As we begin this New Year, events from 2008 form a shadow over our plans for 2009. The collapse of the American housing market and failures of major financial institutions caused credit markets to seize and sent the U.S., Japan, and Europe into simultaneous recessions. The slowdown bankrupted a record number of companies and pressed Toyota Motor Corp., Japan’s biggest company, to announce its first-ever operating loss.
While we look forward to a New Year, the ongoing economic downturn is on everyone’s mind. Let me assure you that we anticipate no adverse effects in DoDDS-Pacific or DDESS-Guam for the remainder of SY 2008-09. However, we will see some changes throughout the system beginning in 2009. With change and willingness to grow comes opportunity.
For example, over the next couple of weeks, our local school officials will be briefing parents and the military leadership at their installations on the new Early Childhood Age Change policy that will go into effect next school year. Effective for School Year 2009-2010, DoDEA schools will implement a change in the entrance age cut-off date for Early Childhood Education Programs. These changes include the following:
Sure Start and Pre-Kindergarten Programs
RULE: A child must be 4 years of age by September 1 to be eligible to attend the DoDEA Sure Start Program and Pre-Kindergarten Program.
Kindergarten Program
RULE: A child must be 5 years of age by September 1 to be eligible to attend kindergarten in DoDEA Schools.
First Grade
RULE: A child must be 6 years of age by September 1 to be eligible to attend first grade in DoDEA schools.
We will also see other changes as DoDEA realigns activities and programs to produce results. During this process, I want to assure everyone that our mission will remain the same – providing our students the very best in educational opportunities. Our laser-like focus will sustain the excellence of our programs as we continue to build a strong foundation for our students to achieve academic success. As always, we will continue to support children whose families suffer unexpected hardship due to deployments.
As we begin this New Year, let’s take a few moments to reflect on how fortunate we are, and give thanks for the health and safety of all our extended DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam family. My best wishes for a challenging and rewarding new year.
Nancy C. Bresell
Director, DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam
