Church has been with the Public School System since 1997 after arriving from Washington state.
A graduate of the Central Washington University in 1996, she started her teaching career on Saipan at Tanapag Elementary School in 1997.
She moved to Kagman Elementary School in 1999 before joining the “Tottot Team” in 2000.
According to DES faculty, her love for teaching and helping each and every child that walks into her classroom every school year speaks only of her commitment, dedication, passion, love, and care for the learning of each child.
She has taught fifth grade classes for three years before teaching in third grade.
According to DES principal Jonas Barcinas, Church is well liked by students, staff and parents.
“She has the attitude of a peacebuilder and has been actively involved with the many school activities,” he said.
Church, he added, “has continued to expand her horizon by attending various statewide professional developments and school level in-service training to upgrade her teaching practices. With the demand by the Board of Education and the U.S. No Child Left Behind Act, she recognizes the implementation of the Four Strategic Priorities as a guideline to nurture every child in her class as well as our mission, vision, and expected schoolwide learning results.”
Barcinas described Church as “young, smart, dynamic, highly motivated, and full of energy each day that she begins her daily class routine. She sets high standard in all aspect to helping each child achieve their goal to become competent, literate, fluent, and proficient in all subject areas especially achieving high standards on the SBA, SAT 10, RFA/RDA, BRI assessments.”
DJ Fitial, a special education teacher assistant, joined DES in 2003.
“It is because of his active involvement in the school’s leadership, events, activities and his excellent work attitude, professionalism, and going beyond the call of duty that made him the best candidate this year,” according to Barcinas.
He added, “He is a treasure, a good leader, and a great staff.”
Fitial is also involved in the school’s sports activities.
Abel Valenzuela, the support staff of the year, was commended for his “stupendous job performance throughout the school year,” Barcinas said.
“He is always there when the staff needed his help,” the principal added. “He is very committed and dedicated to his job. He maintains our campus and restrooms, ensures that all lights, facilities, air-conditioning units, and water in the classrooms are up and running.”
Valenzuela is also active in PTA and other school meetings.
“He maintains his work ethics and gets the job done,” Barcinas said. “He certainly has the philosophy that he makes certain that he will complete the task in a timely matter.”
