GDOE RECEIVES APPROVAL TO USE $41.5M TO HELP GUAM SCHOOLS RESPOND TO COVID-19

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) has been approved to use $41.5M from the US Department of Education (US-Ed) Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) to the Outlying Areas. This award is part of $153.75 million allocated under section 18001(a)(1) of the CARES Act. Guam will receive $54,021,960 in total, with $41.5M approved and awarded to the GDOE as the ESF State Education Agency (SEA). 

US-Ed Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced the ESF funding opportunity in May. GDOE consulted with the education community stakeholders to include students, parents, school administrators and teachers from the public, private non-public and charter schools, and Guam Education Board members before submitting the required GDOE ESF-SEA certification and agreement to US-Ed in May. US-Ed granted the GDOE-SEA final approval late last week.

The approved ESF-SEA grant awarded to the GDOE-SEA will support eligible participating public, private non-public and charter schools. Resources are allocated between schools based on a school’s previous year’s student enrollment. GDOE aims to complete approval of all project applications this week, with expenditures to begin as early as next week.

The CARES Act emergency relief funds will help address the impacts of COVID-19 on the island’s education system. The grant will support priorities such as modified learning models to include distance learning, health and safety supplies, materials and equipment; professional development, technology resources and services; and social, emotional and behavioral wellness support.

“The impacts of COVID-19 have been far-reaching across the nation and the region,” GDOE Superintendent Jon Fernandez said. “Our educational system is similarly challenged by the abrupt changes to our operations. As we take on this shift, these additional resources will help us to transition to a new model of learning. We thank our students, parents and teachers for their input and look forward to investing in the education, health, and safety of our students and staff.”

HEAD START PRE-SCREENING APPLICATIONS

The Guam Head Start Program is registering eligible families for School Year 2020-2021. 

What is the Guam Head Start Program?

Head Start is a comprehensive preschool program that promotes the school readiness of children by supporting their growth and development in a positive learning environment through early learning, health, and family well-being. Families play a critical role in helping their children to prepare for school and a lifetime of academic success. Thus, Head Start takes intentional steps to promote parent and family engagement.

Who should apply?

• Families that meet the Federal Income Guidelines and have a child who is age-eligible
  • 5 years old (born August 1 to December 31, 2015)
  • 4 years old (born January 1 to December 31, 2016)
  • 3 years old (born January 1 to July 31, 2017)

• Families who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and have an age-eligible child
• Families who are homeless and have an age-eligible child
• Age-eligible child in foster care
• Families with an age-eligible child with certified special needs (current Individualized Education Program, or IEP) 

How can I register my child for Head Start?

1. Interested families should complete the Head Start Pre-Screening Application Packet
   • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Pick up the packet during meal distribution at Grab-N-Go School Meal Program sites on Wednesdays and Fridays beginning on June 3
   • Visit our website at https://guamheadstart.gdoe.net/ to complete the online Eligibility Inquiry Form and download the packet
   • Pick up the packet at the Head Start central office in Tiyan beginning on June 8. Visitors are reminded that they are required to wear a mask and follow posted safety requirements while present in GDOE facilities. Individuals who are ill or who have COVID-19 symptoms should stay home and will not be permitted into GDOE campuses or facilities.
2. Make copies of your supporting documents. If you need assistance with making copies, call the Head Start Central Office at 475-0484 to schedule an appointment.
3. Submit your completed packet and supporting document​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
   • To Head Start staff during meal distribution at Grab-N-Go sites on Wednesdays and Fridays 
   • Via email to headstartregistration@gdoe.net 
   • Call Head Start central office in Tiyan to schedule an appointment for submission.
4. Head Start staff will review your documents and contact you to determine your child's eligibility and complete the registration process. Please update any changes in your home, mailing or contact information to ensure that we are able to contact you.

Documents Required to Determine Eligibility:

(Note: Other documents may be required depending on your household situation.)

1. Identification for parents and/or guardians in household (valid driver’s license, Guam ID, passport)
2. Child’s birth certificate
3. Child’s immunization card (shot record)
4. Child’s Social Security number (Social Security card or receipt of application for a number)
5. Income documents for all household parents and guardians for the last 12 months
   • Earned Income: 2019 W2 or Income Tax forms; check stubs from 2019-2020
   • Unearned Income: TANF Certification from Public Health, Child Support, Financial Aid, Social Security benefits, GHURA Utility Reimbursements, Payments from Unemployment Compensation
   • If no source of income, Statement of Support
6. Unemployed Status: 
   • ​​​​​​​Letter of termination/resignation and the date and reason for leaving employment; Certification layoff or reduction of hours
   • If unemployed for a total of 6 months or more, Unemployment Verification 
7. If applicable, legal documents relating to guardianship, child custody or name changes such as restraining order; marriage certificate or divorce decree when parent’s name is different from child’s birth certificate or identification cards
8. If child has a certified disability, copy of current IEP documents from GDOE Special Education

For more information or to request reasonable accommodations, contact the Head Start Central Office at 475-0484.

GDOE HEADQUARTERS OPEN NEXT WEEK; PUBLIC ACCESS REMAINS LIMITED 

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) headquarters at Tiyan will be open for central office employees next week as  divisions continue to implement safety measures needed to conduct normal operations. Employees will be given specific instructions from their direct supervisors regarding their schedules for next week, reporting requirements, and/or telework guidance. 

Once safety measures are fully in place, more information will be released with regard to services for the general public. The public may continue to contact schools and divisions through the directory available on the GDOE website.

While school facilities will be closed for educational purposes, schools will also begin preparation to conduct administrative and maintenance functions to close out the school year and to prepare for next school year. School administrators will inform their employees regarding their schedules for next week, reporting requirements, and/or telework guidance. The focus for next week will be to continue to implement safety measures necessary to resume normal operations. Schools will be able to conclude with their Grad and Go graduation ceremonies, drive through promotional ceremonies, clearances for teachers and students, as well as Grab-N-Go school meals at the 12 designated sites.

The Emergency Food Distribution Program (TEFAP) commodities distribution, which is operated through the GDOE under the United States Department of Agriculture, will be suspended for the week of June 1-5, 2020. TEFAP operations are scheduled to resume on June 9, 2020, at three sites to be announced at a later date.

“We have spent the past several months implementing our Grab-N-Go School Meals Program, USDA Emergency Food Distribution Program, home learning lessons, PBS lessons, and Grab-N-Go packet distribution programs,” GDOE Superintendent Jon Fernandez said. “As we wrap up the school year, our graduation ceremonies, and gear up for the challenges ahead, we are shifting back to normal operations for employees at schools and at headquarters. Our focus in returning to normal operations, of course, is safety first, which is our priority before we open the doors further to the general public.”

ONLINE LEARNING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR SECONDARY TEACHERS

In an effort to strengthen distance learning capabilities, the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) College Pathway Project in conjunction with Ace Digital Academy, will be conducting the GDOE Online Learning Professional Development for middle and high school teachers this week. The training will take place via Zoom video conferencing from May 28-29, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

This two-day professional learning session will prepare middle school and high school teachers to successfully teach content online, integrate online experiences into their classrooms, develop practices to make online learning successful, and identify online learning approaches that will enhance work in the classrooms. 

Secondary teachers will work with selected online tools, resources or existing courses to build their capacity for interacting and communicating with students remotely. Additionally, educators will begin to develop methods and practices for student engagement. Throughout the sessions, teachers will also work to strengthen the district's distance learning program in light of the challenges posed by COVID-19. Over the past several months, the GDOE has been in the process of developing a wide range of distance learning opportunities to strengthen the department’s remote learning curriculum. 

“Our district team and educators have been working hard to develop new and innovative ways to ensure that teaching and learning continues, even in this new COVID-19 reality,” GDOE Superintendent Jon Fernandez. “This training for our secondary teachers will help propel us toward our goal of ensuring we are ready to continue that mission this summer and this coming school year.”

“We want to use this opportunity to capitalize on the urgency that COVID-19 has created to push our creative thinking about what is possible, to really examine what quality instruction and learning looks like beyond the daily four walls of the traditional classroom,” GDOE Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum & Instructional Improvement Joe Sanchez said.

The training is open to GDOE middle and high school teachers. Previous participants who are integrating online learning into their classrooms, as well as beginners interested in gaining skills to build the proficiency to use online tools and resources are all welcome to attend. 

This federally funded 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 College Pathway Project Lead Dr. Leah Beth Naholowaa at lonaholowaa@gdoe.net.

HIGH SCHOOLS HOLD GRAD & GO GRADUATIONS 

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) will be holding “Grad & Go” graduation ceremonies to celebrate the accomplishments of graduating high school seniors. 

Each high school is planning a separate Grad & Go graduation ceremony, with graduations beginning the first week of June. The Grad & Go ceremonies will allow graduating seniors to pick up their diplomas with their loved ones using a drive through system that allows each graduate to receive their diploma and take a graduation photo. Cap and gown is highly encouraged.

Safety Reminders

Parents and students are reminded to follow all safety protocols. Only one car is allowed per graduate, with a maximum of five total car riders allowed per vehicle. Each person in the vehicle must wear a mask. Passengers riding in the pickup bed will not be allowed. Additionally, while cars are permitted to have up to five total car riders, only the graduate will be permitted to exit the vehicle and walk on the stage in order to limit the number of people on campus at any given time. GDOE officials along with members of the Guam Police Department and mayors’ offices will be assisting with traffic control.

Additionally, PBS Guam will be airing graduation messages from each high school valedictorian and salutatorian beginning in the last half of June. Valedictorians and salutatorians traditionally provide commencement speeches, and will still be given this opportunity to impart a final message to their class on PBS Guam Channel 12, thanks to support from PBS Guam and the Office of the Governor. 

“I want to thank our high schools for pushing forward with creative ideas to recognize our students while taking into account the safety of our students, staff, and families,” GDOE Superintendent Jon Fernandez said. “Our students have worked hard for the last 12 years, and this is an exciting time for them to celebrate their accomplishments and to begin their new adventure after high school.”

The official School Year 2019-2020 Grad & Go ceremonies will take place during the first week of June at the following dates and times:

• Okkodo High School: June 2, 2020, Grad & Go graduation ceremony starts at 8 a.m. An edited video of the graduation will be published at a later date. For more information about the OHS Grad & Go graduation, please contact ohs@gdoe.net.

• John F. Kennedy High School: June 4, 2020,  virtual livestream starts at 2:30 p.m. on GDOE social media (Guam Department of Education on Facebook and YouTube), Grad & Go awarding of diplomas starts at 3 p.m. Cap and Gown are required for participation. For more information about the JFKHS Grad & Go Diploma Ceremony, please contact jfkhsco2020@gmail.com.

• Southern High School: June 8, 2020, virtual livestream will begin at 10 a.m. on GDOE social media (Guam Department of Education on Facebook and YouTube), Grad & Go awarding of diplomas to start at 11 a.m. The screening point before entering the campus will be the Harry S. Truman Elementary parking lot. For more information about the SHS Grad & Go graduation, please contact shsinfo@gdoe.net.

• Simon Sanchez High School: June 9, 2020, virtual ceremony to begin at 8:30 a.m. on GDOE social media (Guam Department of Education on Facebook and YouTube), Grad & Go roll call and awarding of diplomas to start at 9 a.m. For more information about the SSHS Grad & Go graduation, please contact sshs@gdoe.net.

• Tiyan High School: June 11, 2020, virtual livestream will begin at 1 p.m. on GDOE social media (Guam Department of Education on Facebook and YouTube), Grad & Go awarding of diplomas starts at 2 p.m. on a first come, first served basis (not alphabetical). An edited video will be published at a later date. For more information about the THS Grad & Go graduation, please contact ths@gdoe.net.

• J.P. Torres Success Academy: June 12, 2020, virtual pre-recorded Grad & Go ceremony starts at 9 a.m and will be streamed on the JPTSA Instagram (@jptsuccessacademy). Grad & Go awarding of diplomas follows immediately after at 9:30 a.m. on a first come, first served basis. For more information about the JPTSA Grad & Go graduation, please contact jptsa@gdoe.net.

• George Washington High School: June 13, 2020, virtual livestream to begin at 1:30 p.m. on GDOE social media (Guam Department of Education on Facebook and YouTube), Grad & Go awarding of diplomas begins at 2 p.m. For more information about the GWHS Grad & Go graduation, please contact gwhs@gdoe.net.

Each Grad & Go graduation ceremony will take place at each respective high school campus, except for the JPTSA graduation, which will be held at the Tiyan High School campus. 

The Grab-N-Go School Meal program will not be operational at John F. Kennedy High School, Southern High School, and George Washington High School on the date of each school’s graduation. 

GRAB-N-GO SCHOOL MEAL PROGRAM CONTINUES THROUGH SUMMER

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE), through approval from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and funding from the Governor of Guam, is extending the Grab-N-Go School Meal Program through July 31, 2020.

Over the past several weeks, the GDOE has been working with local and federal counterparts to expand the school meals program through the summer months. Continuation of the program is estimated to cost roughly $1 million. Governor Lou Leon Guerrero previously announced she would commit the funding necessary to support the program’s continuation. 

USDA also approved the GDOE’s waiver request, which confirms that the Grab-N-Go School Meals Program will continue to be made available through July 31, 2020. In addition to the Grab-N-Go meals, the GDOE will continue to provide distance learning options throughout the summer, with more information to be announced at a later date.

The Grab-N-Go School Meal Program provides no-cost breakfast and lunch meals to children ages 18 and under from public, private, and DODEA schools. The school meal distribution takes place Monday through Friday (except holidays), from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the following 12 school sites: 

North

• Astumbo Elementary School

• F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School

• Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School

• Wettengel 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

Existing Grab-N-Go School Meal guidelines will continue throughout the summer. Families are provided with one meal per child, and vehicles are permitted a maximum of 10 meals, while walkers are permitted a maximum of 5 meals. Walkers may begin picking up meals at 11:30 a.m.

“We have seen the steady demand for the school meal program from our students and the members of our community,” GDOE Superintendent Jon Fernandez said. “Thanks to a collaborative effort, and the continued hard work of our GDOE staff and Serve Guam Commission volunteers, our students will continue to receive nutritious meals at no cost throughout the summer.”

More information about the Grab-N-Go School Meals program is available at www.gdoe.net.

GDOE GRAB & LEARN DISTRIBUTION SCHEDULE FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Guam Department of Education (GDOE) middle schools are now distributing 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. 

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 Grab & Learn materials.

“While our routines have been shaken up by the COVID-19 health pandemic and we know many of our students are missing their teachers and classmates, we hope that these resources will help them to take charge of their learning in an exciting and enjoyable way,” stated GDOE Deputy Superintendent of Educational Support and Community Learning Dr. Kelly Sukola.

GDOE TO LAUNCH PBS UNIVERSITY IN COLLABORATION WITH THE PUBLIC BROADCAST SYSTEM GUAM

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE), in collaboration with the Public Broadcast System Guam (PBS Guam), is excited to announce the launch of a televised at-home learning resource known as PBS University for students this month. This new resource will complement weekly online lesson plans that are available at the GDOE Home Learning Resources website, and the “Grab and Learn” packet distributions at schools which began earlier this month.

PBS University will provide students with televised instruction in subject areas such as literacy, mathematics, and character development. The program was made possible through a partnership between PBS Guam and the GDOE Division of Curriculum and Instruction. GDOE and PBS Guam collaborated with public school teachers to create lessons that students will be able to easily follow, with the aim of helping students to continue their learning at home. Parents and students are encouraged to tune into the PBS University programming which will launch on Monday, April 20, 2020 on KGTF channel 12.

“We would like to thank PBS for reaching out to us with this opportunity to reach and impact our students during these uncertain times,” said GDOE Superintendent Jon Fernandez. “We want to use this unique platform to promote student learning with instruction that is presented in a fun and exciting way with familiar faces.” 

“The lessons are compact but informative,” GDOE Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Joe Sanchez said. “They are intended to provide both parents and students with a unique educational experience that they would not usually be able to experience together. It is a family effort and we encourage all to take advantage of these episodes to continue the learning process at home.”

“PBS Guam recognizes the importance of having as many educational tools in the home while dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the onset of the COVID19 pandemic, PBS Guam has worked hard to gather its resources and present them to our community,” PBS Guam General Manager Ina Carillo said. “With the launch of our second channel PBS Kids 24/7 and PBS LearningMedia in the past few weeks, this partnership to produce PBS University with Superintendent Fernandez and GDOE, is the perfect fit.”

The PBS University broadcasts will mirror weekly lessons found on the GDOE Home Learning Resources website. The broadcasts will continue throughout the duration of the school year and into summer. Episodes for content will air on Mondays and Tuesdays with repeats throughout the week. The tentative schedule is as follows, beginning on Monday, April 20, 2020:

All videos will be available to view on the GDOE and the PBS Guam YouTube channels in the future. For more information regarding the PBS University, please contact Ernest Ochoco at eoochoco@gdoe.net or Frank Candaso at fcandaso@gdoe.net. 

GDOE GRAB & LEARN DISTRIBUTION SCHEDULE FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Guam Department of Education (GDOE) Elementary Schools are now distributing hard copy packets of lessons and activities in literacy, math and character education/life skills for those students and families who do not have reliable or consistent internet access. These packets contain information and resources aligned with the weekly lessons and activities provided to students on the GDOE Home Learning Resource website. 

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 Grab & Learn materials.

“Staying home means class time has been much shorter than we had planned, but learning continues every day,” GDOE Superintendent Jon Fernandez said. “We encourage our students to continue to stay safe and stay healthy.”

GDOE “Grab-N-Go” School Meals

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) launched “Grab-N-Go” school meals on March 23, 2020. The school meal distribution program will remain operational through the last day of the school year on May 22, 2020. 

Who is eligible?

All children ages 18 years and below are eligible, to include children from public, private, and DODEA schools.

What?

The school meals program will offer “Grab-N-Go” breakfast and lunch 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 will offer breakfast and lunch. Vehicles are limited to a maximum of 10 meals, and walkers are limited to a maximum of 5 meals.

When?

The “Grab-N-Go” school meal program is operational every weekday, Monday through Friday (except holidays), from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Walkers are also accepted beginning at 11:30 a.m. 

Where?

The “Grab-N-Go” school meal program is available at the following 12 sites:

North:

 • Astumbo Elementary School 

 • F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School

 • Maria Ulloa Elementary School

 • Wettengel 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

Why?

The GDOE is working to offer this “Grab-N-Go” school meal program to ensure students continue to receive nutritious meals daily, and to help alleviate the stress of students and families.

How?

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 at each of the designated school sites. Children do not need to be present during pick-up. GDOE and Sodexo staff are on hand to facilitate the “Grab-N-Go” school meal distribution. Participating families should remain in their vehicles and follow instructions to facilitate a smooth and safe distribution process.