This time of year is a busy one for our schools. It is a season of celebration and farewells, with proms, award nights, and graduation ceremonies.  For some, it is also a time of considerable hard work and important decisions.

This past year has been a critical period for DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam as we met and exceeded every challenge. I was amazed at the extraordinary level of enthusiasm and dedication demonstrated over the past school year by everyone.  Despite road blocks and obstacles, our accomplishments remain inspirational.

Each new program and initiative exemplified the talents and abilities of our teachers, administrators, and clerical staff.  From Yongsan, Camp Humphreys , Osan, Taegu and Pusan ; to Misawa, Iwakuni, Sasebo , and the Kanto Plain; to Okinawa and Guam ; “Highest Student Achievement” was achieved in every classroom, every day.

From our educational curriculum staff, commonly known as the “road warriors,” to our great human relations, logistics, procurement, transportation, and information technology personnel, the focus remained on providing our students and educators with the best professional development, educational initiatives, facilities, and level of support.  With increasing pressure on our budget, we faced numerous financial challenges; our fiscal division always placed the needs of our students and schools first.

The bottom line is that in each of the major initiatives throughout DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam, we achieved significant success.   Our success ranged from offering new and rigorous curriculum at all levels, to increasing the results from standardized testing, to hiring a diverse work force, to multimedia initiatives that promoted a world class education.

During this time our communities learned a great deal about us.  Our schools are known for excellence.  The people of DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam are the reason for that reputation.

In celebration of this school year, I wish to thank you for your hard work, dedication, commitment, and tireless efforts in helping us achieve our mission. I wish you the best as you embark on your well-deserved summer break.  For those of you in transition, I extend my best wishes.  For those of you returning to DoDDS - Pacific/DDESS-Guam next school year, I look forward to working with you again.  Together, we can ensure that our communities have exceptional schools and successful students.

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