Jacqueline T. Chong, Connie Olaitiman and Jack T. Sablan are this year’s OES teacher, teacher aide and support staff of the year.
Chong has been with the “turtles” for five years, teaching second grade.
She has demonstrated her commitment to Oleai by maintaining perfect attendance for two consecutive years and volunteering countless hours to assist in school and community-sponsored events.
These include Christmas in the Marianas Parade, caroling and costume contests, the National Junior Forensic League, the Primary Grade Forensic Competition, the school’s full self-study visit and the Saturday reading program, to name a few.
Teacher aide of the year Connie Olaitiman has been with OES since 2004 and is an interpreter for the deaf and hard of hearing program.
She has assisted many general education teachers and students in understanding deaf culture.
She has shared tips and strategies to teach students in a way that encourages the general education students to learn, appreciate, and work cooperatively with deaf students.
According to Oleai principal Glenn Muna, Olaitiman’s work does not end at the school level as she is also actively coordinating a monthly get-together with the deaf community.
Jack T. Sablan, support staff of the year, has been with OES since 2001.
He first started his career with the Public School System as a sixth grade teacher and was later appointed vice principal.
As vice principal, Muna said, Sablan has taken a tremendous amount of responsibility which requires flexibility, commitment, dedication and understanding.
Sablan serves as a substitute teacher when a teacher is sick and is also one of the school’s maintenance men.
He is the principal whenever Muna is away.
“He is truly a Jack of all trades,” Muna said, adding that Sablan has a commendable record of attendance that demonstrates his commitment to serving the students.
“He is always visible around the campus and makes himself available to our parents, teachers, and students. He is actively involved in classroom observations, Individualized Education Plans meetings, PTSA meetings, as well as staff meetings. He is also actively involved in school and community sponsored events,” Muna added.
