Chong, Olaitiman, Sablan shine at OES

Oleai Elementary School is proud to introduce its Teacher of the Year: Jacqueline T. Chong. Chong has been with the turtles for five years, teaching second grade. She has demonstrated her commitment to OES by maintaining perfect attendance for two consecutive years, and has volunteered countless hours to assist in both school and community-sponsored events. Such events includes the Christmas in the Marianas Parade, caroling and costume contests, National Junior Forensic Competition, Primary Grade Forensic Competition, the school’s Full Self-Study Visit, and Saturday Reading Program, to name a few.

Connie Olaitiman has been with Oleai Elementary School since 2004 and is an interpreter for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program. Her involvement is not only in the life of the school’s deaf students, but has assisted many general education teachers and students in understanding the deaf culture. She has shared tips and strategies to teach OES students in a way that encourages the general education students to learn, appreciate, and work cooperatively with deaf students.

Her work does not end at the school level. She has also actively coordinated a monthly get-together with the deaf community. Some of the get-togethers include parents participating and learning how to sign, which enable them to communicate with their children.

Jack T. Sablan has been with OES since 2001. He first started his career with PSS as a 6th grade teacher and was later appointed as the vice principal. As the vice principal, Sablan has taken on a tremendous amount of responsibility that requires flexibility, commitment, dedication, and understanding. Sablan has served as a substitute teacher when a teacher is out sick, has been one of the school’s maintenance men when OES is short-handed, as well as the principal whenever the principal is away. He is truly a “Jack” of all trades. Sablan has a commendable record of attendance, which demonstrates his commitment to serving the youth. He is always visible around the campus and makes himself available to parents, teachers, and students. He is actively involved in classroom observations, IEP meetings, PTSA meetings, as well as staff meetings. Sablan is also actively involved in school and community-sponsored events.