STAR: Survey, Talk, Acknowledge, Review
Tahoma School District (TSD) is working in partnership with King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) to implement a survey and intervention system at the middle and high school levels, using the School-Based SBIRT Framework: "Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral To". This could be referral to services, clubs, adult support, or anything the student may need. Starting in the 23-24 school year, the program’s name will be changing to STAR Wellness (survey, talk, acknowledge, review). The SBIRT framework will still be utilized.
Funding for the program is provided through King County’s Best Starts for Kids (BSK) initiative, with additional funding from local levy dollars.
STAR Wellness allows the district to proactively support students in building skills to prevent youth mental health and substance use issues but also to connect with anything they need in their community for positive outcomes.
At Tahoma High School, we have two Student Wellness Advocates who will be implementing this program to support students: Gwendolyn Huete and Janelle Cotogna.
Gwendolyn Huete
My name is Gwendolyn Huete and I am one of the Student Wellness Advocates for the STAR/SBIRT program at Tahoma High School!It has been an exciting adventure being part of this program! SBIRT began at the middle school level in 2018 at STMS and MVMS. I was one of the first members to help start this program and worked as a SBIRT coordinator at Summit Trail Middle School. I am excited to be a part of this expanding program (now called STAR Wellness) at the high school and continuing to work with students and families in this community! I am originally from Los Angeles, California. I graduated from UCLA with a Sociology major. Education is my passion and I continue to pursue higher education when I have the chance. I have a Master’s in Educational Counseling from the University of La Verne and a Masters in Educational Leadership from WGU. I moved to the Maple Valley area with my husband, two kids, and two dogs. It has been an amazing experience for my family! I enjoy the Pacific Northwest and all the hiking, camping, lakes, mountains it has to offer. Washington is a beautiful place!