August 5, 2020

GUAM TEACHERS SELECTED TO RECEIVE PRESIDENTIAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS IN SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS, AND ENGINEERING

The White House has recently selected Guam Department of Education teachers Dymphnia Paulyn San Nicolas-Diaz and Lali Thundiyil as recipients of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). PAEMST are the nation’s highest honors for teachers of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science.

Mrs. San Nicolas-Diaz currently works at Tiyan High School in Barrigada, Guam, and teaches mathematics. Mr. Thundiyil currently works at F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School in Yigo, GU, and teaches life science.  

The PAEMST program, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, recognizes outstanding teachers for their contributions to the teaching and learning of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science.

Each awardee will receive a certificate signed by President Trump and a $10,000 award from NSF. Awardees will also travel to Washington, D.C., for an awards ceremony at a future date. While they are in D.C., they will participate in professional development activities and network with fellow STEM educators from across the nation. Additionally, the awardees will join a prestigious cadre of more than 5,000 teacher-alumni.

“I would like to congratulate Mrs. San Nicolas-Diaz and Mr. Thundiyil for this prestigious recognition, and I would like to thank them for representing the excellence of our school system at the national level,” GDOE Superintendent Jon Fernandez. “Both have been active not only in our school system, but our community, and I would like to thank them for their dedication to our students and families.”

August 3, 2020

TEACHERS LEARN ABOUT DEEP SEA EXPLORATION

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE), in conjunction with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (OER), will host a follow-up virtual teacher training titled, “Exploring the Deep Sea,” on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The training for middle and high school level educators will focus on addressing the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) through activities focused on ocean exploration, underwater mapping, ocean health, and remotely operated vehicles.  The workshop activities were designed by the NOAA OER.

The NOAA OER offers full-day educator professional development workshops across the country and in U.S. territories. Supported by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, these workshops promote NOAA OER exploration science, website resources, and education materials. These workshops also encourage educators to use these resources to incorporate more ocean science education in their classrooms.

The workshop facilitators will include education experts Mark Heckman from the Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology and Mary Roney from the Waikiki Aquarium. 

For more information, contact Eloise Sanchez at the GDOE Division of Curriculum and Instruction at 300-1388 or at esanchez@gdoe.net. 

July 29, 2020

SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION 2020 PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

The Guam Education Board (GEB) conducted the Superintendent of Education 2020 Performance Evaluation in July. The evaluation reviewed the Superintendent’s performance over the past year and was conducted pursuant to 17 GCA §3103 as well as the Superintendent’s employment contract.

The duties and responsibilities of the Superintendent are stipulated in law and form the framework for the annual evaluation. These duties and responsibilities were considered in the Board’s development and approval of the 10-point Superintendent performance evaluation tool.

Each of the voting GEB members independently rated the Superintendent’s performance using the 10-item evaluation tool. The Superintendent had an opportunity to conduct a self-appraisal, which was submitted prior to the Board evaluation. Additionally, he had an opportunity to respond to questions or comments from individual board members.

The evaluation utilizes a 5-point scale, where 5 translates to a score of “Outstanding” and 1 translates to a score of “Unsatisfactory”. Dr. Zeni Napa Natividad, GDOE Administrator of the Research, Planning and Evaluation Division, collated the ratings and prepared a one-page summary sheet to depict each GEB member’s individual rating and the average rating per item. 

The Guam Education Board is pleased to announce that the overall average performance rating for Superintendent Jon Fernandez in 2020 is 4.9, which is descriptively equivalent to ‘Outstanding’.

“I am thankful for the confidence and support of the Guam Education Board,” said GDOE Superintendent Jon Fernandez. “Together, we have weathered a number of challenges over the past couple of years, but we have managed to steer our department in a positive direction, working with our community and our stakeholders.  I am most thankful for the outstanding rating because it reflects the hard work and accomplishments of my management team, our division and school administrators, and our teachers and staff.  I also am thankful for my wife and kids and my whole family’s support for the work I do and for the demands of the position. Everything we do at GDOE, we do together and with a positive attitude. And everything we do, we do for the future success and prosperity of our children and youth.”

“On all my years on the board, I have never seen a superintendent so involved and so dedicated to the success of our school children,” GEB Chairwoman Maria Gutierrez said. “Not only does he make time to engage with our students, but he takes on his role by emphasizing service to others and our community.”

“Jon is one of the longest-serving superintendent’s in Guam’s history,” GEB Vice Chair Mark Mendiola said. “Not only that, but he is also one of the longest serving superintendents in the nation. His continued leadership has brought much needed stability and direction to our department, and we are grateful to work alongside him.”

July 29, 2020 

CURRICULUM & DISTANCE LEARNING VIRTUAL TRAINING SERIES 

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE), Division of Curriculum & Instruction is hosting additional distance learning virtual training modules for teachers this week. The “Curriculum & Distance Learning Virtual Training Series” aims to educate as many teachers as possible before the start of the school year.

During the initial training, which occurred during the week of July 20th, approximately 350 elementary educators and approximately 212 middle and high school teachers attended the training.  Additional training modules for educators will take place this week and next week. 

The facilitators from the Division of Curriculum and Instruction will address educational modules to align and support educators on the three models of learning, which were approved by the Guam Education Board on Tuesday, June 30, 2020.   

The training series includes six educational modules that will address applications related to remote learning. The educational modules aim to provide more educators with knowledge, skills, and applications on technological and interactive strategies by using different online platforms and tools to support and guide teachers for the reopening of schools. The modules will also include training on working with diverse learners, educating and supporting families on distance learning and technology use, and guiding secondary teachers on online management systems.

“I am extremely happy with our school system’s growing teacher capacity in technology. The three models of learning have really pushed our department to open our eyes to learning outside the classroom. We hope that this training series will positively impact our educators and help them to further improve and develop their teaching styles,” GDOE Deputy Superintendent Joe Sanchez said.

The four-day, three-hour, virtual, professional training sessions will be held this week through August 7th from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Please refer to the schedule below: 

For more information, please contact the Division of Curriculum & Instruction at 300-1635/1247.

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July 23, 2020

NEW FOOD COMMODITIES DISTRIBUTION SCHEDULE

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE), State Agency for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Nutrition Service (FNS), has rescheduled the TEFAP food commodities distribution from July 23, 2020 to Thursday, July 30 and Thursday, August 6, 2020. This will allow for time to restock and replenish food commodity supplies.

Recipients will receive one (1) bag of TEFAP food commodities and one Farmers to Families food box of fresh fruits or vegetables, regardless of household size. Food commodities include items such as fresh apples and oranges, pasta noodles, and canned goods such as spaghetti sauce, black beans, garbanzo beans, peaches, pears, salmon, and tuna.  A maximum of three (3) households per vehicle will be permitted to pick up commodities. 

TEFAP distribution will take place on the following dates, times and locations:

•            Thursday, July 30, 2020: 

·         Tiyan Upper Baseball Field from 6 a.m. -10 a.m. 

·         Dededo Farmer’s Market from 6 a.m. -10 a.m.   

•            Thursday, August 6, 2020: 

·         Tiyan Upper Baseball Field from 6 a.m. -10 a.m.   

·         Dededo Farmer’s Market from 6 a.m. -10 a.m.  

Commodities will be distributed on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last. Distribution may end early if all available commodities are distributed before 10 a.m. Participants may pick up only one food commodity bag per distribution day. Each site will have a listing of individuals who have picked up multiple commodity bags per distribution day since June 25, 2020, and individuals on this list will not be eligible to receive commodities.  Furthermore, a letter of warning will be issued. 

Participants are asked to adhere the following program guidelines:

•            Present and have valid photo identification readily available;

•            Provide village of residency; 

•            Wear a mask at all times;

•            Remain in your vehicle;

•            Ensure your trunk is unlocked/open when entering the distribution area; and

•            Follow traffic directions and signage.

July 20, 2020

CURRICULUM & DISTANCE LEARNING VIRTUAL TRAINING SERIES

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) Division of Curriculum & Instruction is hosting a four-day, three-hour virtual professional learning experience on the “Curriculum & Distance Learning Training Series” beginning Monday, July 20th through Friday, July 24th.  

The facilitators from the Division of Curriculum and Instruction will address educational modules to support educators on the three GDOE models of learning, which were approved by the Guam Education Board on Tuesday, June 30, 2020.  

The training series will include seven educational modules, which will be facilitated by the district staff and address applications related to remote learning. The educational modules aim to provide department chairs, team leaders, and teacher leaders with knowledge, skills, and applications on technological and interactive strategies using different online platforms and tools to support and guide teachers for the reopening of schools. The modules will also include training on working with diverse learners, educating and supporting families on distance learning using technology, and guiding secondary teachers with online management systems.

“We look forward to a productive training series and know this will help our schools and teachers as they prepare for the changes this August,” GDOE Superintendent Jon Fernandez said. 

“There has been a concerted effort over the last few months with the work of the District School Readiness Task Force in planning to prepare for the reopening of the school year, including providing support for school-based teams to engage in training,” GDOE Deputy Superintendent Joe Sanchez said. 

The four-day virtual training sessions is being held from Monday, July 20th through Friday, July 24th from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.: 

For more information, please contact the Division of Curriculum & Instruction at 300-1635/1247.

July 20, 2020

ASTUMBO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GRAB-N-GO REOPENS

Grab-N-Go School Meal operations will resume at Astumbo Elementary School beginning Monday, July 20, 2020. 

Astumbo Elementary School is one of 12 Grab-N-Go School Meal sites that distribute no cost meals to children ages 18 and below every weekday. The Astumbo Elementary School distribution site closed earlier this month after one Grab-N-Go School Meal Program worker tested positive for COVID-19. Since then, school meal workers at the Dededo campus were tested for COVID-19. All received negative results. As an added precaution, workers also self-isolated for 14 days. During the closure, the campus was also cleaned and sanitized. 

With the opening of the Astumbo Elementary School site, all 12 distribution sites will be fully operational. Grab-N-Go School Meal participants are reminded to follow the directions of school personnel, to wear a mask while on campus, and to stay home or seek medical care if they feel ill. 

For more information about the Grab-N-Go School Meal Program, including distribution sites and guidelines, please visit www.gdoe.net.

July 20, 2020

LIBERATION DAY HOLIDAY REMINDER

The Guam Department of Education would like to remind stakeholders of the upcoming Liberation Day holiday.

The Liberation Day holiday takes place on Tuesday, July 21, 2020. School offices, the GDOE headquarters in Tiyan, and the Grab-N-Go School Meal Program will be closed in observance of the holiday. 

The Grab-N-Go School Meal Program will resume on Wednesday, July 22, 2020. 

REGIONAL PARENT INFORMATION SESSIONS

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) invites parents to attend online regional parent information sessions via Zoom video conferencing. The parent information sessions provide an opportunity for GDOE leadership to provide more in-depth information to parents regarding the plans for the upcoming school year. The forum also provides an opportunity for parents to ask questions and seek clarification. Additionally, schools will be conducting outreach with parents at the school level prior to the first day of classes.

The scheduled time, date and Zoom information for each informational meeting is as follows:

• Monday, July 20, 2020 (Northern Region Parent Meetin
  • Start time: 6 p.m.
  • Zoom link: https://gdoe.zoom.us/j/94430896347
  • Zoom password: 98918
• Wednesday, July 22, 2020 (Central Region Parent Meeting)
  • Start time: 6 p.m.
  • Zoom link: https://gdoe.zoom.us/j/98372017306
  • Zoom password: 462628
• Thursday, July 23, 2020 (Southern Region Parent Meeting)
  • Start time: 6 p.m.
  • Zoom link: https://gdoe.zoom.us/j/97066416767
  • Zoom password: 480457
• Friday, July 24, 2020 (Special Education Parent Meeting)
  • Start time: 6 p.m.
  • Zoom link: https://gdoe.zoom.us/j/94799175812
  • Zoom password: 933626

“Given the unprecedented changes our school system is facing this year, we are doing our best to keep the community informed through parent meetings, media interviews, and updates posted on the GDOE website,” GDOE Fernandez said. “We felt it important to schedule dedicated time to reach out to our parents to provide additional information regarding our plans, and we hope these sessions will help our families feel more prepared as they transition back to school this August.”

The Zoom meetings have the capacity to accommodate up to 500 participants. Those who wish to observe the meetings may also watch the livestream on the GDOE Facebook page. Those participating via Zoom are asked to mute their microphones when not speaking so that all participants are able to hear the presentation.

CHAMORU IMMERSION PROGRAM REGISTRATION 

Registration is now open for the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) Faneyåkan Sinipok CHamoru Immersion Pilot Kindergarten Program that will begin at P.C. Lujan Elementary School this fall.

Interested stakeholders who would like to learn more about the registration process may contact the GDOE CHamoru Studies Division Office at 300-1387 or 300-2498 for further inquiries or for special accommodations.

The Faneyåkan Sinipok CHamoru Immersion Pilot Kindergarten Program is open to any child living in Guam who was born between August 1, 2014 and July 31, 2015. The maximum enrollment for the program is 18 students. Transportation to and from school is provided by parents unless families are within the attendance area of P.C. Lujan Elementary School. Program hours will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2:43 p.m.

In order to participate, families must fill out and provide all documentation required by the application process, to be followed by an interview. Additionally, participating families must agree to commitment requirements, which include commitment to participate on a consistent basis, commitment to take CHamoru immersion classes by the parents and family members, and commitment to provide eight hours of in-kind service to the program per month.

Application process

• Interested stakeholders may access the application by contacting the GDOE CHamoru Studies Division

• Applicants will be invited to interviews aimed at discussing program requirements and commitments

• Students will be selected based on selective factors and based on the family's ability to commit to and meet program requirements.     

• Parents/guardians of students accepted into the program will need to sign a document stating their commitment to program requirements. Failure to fulfill commitments may result in families having to withdraw from the program.

Applications may be submitted via email to jsteria@gdoe.net or delivered to the GDOE Tiyan Office, Building B, 3rd floor, room 317. 

For more information, please contact GDOE CHamoru Studies at 300-2498 or 300-1387.