-

sion’s AFFIRM and AMEN groups, a graduation ceremo-

ny was held on December 15, 2015. At this time, students

were congratulated for consistently participating in the

programs. Past and present participants shared testimonies

describing how the program benefitted them personally.

Family members were present to celebrate the achieve-

ments of the students.

WELLNESS CENTER AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS Join the Wellness Center programs and services!

Be Yourself participants

enjoying the great out-

doors at Calleva Farms

in Dickerson, MD

Our four core after-school positive youth development programs include:

Achieve works with recently arrived Latino immigrants to discuss their experiences with assimi-

lation, family separation, peers, family dynamics, school, etc. The Wellness Center staff works

with the ESOL department at Gaithersburg High School to ensure that the students and families

participating in the Achieve program receive assistance with accessing services and programs

within Montgomery County.

Be Yourself/Sé Tú Mismo is a Latino youth leadership program conducted in Spanish and

culturally appropriate for Latino youth. The program incorporates the importance of self-worth,

community, developing future aspirations, and relationships. The participants not only enjoy

interactive activities, but also participate in dynamic group discussions.

Adolescent Female Forum to Inspire, Respect, & Motivate (AFFIRM) Program works

with young ladies to help them develop healthy ways of valuing themselves and learning how to

embrace their powerful attributes. AFFIRM aspires to build self-confidence, self-worth, and a

sense of accomplishment in young ladies

Adolescent Male Empowerment Network (AMEN) Program is a brotherhood where

young men have a healthy and safe place to express themselves concerning relatable real life is-

sues such as how to resolve conflict, how to handle negative peer pressure, and setting and pursu-

ing personal goals.

Our specialty programs and clubs:

Distinguished Gentlemen (DG) Program targets young men who have completed the

AMEN program. The group focuses on the importance of identifying future goals and developing

an action plan for accomplishing them. Students also participate in community service events.

Divine Divas Program targets young ladies that have completed the AFFIRM program. The

program focuses on issues affecting young ladies and includes a service project.

Joven Noble and Xinachtli are trauma-informed culturally competent programs for at risk

male and female students.

Realistic Employment Approaches for Diverse Youth (READY) Program focuses on job

readiness skills. Sessions include resume writing, how to apply for a job, interviewing skills,

guest speakers, teamwork within the work place, punctuality, attendance, positive acceptable

work behavior, and appropriate appearance.

Summer Program is an opportunity for incoming 9th graders from Forest Oak and

Gaithersburg Middle Schools to familiarize themselves with the Wellness Center as well as the

high school. Students complete team building and problem solving activities, and set goals for

high school. Participants build relationships with their peers and engage in discussions about

their thoughts and feelings regarding entering high school.

Recreation Activities consist of lunchtime basketball and soccer programs This is an oppor-

tunity for students to positively engage in a physical activity during their lunch period.

Lunchtime recreation takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays during the school year.


MISSION


committed to helping students

in the school community reach

their full potential by offering

coordinated medical care,

quality counseling, positive

youth development, and health

education experiences in a

confidential and culturally

sensitive manner.

JOIN THE GAITHERSBURG HIGH SCHOOL WELLNESS CENTER

The Wellness Center enrollment forms are located on the GHS website under the Wellness Center

homepage or available for pickup in the Wellness Center, Room 1015 from 9am to 6pm. The Wellness

Center provides a great opportunity for students to receive support socially, emotionally, and physical-

ly. Our services include somatic health, mental health, after school programs, and case management.

All of our programs and services are free to Gaithersburg High School students and their families.

2015 - 2016 WELLNESS CENTER TEAM

Name Position Office Phone Email

Veronica Stroman Site Manager

(Youth Development)

301-284-4690 [email protected]

Wendy Velazco-Weiss

Mental Health Counselor

301-284-4687 Wendy_Velazco-

[email protected]

Mona Lee Mental Health Counselor

(Available on Mondays)


Donnell King Youth Development

Specialist


Vanessa Carlo Youth Development

Specialist


Maia Barber Youth Development

Specialist


Marcela Urtubey Parent Outreach Worker 301-284-4683 [email protected]

Vanessa Simonson Parent Outreach Worker 301-284-4686 [email protected]

Rashida Nedrick School Nurse

(Manages Health Services)


Sandra Duncan-Gunn School Health Room Aide 301-284-4530 Sandra_ME_Duncan-

[email protected]

Tanya Katcher, MD Pediatrician 301-284-4688

Shobna Shukla, NP Nurse Pracitioner 301-284-4688 [email protected]


Gaithersburg High School WELLNESS CENTER JULY … · The Gaithersburg High School Wellness Center...

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