About JRMS

From 1914 to 1944, Mr. Rios served as a Principal in all the elementary schools on Guam.  His first assignment was at Asan Elementary School and was later assigned to Ordot, Yona, Barrigada, Sinajana, Inarajan, Dededo, Piti, Sumay, Agana Intermediate School, and Bilibic Elementary School (Athouse).  At one time, he served as the primary administrator for both Seaton Schroeder and Richard P. Leary Schools.

In 1924, Mr. Rios was recognized for establishing the grade level system in the elementary and junior high schools on Guam. He also served as President of the Guam Teachers Association.

After the Japanese occupation (1944-1966), he served as Principal of George Washington Junior High School.  When the school was separated into two sections, he served as Vice Principal at George Washington Senior High School. In 1966, he retired from Guam’s educational system and was awarded the “Gold Service Medal” for serving the Government of Guam for 51 years.

Often referred to as “Mr. Education,” he was awarded a “Bachelor of Community Service” honorary degree in 1968 from the College of Guam for his contribution to the advancement of education in the community.

In 1918, he was selected as one of four individuals by the Naval Government to pursue a higher education at an American institution for the benefit of the island’s children.  That institution was Oklahoma A & M College in Stillwater, Oklahoma.  Some of his students included the late Senator Richard Taitano, Lagrimas Untalan, Judge Ben Reyes and the late Edward Calvo.

Mr. Rios also served as an Associate Justice, Guam Court of Appeals appointed by Government Henry P. Price from 1940 – 1941.

Early in his career, from 1915 – 1916, he wrote monthly articles about the various schools in which he worked.  He appeared in the Guam Newsletter, the island’s official news magazine.  He also published two articles concerning Chamorro folklore in the Guam Recorder, which succeeded the Guam Newsletter as the island’s monthly news magazine.  He is featured in the popular Guam History book, The Picture History of Guam by Don Farrell. Additionally, he is listed in Historical Dictionary of Guam and Micronesia by W.L. Wurerch and D.A. Ballendorf.

He was married to the former Antonia Duenas Leon Guerrero and they had eight children, Elizabeth L.G. Rios Hall, Albert James L.G. Rios, Joseph L.G. Rios, Helen L.G. Rios Jones, Virginia L.G. Rios Aflague, Edwardo L.G. Rios, Teresita L.G. Rios and Ricardo L.G. Rios.

He left a distinguished legacy as a pioneer of education upon his death on July 24, 1983

SCHOOL BACKGROUND

JRMS is one of the eight middle schools in the Guam Department of Education.  One of the signs you will notice on your way into the campus reads “Voyagers believe that Failure is NOT an option!”  For over five years, that statement has empowered our students, parents, teachers, staff, and administration to work towards accomplishing our mission, which is to promote student success in an ever-changing world, maintain a positive and safe learning environment, and serve the academic, social, and emotional needs of all students.  JRMS continues to evaluate instructional and support programs to address the needs of all students.

JRMS is located in the coastal village of Piti, one of Guam’s southern villages located north of the U.S. Naval Station.  There are approximately 1,666 residents in Piti according to the 2000 Guam Census.  The village is mainly residential and commercial and there are some agricultural areas nearby.  The U.S. Veteran’s Cemetery and the Piti Power Plant are in close proximity to the school campus.  

Originally built as an elementary school in the early 1950s, it once serviced a general population of 300 students.  In the early 1980s the school was converted to Piti Middle School servicing grades 6-8.  In the late 1990s the school was renamed Jose Leon Guerrero Rios Middle School, namely after an educator and school administrator who was often referred to as “Mr. Education” for his contribution to the advancement of education in the community.  

In late 2006, JRMS had taken initial steps to seek accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.  Under the new school administration in 2008-2009, JRMS submitted the initial report and was visited by a two-member team in April 2009.  In SY 2009–2010, JRMS was granted a three-year initial term of accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.  A full Self-Study Report was completed and submitted to WASC and a six-member team visited JRMS on April 22 to 25, 2012.  As a result of the full Self-Study Report submission and WASC Team Visit, JRMS was awarded a six year term of accreditation in 2012-2018 and again in 2018-2024 by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

MIDDLE SCHOOL CONCEPT

The middle school concept involves having a common group of students who are instructed by a team of teachers. The teachers and students form a "family" unit for building of cohesiveness and a sense of belonging. This system allows for flexibility of scheduling and grouping of students and for "extras" such as Interdisciplinary Units that are not possible under a traditional Jr. High setting.  An effective middle school program is designed around the unique developmental needs of early adolescents (11-14 year olds). Because the intellectual, social, physical, and emotional needs of this age group are different from either elementary or high school students, a customized educational program is necessary. The middle school is a bridge between elementary school and high school. It is not an exaggerated elementary school nor a miniature high school, but a blend of the two.

There are many advantages to the Middle School Concept. Classrooms which are contiguous make it easier for students to get back and forth to class on time. Since team teachers have the same planning period, they are able to plan for curriculum integration, interdisciplinary units, field trips and special activities for their students. Communication and support among teachers is much greater with this approach. Parent conferences and special education meetings are made easier by the fact that all of a student's basic skills teachers are available at the same time of the day. Students also feel like they are part of a group when on a team. It creates a "school within a school” at JRMS.