2022 School Safety Training - "A Safe Place to Learn: Preparing School Communities"

April 3 - 4, 2023 I 8AM - 4PM I Tiyan High School 

Guam Department of Education

School safety is link to improved student and school outcomes. About 500+ school staff, along with school administrators, participated in a two-day training focused on two strands: (1) school culture and safety and (2) engaging in school safety networks. School culture and safety offered workshops that aligned to school policies, expectations, and interactions when working with students and other school personnel; and the school safety network strand provided training information on community partnership with law enforcement, legal and judicial branches, public and mental health, and other partners, and how collectively each supports school safe environments. Professionals in the field of education, health, public policy, and law enforcement shared their expertise, knowledge, and information on best practices on maintaining health and safe school communities. 

Key Plenary Session

The plenary session, led by Sgt. Paul Tapao, Guam Police Department and Mr. Theseus Mendiola, vape shop owner, opened the two-day training with the emphasis on responsible adult use of vape. Vape products, nicotine, THC, CBD, are accessible in the community, and have entered the schools. The session provided a brief on legal and illegal vape products and edibles currently sold in the market and black market, and how responsible adult use is critical in preventing and combating access to minors.

To access plenary or workshop presentations, sign-in sheets, and/or resources, please follow link: 2023 Plenary and Workshop Presentations. 

 2023 School Safety Training Committee

Under the leadership of Deputy Superintendent Erika S. Cruz, the school safety training was led by the District Student Conduct Committee, facilitated by the Student Support Services Division, and supported by the Division of Special Education and Curriculum & Instruction Division. The committee members include: 

• Erika S. Cruz, Deputy Superintendent, ESCL
• Christopher Anderson, Administrator, Student Support Services Division 
• Terry Naputi, Program Coordinator IV, Student Support Services Division
• Marites Garcia, Principal, Finegayan Elementary School
• Natasha Dela Cruz, Principal, M.U. Lujan Elementary School
• Dennis Malilay, Assistant Principal, Astumbo Middle School  
• Derrick Santos, Principal, Inarajan Middle School
• Christopher Castro, Assistant Principal, George Washington High School
• Dr. Asherdee Rosete, Principal, J.P. Torres/Central Success Academy
• Dr. Tony Cruz, School Psychologist, Student Support Services Division 
• Francisco Limtiaco, Program Coordinator III, SCCE
• Louticia Sahagon, Data Processing Manager (Acting), FSAIS   
• Anthony Sean Monforte, Administrator, Food & Nutrition 
• Ed Brown, Safety Officer, Facilities & Maintenance 
• Margaret Cruz, Equal Employment Opportunity 

Should you have any questions or comments about the two-day training, please contact Student Support Services at 671-300-1623/24.