August 14, 2020 

GDOE OPERATIONS DURING PCOR 1; DISTANCE LEARNING BEGINS AUGUST 17

On Friday morning, Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero announced that Guam will be placed in PCOR 1 effective Sunday, August 16, 2020 at 12:01 a.m through Saturday, August 29, 2020.

No Face-to-Face Instruction During PCOR 1

Based on this announcement and based on guidance outlined in Executive Order 2020-27, the government of Guam will be operating in a limited capacity with restricted or no public access. Additionally, the order prevents schools from implementing face-to-face classroom instruction through August 31, 2020, unless further extended. All athletics, after-school activities, inter-school activities and busing will be suspended.

While GDOE facilities are closed for in-person instruction and activities, the executive order does allow educational distance-learning activities, distribution of materials and equipment, other necessary administrative or maintenance functions, and food service preparation; therefore, all Guam Department of Education (GDOE) schools, including the school district headquarters and administrative offices, will continue to be operational during PCOR 1. 

GDOE Distance Learning Begins August 17th 

The start of home learning courses for school year 2020-2021 for all students will be Monday, August 17, 2020. All students will be enrolled in one of the two home learning instructional models: (1) Home Learning Online Instruction or (2) Home Learning Hard Copy Curriculum. Parents of students who were enrolled in the traditional face-to-face instructional model are asked to reach out to their child’s school to determine which home learning model their child will participate in, and to find out information regarding class schedules and teacher contact information. Every student will be offered the option to participate in the online or hard copy models of learning to avoid any delay in their educational instruction. Schools will also be reaching out to parents to facilitate the transition for these students and to complete required forms, such as the Education Technology Use Policy, for students enrolled in online learning.

First Few Weeks of Classes to be Transition Period as Schools Move to 100% Home Learning

Schools have been working diligently to contact parents and to transition roughly 38% of the student population to one of the two home learning instructional models over the past 24 hours. Due to this sudden change, the GDOE asks for the patience of parents and students as it works to coordinate this transition over the next few weeks. Parents/guardians are asked to stay in close communication with their child’s school. 

“The first few weeks of classes will serve as a transition period to implement the necessary logistics for full distance learning and to allow both students and teachers to adjust to this new way of teaching and learning,” GDOE Superintendent Jon Fernandez said. “We appreciate the patience of the general public as we work to implement these important changes.”

GDOE Facilities Closed to the General Public

While GDOE will continue to be operational during PCOR 1, all GDOE facilities, to include schools and the GDOE central offices in Tiyan, will be closed to the general public until further notice. Employees and contractors will continue to have access to GDOE buildings. Members of the community may contact each school or division over the phone or via email. Offices and schools may be contacted at the following directory: https://www.gdoe.net/District/Portal/Directory.

All GDOE Employees Remain on Regular Duty 

Based on Executive Order 2020-27, all GDOE employees, to include school and central office employees, are on regular duty and are expected to physically report to work. Employees should contact their immediate supervisor for guidance regarding their reporting schedule. Teleworking may be authorized subject to approval and execution of a teleworking agreement. All meetings must comply with mitigation measures, including but not limited to required face masks and physical distancing; however virtual meetings are highly encouraged when possible.

Safety Reminders

The safety of GDOE students and employees remains a top priority. All stakeholders are reminded that face coverings are required while on GDOE facilities or campuses. There will continue to be screening conducted at the front entrance of facilities and physical distancing will be required at all times. GDOE stakeholders are also reminded to practice all mandated health and safety guidelines. 

August 14, 2020 

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS; STUDENT EMAIL ACCOUNTS; KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION; DISTRIBUTION OF INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPLIES

All Guam Department of Education (GDOE) classes for school year (SY) 2020-2021 will begin on Monday, August 17, 2020. However, instead of using three different instructional models, the school year will begin using 100% distance learning. Due to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in Guam, all face-to-face classes will be canceled for the next two weeks. 

All GDOE students will begin the school year in one of the two home learning instructional models: (1) Home Learning Online Instruction; (2) Home Learning Hard Copy Curriculum. 

Parents/guardians of students enrolled in the traditional face-to-face instructional model should contact their child’s school to select which one of the two home learning models their child will participate in.

“While we have delayed face-to-face classes due to the health situation in Guam, we are committed to our mission of teaching and learning and will do everything we can to ensure our kids continue to receive the education they deserve,” GDOE Superintendent Jon Fernandez said.

Parents/guardians are asked to contact their child’s school for information on their child’s class schedule, teacher contact information, hard copy distribution schedule, and to ensure their child has access to their student email account. 

Additionally, parents/guardians of children turning five years old by July 31, 2020 are reminded that they should register their children for kindergarten as soon as possible if they have not done so already. 

In preparation for the opening of SY 2020-2021, the GDOE Federal Programs Division - State Educational Agency is also pleased to announce that instructional and administrative supplies and materials are being procured to support teaching and learning and will be distributed to the following schools:

• All Guam Department of Education Schools
• Guahan Academy Charter School
• iLearn Academy Charter School 
• SIFA Learning Academy Charter School
• All 14 Catholic Schools under the Office of Catholic Education
• St. John’s School 
• St. Paul’s Christian School
• Harvest Christian Academy
• Guam Adventist Academy
• Providence International Christian Academy
• Japanese School of Guam

The types of instructional and administrative supplies include pens, pencils, crayons, markers, notebooks, construction paper, staplers, tape, and other materials. Funding was made available through the Education Stabilization Fund – State Educational Agency under the Coronavirus Aid Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). 

For more information, please contact your child’s school directly. 

August 13, 2020

Portions of F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School to Close Following Positive COVID-19 Case

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) is working closely with the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) to conduct contact tracing after a confirmed COVID-19 case was identified at F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School. 

On Thursday, August 13, 2020, the GDOE was notified that an employee at F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School tested positive for COVID-19. The contact tracing effort is ongoing and close contacts of the confirmed case will be contacted directly by DPHSS. A close contact is an individual who has come in face-to-face contact with a confirmed COVID-19 individual for at least 10 minutes or more and within six feet, or who has had direct contact with infectious secretions of the confirmed COVID-19 individual (e.g. being coughed on). Both the confirmed case and close contacts will not be permitted to return to campus until cleared by DPHSS. 

Beginning Friday, August 14, 2020, portions of F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School campus will be closed for cleaning and disinfecting, to include areas of the campus accessed by the confirmed COVID-19 individual. These portions of the campus will be off-limits until cleaning is completed. Remaining portions of the campus will remain accessible by school personnel.

Daily precautions are taken at GDOE school sites to safeguard the health and safety of employees, students, and families. Not only are schools cleaned and sanitized daily, but other safety precautions in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to include the following: required face coverings for all students and staff; temperature screening upon arrival; 6 feet physical distancing; regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces and common areas; and encouraging students/employees to wash hands and sanitize often.

August 13, 2020

GDOE Delays Traditional Face-to-Face Classes

In consultation with the Governor of Guam, Lieutenant Governor, and Director of the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS), Superintendent Jon Fernandez has directed that the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) will delay the start of traditional face-to-face classes for all GDOE schools for two weeks. The decision comes in response to the most recent COVID-19 health information provided by DPHSS, showing a sharp increase in daily positive cases over the last seven days. While traditional face-to-face classes will be delayed, GDOE will continue moving forward, as planned, with its two distance learning options, beginning August 17, 2020.

“The safety of our students and employees has always been at the forefront of our planning and decision-making regarding school openings this year,” GDOE Superintendent Fernandez said. “I have remained in close communication with the Governor’s Office, Public Health, and the Physicians Advisory Group regarding the ongoing health situation in Guam, and based on their guidance, a two-week delay for traditional face-to-face instruction is the right decision.”

Classes were expected to begin on Monday, August 17, 2020, for all GDOE students, to include those enrolled in the distance learning and traditional face-to-face instructional models. Approximately 62% of students are registered for the distance learning options, which include Home Learning Online Instruction and Home Learning Hard Copy Curriculum; the remaining 38% of students were registered for face-to-face instruction, which requires physical attendance at school on an alternating schedule. GDOE estimates that only 16% of total school enrollment is expected on campus on a daily basis, and class sizes are expected to average around eight students per classroom. 

Earlier this week, the Guam Education Board met and discussed the option of a one-week delay to the start of classes to provide additional time for teachers to prepare for the school year. However, the proposal did not have the necessary support to move forward. The Superintendent clarified that his decision to delay the start of traditional face-to-face classes was based on safety concerns and on the most recent information from public health experts.

“The Board has always entrusted me with the authority to determine the closure of any school facility due to health or safety issues,” Fernandez said. “I have assured them that this authority will always be exercised with great care and concern for our students and employees. While I know that our department has worked hard over the summer and is prepared to carry out our mission as planned, I have based my decision to delay face-to-face instruction on the advice of our health care experts and on the data that we have been monitoring daily.” 

Fernandez will continue to monitor the health situation in Guam with the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and DPHSS Director, to ensure that future school opening decisions align with the guidance of public health experts.  

Further information will be provided to parents/guardians of students enrolled in the traditional face-to-face instructional model.

August 12 , 2020

Simon Sanchez High School Closes Following Positive COVID-19 Case   

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) is working closely with the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) to conduct contact tracing after a confirmed COVID-19 case was identified at Simon Sanchez High School. 

On Wednesday, August 12, 2020, the GDOE was notified that an employee at Simon Sanchez High School tested positive for COVID-19. The contact tracing effort is ongoing and close contacts of the confirmed case will be contacted directly by DPHSS. A close contact is an individual who has come in face-to-face contact with a confirmed COVID-19 individual for at least 10 minutes or more and within six feet, or who has had direct contact with infectious secretions of the confirmed COVID-19 individual (e.g. being coughed on). Both the confirmed case and close contacts will not be permitted to return to campus until cleared by DPHSS. 

Beginning Thursday, August 13, 2020, Simon Sanchez High School will fully close for the remainder of this week. The school is expected to reopen by the first day of classes on Monday, August 17, 2020.

Daily precautions are taken at GDOE school sites to safeguard the health and safety of employees, students, and families. Not only are schools cleaned and sanitized daily, but other safety precautions in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to include the following: required face coverings for all students and staff; temperature screening upon arrival; 6 feet physical distancing; regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces and common areas; and encouraging students/employees to wash hands and sanitize often.

August 12, 2020

SCHOOL YEAR 2020-2021 BUS SAFETY GUIDELINES AND SCHEDULE

In preparation for school year (SY) 2020-2021 and in light of the COVID-19 health situation in Guam, the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) and Department of Public Works (DPW) are working together to implement additional safety protocols on school buses. 

Parents/guardians should be aware that the following safety protocols and guidelines will be implemented on all DPW buses this school year:

1. Screening: To reduce the risk of spreading illness, parents should assess their child’s wellness BEFORE they leave to bus shelters. Parents should NOT send their child to school if their child is sick or has symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g. fever of 100.4 degrees fahrenheit or higher, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, new loss of taste or smell, etc.).

2. Driver Training: All drivers have received training on proper disinfecting procedures for the school bus. These procedures follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations:

• Proper cleaning and disinfecting techniques

• Proper use and disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Safe product usage guidelines (chemical safety)

• Proper methods to empty and dispose of trash in school buses

3. Signage and Student Education: Signage will be prominently posted indicating the proper method to protect others when coughing or sneezing on the school bus. 

4. Driver Isolation: All drivers should be encouraged to keep a safe distance and will establish a buffer zone (no students should sit in the front two rows).

5. Health and Safety Requirements:

• Students and drivers are required to wear a mask/face covering at all times.

• Hand sanitizer will be available for school bus drivers and students.

• Mandatory social distancing should be adhered to throughout the bus (alternating seating is required).

• Buses will be sanitized after each group of students is dropped to a school site.

• An emergency supply of masks will be available should a student damage or misplace their mask.

There will be no changes to last year’s bus schedule and the official school year 2020-2021 schedule will be issued by DPW. The GDOE and DPW ask for the community’s patience as delays may be experienced during the first few days of bus operations due to these new safety protocols.

August 11, 2020

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT BEING DISTRIBUTED TO GDOE, CHARTER AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Over the last several days, the Guam Department of Education has been receiving and distributing personal protective equipment (PPE) in preparation for the reopening of schools.

All public, private and charter schools in Guam will be receiving PPE supplies over the coming week to include thermal scanners, hand sanitizers, disinfectant, alcohol sprays, and a mask for every student and employee. Additionally, certain personnel, such as school nurses, special education employees and cafeteria workers, will be receiving additional PPE supplies such as gloves and face shields. 

“On Saturday and last week we pushed out thermal scanners for the schools that Guam Homeland Security provided. We also pushed out over 13,000 bottles of hand sanitizer. We received another delivery of 18,000 hand sanitizers which we are trying to push out over the next day or two. In total, we will be distributing close to 45,000 bottles of hand sanitizer to the schools,” said GDOE District School Readiness Task Force member Doris Bukikosa, who has been leading the GDOE’s effort to procure PPE for Guam’s schools.

The GDOE was able to purchase needed PPE supplies thanks to funding by the Education Stabilization Fund State Education Agency (ESF-SEA) under the Cares Act, which is administered by the GDOE Federal Programs Division State Education Agency. 

Additionally, the Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) donated PPE to GDOE earlier this month, to include: 164 thermal scanners, 4,348 face shields, 205 packs of disinfectant wipes, 20,800 non-medical gloves, and 87 goggles. In addition, GDOE will be receiving additional supplies through the Department of Public Health and Social Services, such as N-95 masks, gowns, shoe covers, caps and gloves for school nurses. GDOE is also expecting additional supplies for nurses from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Supplies will be distributed to GDOE, private and charter schools based on school populations and the number of students registered for face-to-face enrollment. 

On Monday, the GDOE received a delivery of disposable face masks, to include sizing to fit both adults and children. “We will also be receiving medical grade N-95 masks for school nurses,” Bukikosa added. 

Additionally, camera thermal scanners with monitors will also be provided to all public, private and charter schools with a population of 1,000 students or more. This will allow schools to more efficiently screen students and visitors as they arrive on campuses.

“I would like to thank our GDOE team for working around the clock to procure the necessary PPE to ensure we can safely sustain school operations as we work to reopen schools next week,” GDOE Superintendent Jon Fernandez said. “We are committed to the safety of our students and employees and hope that providing these supplies will help to minimize any health risks for our school communities.”

“We want to reassure our parents and employees that we will do everything we possibly can to keep our school communities safe and prepared,” Deputy Superintendent Erika Cruz said. “We are doing our best to use our resources wisely, and we would like to thank our community partners, Public Health, Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense, the Office of the Governor as well as FEMA for supporting our efforts.”

August 11, 2020

SUPERINTENDENT AND GUAM EDUCATION BOARD STATEMENT FOLLOWING GOVERNOR’S COVID-19+ DIAGNOSIS

The Superintendent and Guam Education Board (GEB) Chairwoman issue the following statement following Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero’s recent COVID-19 diagnosis:

“I was saddened to hear that Governor Leon Guerrero tested positive for COVID-19, and on behalf of the Guam Education Board, I would like to send our well wishes to her and her family during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with all those on our island who have been impacted by the COVID-19 virus.” GEB Chairwoman Maria Gutierrez said. 

“We have been working closely with her team to reopen schools and we appreciate her continued support; we are glad to hear that she is in good spirits and we wish her a speedy recovery,” Superintendent Jon Fernandez said. 

August 10, 2020

NEW TEACHER SEMINAR

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) Division of Curriculum & Instructional Improvement is hosting the New Teacher Seminar for beginning teachers and first-year, limited-term teachers this week. 

The virtual seminar begins on Thursday, August 14th through Friday, August 15th from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

 
The virtual training consists of teachers from each school site, and engages participants in sessions that will promote a smooth transition for the upcoming school year. Topics being explored throughout the seminar include lesson planning, classroom management, effective instructional strategies, and standards-based learning.  

“We are excited to have these new educators joining our department, and hope that this seminar will provide them with the tools and resources they need to better facilitate teaching and learning in their classrooms,” GDOE Superintendent Jon Fernandez said. 

“As we prepare for the upcoming school year, these evidence-based strategies will provide our new teachers with knowledge on delivering appropriate lessons using the right strategies while dealing with diverse learners in the contexts of real and virtual classrooms,” GDOE Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum and Instructional Improvement Joe Sanchez said. “This seminar serves as a foundation course for beginning teachers to discover classroom instruction that works and how to apply these strategies while getting to know their students during their first year of teaching.”

- END OF STATEMENT -

August 7, 2020

GDOE FIRST DAY OF CLASSES FOR STUDENTS IS AUGUST 17; ONLY SHARE VERIFIED INFORMATION

The first day of classes for Guam Department of Education (GDOE) students is Monday, August 17, 2020.

On Friday, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero announced additional restrictions due to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases on island. Following this announcement, the GDOE became aware of social media and WhatsApp messages indicating that face-to-face classes would be canceled for students – this information does not apply to GDOE schools.

At this point, students are expected to begin classes on August 17 for all three models of instruction, to include (1) Home Learning Online Instruction ; (2) Home Learning Hard Copy Curriculum; and (3) Traditional Face-to-Face.

The department continues to work closely with the Department of Public Health and Social Services and the Office of the Governor to monitor the health situation on Guam. Any future announcements regarding the beginning of the school year will be made through the GDOE Public Information Office or the Joint Information Center.

Students and families are encouraged to share only verified information. Parents may also contact their child’s school directly or visit www.gdoe.net for the latest back to school information