DoDDS Pacific begins school year with new Community Strategic Plan. The new Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Community Strategic Plan (CSP) for 2001-2006, developed with input from all stakeholder groups, is comprised of four broad goals centered on improving the quality of education for all DoDEA students. The goals encompass such elements as performance standards, system accountability, school improvement, academic and student support services, logistical support, diversified workforce, community partnerships, and communication systems. The CSP serves as the blueprint for advancing the organization to new levels of excellence.

Full Day Kindergarten in DoDDS Pacific is 92 percent implemented. Two additional schools, Lanham and Perry ES, Japan, opened doors to full day kindergarten in the fall of 2001. Within the Pacific, implementation of some full day programs has occurred in existing facilities or in nearby military provided space. The target is to reach full implementation in purpose-built classrooms by August 2004. In addition to the full day kindergarten program, DoDDS Pacific is also committed to reducing the pupil to teacher ratio; however, this initiative is driven by facilities, and several Pacific locations have no excess existing classroom space. Currently, reduced pupil to teacher ratio in grades 1-3 has been achieved in Pusan American School and C. T. Joy Elementary School, Korea; South Guam Elementary/Middle School and Andersen Elementary School, Guam.

Local commanders welcome educators to School Year 2001–2002. Celebrations throughout the Pacific were observed as our military partners welcomed new and returning educators to the new school year. The 374th Airlift Wing, Yokota AB, hosted a social in honor of all DoDDS teachers and administrators. Commander Fleet Activities (CFAY), Yokosuka, hosted new teachers at their Area Orientation Briefing. Commander, 51st Fighter Wing, Osan AB, welcomed and briefed all teachers. The 34th Support Group, Yongsan, Seoul, hosted a welcome for the Seoul teachers with addresses from the Commander in Chief, USFK, and the Chief of Staff. In Okinawa District, commanders participated in ceremonies at individual schools, and briefed teachers on their installation.

Dependents Education Council (DEC) reviews Pacific priorities. During the June 7, 2001, meeting of the DEC, major Pacific Command agenda items submitted included secondary and elementary/middle replacement schools in Guam and a policy pertaining to physical security. Other items of special interest included additional funds for school furniture replacement and an initiative to add a second adult on school buses for security purposes.

DoDEA 10th Graders to take national test in October. The Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) will be given to all eligible DoDEA 10th graders in October 2001. By taking the test during the sophomore year, students will be provided with useful information to prepare for their junior year when the test is taken as a scholarship qualifying examination (i.e. National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). It will also give sophomores time to make any curricular or programmatic adjustments suggested by the test results. For each section of the test--verbal, math, and writing--students will receive personalized feedback and suggestions for improvement from sections entitled Score Report Plus and Improve Your Skills.

Advanced Placement courses offered on site and through distance learning. The DoDDS Advanced Placement (AP) program is administered by the College Board and consists of over 30 college level courses in 18 disciplines. Students in grades 9 through 12 can take AP courses, although most students enrolled are 11th and 12th graders. Distance learning courses include: AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Computer Science, AP Computer Science AB, AP German, AP US History, and AP Physics. In the Pacific, the largest first semester enrollments included AP American History and AP English Language with over 200 students, and AP English Literature, AP Calculus AB, and AP Statistics with over 100 students. The total number of DoDDS Pacific enrollments in AP courses for the first semester of School Year 2000-2001 was 1252. Altogether, 767 students enrolled in from 1-6 AP courses.

ASD and DASD scheduled to visit DoDDS/DDESS Pacific. The Secretary of Defense (Force Management Policy) and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, visited DoD schools during their quality of life feedback tour of the Pacific theater. In Korea District, Dr. Bruce Jeter, Superintendent, accompanied them to Seoul and Osan High Schools. Mr. Michael Diekmann, Superintendent, was the host at Sullivans Elementary School and Yokota Middle School in Japan District. They were unable to maintain their itinerary for Okinawa District due to Typhoon Nari. Dr. Richard Tom, Superintendent, accompanied them to DoD Guam schools.