SUMMER SCHOOL GRAB & LEARN DISTRIBUTION SCHEDULE AND LESSON SUPPORT 

Guam Department of Education (GDOE) elementary and middle schools are distributing summer school hard copy packets of lessons for those students and families who do not have reliable or consistent internet access. These packets contain information and resources along with weekly lessons and activities in reading, writing, math, science, social studies and character education.  Lessons are intended to reinforce skills taught during the regular school year.  

Due to limited staffing and availability of resources, each school has a specific distribution schedule. Families are asked to review the distribution schedule below and to wear a mask when entering GDOE campuses to pick up summer school Grab & Learn materials. 

Parents are also welcome to email and call should they need support with weekly lessons and activities.

This program is administered by the GDOE Federal Programs Division and funded by the U.S. Department of Education Consolidated Grant to the Outlying Areas. For more information contact Joshua Blas at jcblas@gdoe.net/300-1254, or Felix Chaco at fachaco@gdoe.net/300-1361.    

WETTENGEL ELEMENTARY GRAB-N-GO SCHOOL MEALS TEMPORARY CLOSURE

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) Grab-N-Go school meal distribution at Wettengel Elementary School will close for the remainder of this week due to an electrical issue affecting the Dededo campus. 

The GDOE is working with the Guam Power Authority to address the issue as soon as possible. While the electrical issue is being resolved, school meal distribution at Wettengel Elementary will be suspended from tomorrow, June 24, 2020 to Friday, June 26, 2020. Distribution at Wettengel Elementary is expected to resume on Monday, June 29, 2020, and any future changes will be announced. 

Grab-N-Go lines at Maria Ulloa Elementary School may be longer than usual as a result of the Wettengel closure. GDOE staff will be on site to monitor traffic and to maintain the safety of participants through the help of the Guam Police Department and village mayors. The GDOE asks for the public’s patience and understanding as it continues to resolve challenges in order to provide meals under this emergency situation.

Although the Wettengel distribution site is temporarily closed, normal Grab-N-Go school meal distribution will continue at 11 other locations:

North:

• Astumbo Elementary School 

• F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School

• Maria Ulloa Elementary School

Central:

• Agana Heights Elementary School

• B.P. Carbullido Elementary School

• George Washington High School

• John F. Kennedy High School

• Jose Rios Middle School

South:

• Inarajan Elementary School

• M.U. Lujan Elementary School

• Southern High School

Grab-N-Go meals are available at no cost utilizing a drive-thru operation, on a first come, first served basis.  The Grab-N-Go school meal program is limited to one meal per child and offers breakfast and lunch. Vehicles are limited to a maximum of 10 meals, and walkers are limited to a maximum of 5 meals. The Grab-N-Go school meal program is operational every weekday, Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., except holidays. Walkers are also accepted beginning at 11:30 a.m.

All children age 18 years and below, to include public and private school children are eligible to participate.

The Grab-N-Go school meal program is made possible through a waiver received by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Participants are asked to wear a mask when picking up meals. Drivers should also remain in their vehicles and follow instructions to facilitate a smooth and safe distribution process. 

SCHOOL YEAR 2020-2021 SURVEY FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE), through the District School Readiness Task Force, continues to plan for the safe reopening of schools in School Year (SY) 2020-2021. Over the past month, the GDOE has been meeting with public school stakeholders as it works to address the evolving COVID-19 situation and the reopening of schools this fall. As the GDOE considers proposals for next school year, it is seeking feedback from parents and guardians through the School Year 2020-2021 Parent/Guardian Survey to better understand what is most important to families as they prepare for the new school year. 

The parent/guardian survey aims to gather general information about parent/guardian perspectives on the reopening of schools. The GDOE is currently exploring various options based on available guidance from the Government of Guam, Executive Orders, and public health experts. The survey will help the GDOE to better determine parent/guardian perspectives, concerns, priorities, and interests in the proposed models of instruction. 

The parent/guardian survey is being distributed through the Islandwide Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and to PTO representatives. The survey will also be available on the GDOE website at https://forms.gle/5w49jBQWTwWmuAMJ9. Answers to the survey are anonymous and confidential. The survey will be available until July 3, 2020.

The School Year 2020-2021 Parent/Guardian Survey is separate from the Distance Learning Model Registration form, which families will be completing during the registration process and prior to the start of the school year. 

“As we look to reopen schools, engaging with our parents and soliciting their input is critical to ensuring that we cover all bases and come up with a solution that recognizes the concerns of our community,” GDOE Superintendent Jon Fernandez said. 

“In addition to this survey, we continue to engage with our PTO representatives, teachers and administrators through regular meetings with the task force and Guam Education Board,” GDOE Deputy Superintendent Joe Sanchez said. “We encourage all parents and guardians to share their thoughts and input with us.” 

FOOD COMMODITIES DISTRIBUTION RESUMES THURSDAY; INCOME ELIGIBILITY EXPANDED TO INCLUDE MORE FAMILIES

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), is issuing TEFAP food commodities to the community beginning Thursday, June 25, 2020 and every other Thursday thereafter. This will allow for time to restock and replenish food commodity supplies.

The GDOE State Agency is committed to ensuring the overall availability and effectiveness of program services for the homeless and socially/economically challenged individuals and/or families on Guam. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the GDOE State Agency has elected to use the 400% percentile of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), making most families on Guam eligible to receive TEFAP food commodities through December 2020.

The GDOE State Agency continues to work in partnership with agencies and organizations to include Pacific Unlimited Incorporated, Matson Guam, Department of Public Works, Guam Police Department, Guam Airport Police, Guam National Guard, the Mayor’s Council of Guam, the Governor’s Office, and the Lieutenant Governor of Guam.

Households with monthly incomes at or below the levels listed below are eligible to participate in the TEFAP food commodity distribution program: 

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, beans, rice, canned fruits, sauces, tuna, salmon, pork, beef, and chicken. 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, June 25, 2020: 

  • Tiyan Upper Baseball Field from 6:00AM-10:00AM  

  • Dededo Farmer’s Market from 6:00AM-10:00AM  

• Thursday, July 9, 2020: 

  • Tiyan Upper Baseball Field from 6:00AM-10:00AM  

  • Dededo Farmer’s Market from 6:00AM-10:00AM  

• Thursday, July 23, 2020: 

  • Tiyan Upper Baseball Field from 6:00AM-10:00AM  

  • Dededo Farmer’s Market from 6:00AM-10:00AM  

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 10:00AM.  Participants are asked to follow the following program guidelines:

• Please be patient;

• Follow instructions;

• Present valid photo identification;

• 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;

• Proceed with caution; and

• Follow traffic directions and signage.

REGISTRATION FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2020-2021

The Guam Department of Education registration process is ongoing for School Year 2020-2021. Parents and/or guardians should register students as soon as possible. Parents of students turning 5-years-old by July 31, 2020 are also reminded to register children for kindergarten. 

Registration Process

To register your child at a Guam Department of Education school, please contact each school directly to ensure the proper registration forms are completed and submitted. Parents/guardians are asked to call ahead before picking up registration packets, and may also download registration packets at each school’s website. Required registration documents include the following:

• Completed district registration forms

• Student’s official birth certificate

• Parent/guardian current photo identification

• Court appointment guardianship document, if applicable

• Official transcript and official withdrawal from a previous school

• Proof of residency (ONLY one):

  • Mayor’s verification – names of parents/legal guardians and children; or

  • Copy of Mortgage Settlement/Deed to Property/Rental Lease Agreement/Base Commander’s Certification clearly showing the complete home address; or

  • Utility Bill (power, water, or telephone); or

  • Living arrangements if staying with a family/friend – homeowner to provide a notarized letter

• IEP/EAP/ESL (most recent), or Agency Letter of Placement, if applicable

• Up-to-date immunization record

• TB requirements in accordance with Title 10 GCA 3329

• Physical examination (For Kindergarten, 6th grade, 9th grade, and all new students)

Safety Guidelines 

Parents/guardians should call ahead prior to visiting each school in order to avoid crowding in school offices. All entering GDOE campuses are required to wear a mask, and visitors should report immediately to the main office where temperature screening will be conducted. Visitors may be asked to wait in their vehicles should doing so be necessary to enforce social distancing guidelines. 

When submitting registration documents, parents/guardians should call ahead to schedule an appointment. Families may also contact schools directly to determine whether documents are being accepted via email.

Reassignment of Attendance Areas

Due to the COVID-19 health pandemic, the reassignment of attendance areas for high schools will not be implemented this year. Further reassignment of attendance areas is postponed until further notice.

Model of Learning Registration Form

Families will be asked to complete a Model of Learning Registration Form upon registration. Due to COVID-19 safety concerns, the Guam Department of Education is exploring three proposed models of instruction for School Year 2020-2021. All three models will be offered, and parents may select which model their child will participate in. The form is being offered through the GDOE School Readiness Task Force, and aims to assess parental interest in enrolling students in one of the three following options: 

1. Home Learning Online Instruction (Online Learning): This model of instruction and attendance is 100% online home learning. Students attend classes online and are required to have a computer or tablet, and reliable internet access. Additionally, though not necessarily required, access to a printer and scanner is beneficial. 

2. Home Learning Hard Copies (Paper Based/Hard Copy Curriculum): This model of instruction and attendance is for students who would like to do 100% distance learning but do not have the equipment to support 100% online work. This would be a home learning model supported by a paper-based or hard copy based curriculum.

3. Traditional (Face-to-Face): This model of instruction and attendance will be for students who will be participating in a blended model of face-to-face and distance (home) learning. Due to safety and physical distancing considerations, the District School Readiness Task Force has proposed using an A-B-C alternating schedule, where 1/3 of students attend classes on any given school day. The proposed A-B-C alternating schedule entails the following:

   • Students are divided up into equally sized alphabetical cohorts (A, B, C).

   • Cohorts will alternate days for physical attendance on campus.

   • On days when students are not physically on campus, they will have assignments, projects or activities to complete and submit when they return. These assignments, projects, or activities can be provided and completed electronically or through hard copy depending on students' access to equipment and the internet.

   • Alternating days will follow the same order and adjust accordingly for holidays.

The Guam Education Board is currently considering the proposed schedule changes and will make a final determination on June 30, 2020.

Parents/guardians are reminded to return library books and other school items. To pick up any belongings left at the school, please contact each school directly.

For more information regarding the registration process, please contact each school directly. The GDOE school directory is available at https://www.gdoe.net/District/Portal/Directory.

MICROSOFT OFFICE SPECIALIST TRAINING FOR SECONDARY TEACHERS AND PRIVATE NON-PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) Division of Curriculum & Instruction Career Pathway Project will be facilitating a Microsoft Office Specialist Expert Level training for middle and high school business education teachers and participating private non-public (PNP) school teachers from June 22 through July 27, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. As the department continues to enhance its career readiness programs, the Career Pathway Project has taken steps to train teachers to provide quality instruction to students and to help them prepare for careers upon graduation from high school or after college.

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification is the premier credential chosen by individuals seeking to validate their skills and advance their careers. MOS certification demonstrates that you have the skills to tap the full features and functionality of Microsoft Office. Teachers who successfully complete the training will receive a Microsoft Office Specialist Expert Certification in the Word and/or Excel course in which they are enrolled.

During each of the four day training modules in Word or Excel, participants will be engaged in real-world situations that will allow them to build and apply skills in everyday scenarios. Microsoft Word is the de facto standard in business for creating documents such as letters, invitations, term papers, flyers, resumes, novels and other documents. Excel is a spreadsheet application, typically used to display and manipulate numerical data. Microsoft Excel provides data organization and analysis tools that enable users to sort, extract and generate charts from spreadsheet data. These courses include advanced Microsoft Office Word and Excel functions that will enhance a teacher’s ability to provide quality lessons in their classrooms.

This training will be conducted entirely through video conferencing software, through vendor New Horizons, and does not require teachers to be physically present in a classroom setting.  

For more information, please contact Frank Leon Guerrero at flleonguerrero@gdoe.net or Sylvia Calvo at stcalvo@gdoe.net.

This activity is administered by the GDOE Federal Programs Division and funded by the U.S. Department of Education Consolidated Grant to the Outlying Areas.

GDOE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) recognizes that students are in need of opportunities to gain experience in the workplace. To better serve this need, the Superintendent proudly announces 16 openings for Cycle Two of the GDOE Internship Program for high school seniors. Incoming seniors enrolled in a GDOE high school are eligible to apply for the opportunity to gain work experience and earn up to $1,100.

GDOE intends to provide basic work experiences in contemporary office settings to support professional development beyond the traditional classroom. The program focus is to engage students in a product-based project that also allows students to enhance customer service skills, learn professional communication techniques, participate in leadership development, sharpen technological skills, develop interpersonal skills and a greater understanding of the GDOE district offices. In addition to their primary internship projects, interns will execute an intern-led presentation to showcase their work and will organize and complete a service learning project. 

The program framework consists of a cycle that includes three separate sessions. Those selected will be working in Tiyan at the GDOE district-level offices for all three sessions. Duty hours are between 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The three sessions are scheduled during the following dates: 

• Session One: June 29, 2020 – August 7, 2020; earn up to $600

• Session Two: December 21, 2020- January 5, 2021; earn up to $300

• Session Three: March 29, 2021 – April 5, 2021; earn up to $200

Who can apply: 

• Student must be enrolled in a GDOE school

• Must be 16 years of age or older

• Must be an incoming high school senior with at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average

• Must have completed at least 60 service learning hours

• Must be available to attend all dates and hours pre-determined by GDOE for each session

• Complete and submit an application with a written/typed essay on or before the deadline 

• Be responsible, mature, and ready to learn in a real-world workplace environment

• For those under 18 years of age, parent signatures MUST be affixed on all applicable forms

The application for the GDOE internship program may be found on the GDOE website at https://www.gdoe.net/District/Portal/gdoe-high-school-internship. The deadline to submit applications is June 24, 2020. Completed applications should be sent electronically to nmonforte@gdoe.net. For more information, please contact nmonforte@gdoe.net.  

GATE PREKINDERGARTEN APPLICATIONS

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Project will continue to accept pre-screening applications for the GATE prekindergarten program this week. Children who are four years of age by July 31, 2020 are eligible for pre-screening. 

Those interested in applying may pick up a hard copy application from the GATE Office located at Building B, 501 Mariner Ave., Tiyan, 3rd floor room 313. Families are reminded to wear a mask and follow all safety guidelines and posted instructions when visiting GDOE offices. Testing resumes this week, and the deadline to submit applications will be on August 7, 2020. 

To complete testing, children must first be able to separate from parents, and will then undergo testing including a visual-motor integration test, a vocabulary test, and a visual-closure test. Children must achieve a score of at least 130 on any one of these tests or a total of 350 in order to qualify for the program.

GATE prekindergarten is specifically designed for gifted four-year-old children, and provides a balance between acceleration and enrichment activities that meet students’ physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs. The well-rounded program aims to provide a background of experiences that will help students become eager and effective learners.

The GATE prekindergarten program is currently offered through nine programs at seven school sites including Machananao Elementary School, AsTumbo Elementary School, M.U. Lujan Elementary School, Carbullido Elementary School, Captain H.B. Price Elementary School (2 programs), Harry S. Truman Elementary School, and Lyndon B. Johnson Elementary (2 programs).

The GATE Project is administered by the GDOE Federal Programs Division and funded by the U.S. Department of Education Consolidated Grant to the Outlying Areas.  

For more information, please contact 300-3687/1247.

GDOE SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAM

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) will be holding the Summer School Program during the months of June and July. The summer school program will consist of distance learning through online instruction as well as physical learning packet distribution. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Summer School Program will not include traditional on-campus instruction on GDOE campuses. 

Summer Enrichment Program for Elementary/Middle Schools

Elementary and middle school lessons and activities are open to all interested students and will be delivered through the expanded Home Learning Website from June 15, 2020 through July 31, 2020. Content will be organized weekly and will now include subject areas such as science and social studies, in addition to the current subjects of reading, writing, math and character education/life skills. Students do not need to register in order to participate. Enrichment material is not graded and is available to provide supplemental summer learning.

For students and families who do not have reliable internet access or equipment, elementary and middle schools will be distributing hard copy packets for students on a weekly basis. Families may reach out to schools directly for information on each school’s distribution schedule. The hard copy packets contain information and resources aligned with the weekly lessons and activities provided to students on the GDOE Home Summer Learning Resource website available at www.gdoe.net.

Summer School Program for High Schools

The high school Summer School Program will utilize two graded modes of instruction, including online instruction and paper based instruction for students lacking 0.5 credit or more. For students and families who do not have reliable internet access or equipment, high schools will be distributing hard copy packets for students. The following are distribution dates and times for each session:  

• Session A:  June 15 – July 3, 2020 

  • Pick Up Dates & Time:

    • June 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 & July 1

    • 7:00am – 9:00am

• Session B:  July 6 – July 23, 2020 

  • Pick up Dates & Times:

    • July 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 22, & 23

    • 7:00am – 9:00am

While students from all high schools are eligible to participate, the summer program will be hosted by the following schools: 

• George Washington High School

• John F. Kennedy High School

• Okkodo High School

• Simon Sanchez High School

• Southern High School

• Tiyan High School

Parents and students are reminded to follow all safety instructions and to wear a mask while picking up hard copy packets at GDOE campuses.

PBS University 

PBS University educational programming for elementary, middle and high school students will continue throughout the summer. PBS University features teachers from the GDOE teaching lessons in English, language arts, math and character education/life skills. Parents and students are encouraged to tune into the PBS University programming on KGTF channel 12 every afternoon throughout the week. The PBS University playlist for all lessons can be found at https://bit.ly/PBSUniversity.

This program is administered by the GDOE Federal Programs Division and funded by the U.S. Department of Education Consolidated Grant to the Outlying Areas.

For more information you may contact your child’s school, Joshua Blas at jcblas@gdoe.net or 300-1254, or Felix Chaco at fachaco@gdoe.net or 300-1361.     

GDOE TIYAN HEADQUARTERS OPENS TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC 

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) Tiyan headquarters will open to the general public on Monday, June 8, 2020. 

All visitors should follow safety protocols that have been put in place to ensure staff and visitor safety, to include wearing a mask and following all posted signs and directions. Additionally, members of the public should enter and exit through the main entrance. Temperature checks will be conducted at the main entrance. 

Members of the community are asked to call ahead before visiting divisions and offices and should make an appointment where possible. If GDOE reaches capacity in the first floor waiting area, visitors will be asked to wait in their cars until they are called to ensure physical distancing is maintained. The directory for the GDOE central office divisions is available below: