As educators we believe that parental support is critical to the effective management of our schools and the achievement of our students.  Parents are important stakeholders and serve as an integral part of the entire education process. Through their continued commitment and dedication we have developed a unique bond and forged new partnerships that remain critical to achieving our goal of “highest student achievement.” 

Accordingly, our schools are open campuses for parent visits and participation.  We encourage parents to contact teachers and visit classrooms to share, support, and celebrate the learning experiences of their children.  We also invite parents to school events and extra-curricular activities.  This relationship between parents and the schools is a healthy, supportive partnership that contributes immeasurably to the excellence of DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam schools.

As with any partnership, there are a few parameters.  One is that parents should prearrange their visits and meetings with teachers, except in emergencies.  The advance notice creates an opportunity for the teacher to offer an optimum date and time for the parent to observe the instructional process, and allows for a healthy exchange of ideas that benefits the student and ensures their success.

One of our primary concerns is the safety and security of our schools and students.  For that reason, we require all visitors to report first to the school office to sign in and receive a “Visitor’s Badge.”  Office personnel verify the identification of the visitor, ascertain the purpose of the visit, and inform the teacher of the visitor’s arrival.  Should a parent go directly to the classroom without processing through the office first, teachers have been told to instruct the parent to return to the office to get a “Visitor’s Badge.”  Maintaining the safety of our students requires this procedure.

Occasionally, there are parent-teacher interactions that leave both parties feeling frustrated. If a parent and teacher are no longer having productive communications, I hope that either would request assistance from the school administration to restore the relationship. Principals and assistant principals understand the educational process and parent expectations, as well as the demands upon teachers. They also have a broad range of skills and resources they can use to find a resolution that both addresses the parental concerns and supports the teacher.

To our teachers and staff – I applaud your efforts to build a meaningful and productive partnership with parents, and I encourage you to do all you can to foster greater communication and collaboration with parents.  Seeing the impact of the strong parental, military, and local national partnerships we have established within our schools, districts, and the entire Pacific Area, fills me with a sense of accomplishment, for these partnerships provide invaluable benefits to our students.

To our parents – I hope you understand that we value your participation in the education of your children.  We welcome your involvement and your visits to the school, and look forward to a gratifying, mutually beneficial relationship with you.  In return, we ask that you abide by the local school policies and procedures when it comes to visiting your children at school or meeting with your child’s teacher.  

The African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child,” has special significance as we look at the many partnerships we have that ensure cutting edge learning experiences for our students. As parents and teachers, you are an essential element of our village and you have a critical role in the education of the DoD youth here in the Pacific.

Nancy C. Bresell
Director, DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam