Superintendent's Welcome

Welcome to the DDESS Schools in Puerto Rico!

Welcome to the DDESS Puerto Rico Schools and School Year 2008-2009. It is an exciting time to be a student in school and we are honored to have the opportunity to serve your children in our schools at Fort Buchanan and Ramey.

The Puerto Rico Schools are part of the Department of Defense Education Activity ( DoDEA ) which serves the children of our military and federal civilian employees in Puerto Rico . More specifically the Puerto Rico Schools are part of the DoDEA sub-group called the Domestic Dependents Elementary and Secondary Schools ( DDESS ). The DDESS leadership is located in Peachtree City , GA and provides direct support to all of the DoDEA schools located in the United States, Puerto Rico.

Our efforts are guided by the DoDEA Community Strategic Plan (CSP) 2006-2011. The plan can be found at www.dodea.edu in its fullest context. Our main focus is Goal 1: Highest Student Achievement and there are three additional goals that provide the support and resources to obtain the goals we have set for student achievement. You will hear much more about our School Improvement efforts from your individual schools. The CSP is also aligned with our accrediting agency of North Central Association (NCA) of Colleges and Schools that is going through a name change to become Advanced.

Our district includes the schools located in Puerto Rico ,Virginia ( Quantico and Dahlgren), and West Point , New York . Dr. Carmen R. Arroyo, Assistant Superintendent for Puerto Rico, is my right arm in many ways as she provides the on-site and day-to-day support of our schools. While my travel schedule requires that I am often away from the district office, I want you to know that Dr. Arroyo is my full support in working topics in my absence and she always know how to reach me if needed.

Your diligence in following the chain of communication (pps) is requested and will be most appreciated, in the event that you find it necessary to discuss an issue or concern. You are urged to bring your issue or concern to the attention of the appropriate individuals at the school level before referring it to the Puerto Rico Superintendent's office, DDESS area office, or DoDEA headquarters office. This will maximize the opportunity for prompt resolution of your issue or concern. It is my hope that we will continue to work together to assure that an exemplary educational program is provided for all our students and their families.

We truly feel that we have an awesome opportunity to work with the students and families in Puerto Rico . The partnership that is solidly in place with our local commanders and agency directors along with the partnership we develop with the families each year is what makes us an exceptional school system. We are committed to sharing in the responsibility of educating your child(ren) and we look forward to working with you to make this year a successful educational experience for all.

We look forward to meeting you when we are visiting the schools.

Mr. Michael A. Gould

District Superintendent

DDESS NY/VA/PR

Dr. Carmen R. Arroyo

Assistant Superintendent

DDESS Puerto Rico

This document was last updated August 28, 2008 8:58
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