It is that time of year again, when we check out the back to school sales, file away our summer vacation pictures, and with a renewed spirit set forth for a year of learning.  I trust everyone is recharged and ready for the challenges that lie ahead during the upcoming year.  I would like to express a warm welcome to those of you new to DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam, and encourage you to embrace the important work that awaits you – educating children and making a difference in their lives!

As we begin this school year, I ask that each of you take a moment to reflect on your professional obligation to meet our organization’s vision for the students we serve, and that you appreciate that you are working and living in an overseas environment.  Please remember at all times to be professional and remain a role model in the community. . .(go to article)

As we wind down school year 2007-2008, completing report cards, grading final exams, packing up classrooms, and wishing our friends and colleagues safe travels, it is important that we take the time to reflect on our accomplishments.  This past year DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam maintained and expanded our current programs. Despite the many obstacles teachers and administrators face on daily basis, I continue to be impressed with the level of professionalism and commitment to students that is evident in our classrooms across the Pacific.

The start of this school year was amazing and inspirational as we faced many challenges relating to budgetary constraints and facility improvements. I realize many staff members gave freely of their time, working long hours and weekends, keeping the goal of “highest student achievement” as their number one objective. . .(go to article)

Director's Message: National Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

The U.S. Immigration Station, a National Historic Landmark, is located on Angel Island in San Francisco bay. What Ellis Island symbolizes to Americans of European heritage who immigrated to the east coast, Angel Island symbolizes to Americans of Asian heritage on the West Coast.

In the years the station operated (1910-40), it has been estimated that approximately one million people were processed through the station. Out of this number, approximately 250,000 Chinese and 150,000 Japanese immigrants were detained at the Station. Small numbers of immigrants from other Pacific Rim countries, including Russia, Korea, and the Philippines were also detained at the Station.

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month was enacted on October 28, 1992. The purpose of the law was to honor the achievements of Asian/Pacific Americans and to recognize their contributions to the United States. This recognition was the culmination of Jeanie Jew's efforts in the 1970's to establish Asian Pacific American Heritage Week. . .(go to article)

Director's Message: National Teacher Appreciation Week – May 4-10

I would like to take this opportunity, when all of America joins together in appreciation of our Nation’s teachers, to recognize the great work of our own educators.  DoDDS-Pacific/ DDESS-Guam proudly joins the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and school districts all over the country in recognizing our teachers during National Teacher Appreciation Week. This year’s commemorative week is scheduled for May 4-10.  This year’s theme “Great Teachers Make Great Public Schools” represents the tapestry woven by our teachers as they ensure our children receive the very best educational opportunities.  

Director's Message: Administrative Professionals Week will be celebrated April 20 - 26th

Formerly known as Secretary's Week, this special week represents a time to recognize the incredible support we receive from the secretaries, administrative assistants, receptionists, and other administrative support professionals who keep our schools and offices going. This year’s theme “Forward Moving" denotes how career-minded our administrative professionals are as they position themselves for success in today's ever-changing business environment by mastering advanced office technology and forging collaborative relationships with managers, coworkers, and teachers.  Today’s support personnel take charge of their own careers and career advancement.

Millions of people around the world work in offices, and appreciate that administrative professionals are the key components in maintaining a well run organization.  In our schools and district offices, these energetic, highly skilled, multifunctional individuals ensure that excellence is not the exception, but the standard mode of operation, from greeting visitors to working with children, teachers, and educational leadership. . .(go to article)