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
The Wellness Center is
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.
GHS WELLNESS CENTER JULY 2015–DECEMBER 2015
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.
GHS WELLNESS CENTER JULY 2015–DECEMBER 2015
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.
GHS WELLNESS CENTER JULY 2015–DECEMBER 2015
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.
GHS WELLNESS CENTER JULY 2015–DECEMBER 2015
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.
GHS WELLNESS CENTER JULY 2015–DECEMBER 2015
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.
GHS WELLNESS CENTER JULY 2015–DECEMBER 2015
MISSION
The Wellness Center is
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-
Mona Lee Mental Health Counselor
(Available on Mondays)
301-284-4687 [email protected]
Donnell King Youth Development
Specialist
301-284-4691 [email protected]
Vanessa Carlo Youth Development
Specialist
301-284-4682 [email protected]
Maia Barber Youth Development
Specialist
301-284-4964 [email protected]
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)
301-284-4531 [email protected]
Sandra Duncan-Gunn School Health Room Aide 301-284-4530 Sandra_ME_Duncan-
Tanya Katcher, MD Pediatrician 301-284-4688
Shobna Shukla, NP Nurse Pracitioner 301-284-4688 [email protected]
GHS WELLNESS CENTER JULY 2015–DECEMBER 2015