Returning colleagues, I hope you all had a restful summer and are recharged and ready for the challenges that lie ahead during SY 2007-08.  I would like to express a warm welcome to those of you new to DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam, and encourage you to embrace the important work that awaits you – that important work being educating children and making a difference in their lives!

As we begin this school year, I ask that each of you take a moment to reflect on your professional obligation to meet our organization’s vision for the students we serve.  The DoDEA Community Strategic plan serves as the foundation for our organization by providing a clear vision for our educational and support operations in the Pacific.  The CSP ensures that we achieve DoDEA's important mission, to "provide in military communities worldwide, exemplary educational programs that inspire and prepare all students for success in a global environment."  To that end, we'll begin another year by concentrating on helping students meet rigorous standards in math, science, language arts, and social studies.

We have seen lots of changes in our six decades of service to military and civilian families overseas.  This year will be no exception.  Alliance transformation, realignment, and mergers will change the landscape of the communities we serve.  My staff and I are actively participating in these discussions and will keep you informed about these important decisions.  We also know the lives of our students will be challenged as our service members deploy and continue their mission to make our world a safer place.  The positive learning environment we create can often provide safety and security in the lives of our students while their loved ones are in harm’s way.

I'd like to express my appreciation for the time and effort you have spent in getting ready for a new year of learning and achieving.  This year, we will open our classrooms to more than 23,000 new and returning faces.  As educators, we have a tremendous responsibility to care for them and an even a greater opportunity to make a difference for each and every one of them.  I am proud of the well trained and experienced teachers and administrators we have in the Pacific and remain confident that your daily interaction will inspire our students to become productive members of our communities.

Thank you for your on-going support and commitment to our schools and most importantly to the students who walk through our doors every day.  I look forward to the year that lies ahead and challenge all of us to continue to work together ensuring our efforts support the goal of "highest student achievement".  Let the school year begin!

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