May - CNMI PSS

Special Focus: Photo Stories of
People. Faces... and Celebrations
14-16
CNMI Public School System
Founded
1947
Autonomy
Jan. 11, 1988
May 2011
Students
First
Accountability • Responsibility • Transparency
An Open Letter to
America’s
Commissioner’s File
Dr. Rita A. Sablan
I have worked in education for much
of my life. I have met with thousands of
teachers in great schools and struggling
schools, in big cities and small towns, and
I have a deep and genuine appreciation
for the work you do. I know that most
teachers did not enter the profession for
the money. You became teachers to make
a difference in the lives of children, and
for the hard work you do each day, you
deserve to be respected, valued, and supported.
I consider teaching an honorable and
important profession, and it is my goal to
see that you are treated with the dignity
we award to other professionals in society. In too many communities, the profession has been devalued. Many of the
teachers I have met object to the imposition of curriculum that reduces teaching
to little more than a paint-by-numbers
exercise. I agree.
Continue on... Page 7
The
Road
to be
HQT
and why it’s a must
Page 5
PSS Students Win Guam
iisland-wide Science Fair
Four CNMI students including three
from the Public School System participated in the 33rd Annual Guam Islandwide
Science Fair at the University of Guam on
May 7, 2011.
FACtS
These students were grade cluster
overall winners from the CNMI Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fair held in Saipan in March.
PArtiCiPAntS
•
•
•
•
Keona Rogopes, Kobler Elem.
Hyung Joung Ahn, Kobler Elem.
Franco Masga, Dandan Elem.
Lleyton Javier, Mount Carmel
Remaining Focus
and Progressive
BOE, PSS Success
Through Equity
I
Historic First Meeting on Tinian
n their meeting on Tinian, the
State Board of Education saw
the changes in classroom learning resulting from investments
geared towards school reforms.
The Commonwealth education’s push
for all schools to meet the 21st century
skills through curriculum, interdisciplinary,
and integrated classroom readiness have
been central to the State Board of Education’s policy.
Continue on... Page 6
Pacific Region Education Community Will
Weigh in on Technical Assistance Needs
Recognizing that the best ideas for improving student achievement come from
the bottom up and not the top down,
the Pacific Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) invites education stakeholders
from around the region to take part in an
upcoming Webinar to discuss the educational needs of the Pacific region, which
includes American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,
Federated States of Micronesia (Chuuk,
Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap) Guam, Hawaii, Republic of the Marshalls, and the
Republic of Palau. Continue on... Page 2
Fast Facts
•U.S. Department Of Education Establishes 10 Regional
AdvisoryCommitteesOnMay
23-24,InArlington,Virgnia
TaskedTo Collect Information
On Educational Needs Across
TheCountry.
•Will Compile The InformationToCreateReportThatWill
Outline Educational Needs
Across The Various Regions
And RecommendWaysTo EffectivelyAddressThoseNeeds.
•U.S. Education Secretary
Arne Duncan Is Expected To
Receive The Report No Later
ThanAug.1,2011.
•Cnmi-PSS In Under Region
10. The Members Include:
Education Commissioner Dr.
Rita A. Sablan And Dandan
Elementary School Principal
Martha Kintol. The Other
Members Are Top Education
And P[Olicy-Making Leaders
Of Hawaii, American Samoa,
AndGuam.
tribute tO
eeACherS,
ACher
herSS,, trOOPS
to teAC
eachers,
achers,
roops tO
to teACherS
eachers
P8-27
Advisory Boards
In our quest to advance public
education in the Northern Mariana
Islands, the PSS Management is engaged in advisory boards and leadership capacities. The formation of
the Pacific Advisory Board with the
Pacific Center for Changing Odds
gave PSS another opportunity to be
heard at the Pacific level. The Pacific
Advisory Board was established under the Pacific Center in which the
Mid-Continental Regional Education Laboratory has initiated in its
effort to impact student learning in
our region.
Continue on... Page 7
PSS, Region’s
education
experts
named to
McREL’s
Advisory
Board
inSide
P2
A Program That Has
Grown Over The Years
Arwin Gomez stood stuffed like a soldier. He walked up to the microphone
undaunted and seemed oblivious of what
we will say. In his JROTC uniform, he
was exactly in shape.
He was in every bearing a person who
was confident. He stood like a trained
soldier. But he isn’t, just yet. Gomez is a
Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps
Program student at Saipan Southern
High School. Soon, he will be enlisting
the United States Air Force.
“Being a cadet has given me confidence
and now have better self-esteem, says
Gomez, a senior student.
Continue on... Page 6
Students First
2
May 2011
McREL’s Advisory Board... from Page 1
Young PSS’ Scientists Took Honors In Guam Tilt
W
hen he joined this year’s
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Fair, Franco Masga was
ready to showcase his invention: The
Strength of A Magnet—how it works,
and as an elementary grade student how
come up with such a breakthrough.
Franco Masga’s physical science invention won the CNMI-wide 2011 STEM
Fair last March. The commonwealth-wide
competition saw a total of 164 entries
from both public and private schools, and
they highlighted innovations, researches
and studies in the field of science, technology, electronics and mathematics.
Of the five students named champions
of the statewide science fair, Masga received the highest rating from the judges
and represented the 4th to 5th grade division to the Annual Guam Island-wide
Science Fair.
Touted to be the prized of all science
fairs in the region, Masga along with three
other CNMI students competed in the
Guam inventions’ competition, held at
the University of Guam on May 7. Masga
was joined by two other public school students: Keona Rogopes and Hyung Ahn
of Koblerville Elementary School, and
Lleyton Javier of Mount Carmel School.
“More than 600 students entered projects in the event and categories that includes ecology and earth science, physical science, computer and math, human
and medical science, animal and plant
science, chemistry, energy, inventions,
electronics and photography,” says Vina
Claire Saures, Science/Health Program
Coordinator of the CNMI Public School
System.
“And, we are really proud of the result…and the performance of our students really showed that we are giving
high emphasis in the sciences,” Saures
said, adding, “Year after year, we continue
to encourage our students to explore and
take advantage of classroom learning.”
While all 600 entries were impressive
and competitive, Saures said the CNMIPSS entries were award winning.
Other winners
Now on its 33rd year, the Annual Guam
island-wide Science is also where the region’s rising and budding scientist, technologist, engineers and mathematicians
gather. The CNMI Public School System
has been leading the way in investing and
promoting sciences in partnership with
the private schools.
During the May 7-regional competition, Keona Rogopes’ “The Harm of
Smoking” took home the second prize
for the Division 1 of the Human and
Medical Science Category.
Hyung Joung Ahn’s “Mouse Trap
Car” and Lleyton Javier’s “”Solar Powered Rover competed in the Technology
and Invention Category. Ahn’s won the
CNMI-wide Technology and Electronics Category for the 6th-8th grader while
Javier won for the same category for the
2nd-3rd grade.
With Saures, were parents and teachers
accompanying the students-participants.
“We are so proud of our students’ accomplishments. They have worked so
hard to make it to this regional fair and
their performance was exemplary,” adds
Saures.
Last year, there was a similar feat for the
school district when it also won awards in
the regional competition.
During the Guam competition, there
were two rounds of judging: first round
was to determine the first to third place
winners for the different categories with
a panel of two judges. All first place winners went through the second round of
judging with a panel of 10.
Meanwhile, aside from the four students, Alisah Shrestha from Tinian High
School flew to Los Angeles, California to
participate in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.
The high school overall winner for the
CNMI STEM Fair this year, Shrestha
wowed the judges with her award-winning project that predicts or reveals the
science of tsunami.
“The reason why I chose this project is
because we need to have more information about tsunami, its effect on the lives
of people…,” Shrestha told Students
First in an earlier interview, shortly after
winning the state-wide fair.
Shrestha’s “The Science Behind Tsunami took the top prize in the 9th to 12th
grade category of the two-day CNMIwide STEM Fair.
She began working on her project a
month and a half before the deadly tsunami struck Japan.
Pacific Region Education... from Page 1
“We want your ideas for how we can
improve technical assistance to our region
because you know best how to reach and
serve our students and education professionals,” said Dr. Rita A. Sablan, the
[CNMI] Commissioner of Education.
“Here’s your chance to let us know what
you need to improve educational services
region-wide.”
The Webinar is part of Pacific RAC’s
effort to assess the educational needs of
states, schools, school districts, and other
education stakeholders. The feedback the
RAC receives will be incorporated into a
report to the U.S. Secretary of Education
and taken in to account in setting priorities for the Department of Education’s
technical assistance centers.
Webinar participants will have the opportunity to weigh in on the following
issues:
• the critical educational needs of administrators, students, families, and
other stakeholders in the states and local communities; and
• how those needs might best be addressed.
“We want to know your education challenges and solutions,” said Dr. Sablan,
Chairperson for the Pacific RAC. “Should
we have standards for early learners? Can
teacher professional development be
improved? How can we recruit the best
leaders to serve as principals? Tell us
what’s needed and what you recommend
for addressing them.”
State and local education officials, busi-
ness leaders, parent groups, and all others with a stake in improving education
in this region can go to http://www.
seiservices.com/rac/ to register and post
questions or comments to be discussed
during the Webinar. If you are unable to
take part in the live Webinar but want to
submit written comment, you may post
your comments online anytime at the Pacific Region’s page on the RAC website,
http://www.seiservices.com/rac/or send
them by mail to:
Pacific RAC Support
Attn: Dr. Kathy Zantal-Wiener
Synergy Enterprises, Inc.
8757 Georgia Ave.
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Expanding further its commitment to
the entire Pacific, the educational thinktank Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning has enlisted the expertise of some of the region’s leaders, in a
move to improve the academic achievements and options for students in the
Pacific.
In a meeting held from May 3-4, in
Denver, Colorado, the top nonprofit education and research institution have selected four of the region’s respected leaders in government and education. They
are: Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A.
Sablan; Henry Falan, speaker of the Yap
State Legislature, Asterio Takesy, senior
advisor to the Federated States of Micronesia; and Dr. Patrick Tellei, president of
Palau Community College and member
of the Pacific Postsecondary Education
Council.
Their selection comes a year after
McREL opened a facility in Honolulu
that would directly cater and support educators and administrators in the region.
Aptly called the Pacific Center for Changing the Odds, it affirms the think-tank’s
“commitment to the entire Pacific educational community” through its new center. It is an expanded opportunity to assist
educators in their efforts to change the
odds for all children and youth, according
to John Kofel, founder and former CEO
of the Pacific Regional Educational Laboratory in an earlier media release.
The new satellite office was also designed to extend McREL’s staff development and school improvement services
to the region in order to support educators and administrators in changing the
odds for success for all students.
As an approved provider of staff development services in both Hawaii and
the Northern Mariana Islands, McREL
has assisted the CNMI Public School System in its effort to meet the 21st Century
classroom learning—a multi-pronged
approach that involves innovative teaching-administrator approach to classroom
discipline and student and staff development.
“The Pacific Center is basically coming out here to help us with the most
appropriate and effective ways possible
in giving our students and the district, as
a whole, the opportunity to succeed by
aligning it with our State Board’s policies
and priorities,” Education Commissioner
Dr. Rita A. Sablan separately said in an
interview with Students First.
Dr. Sablan said the advisory board –
which she a member along along with
three others in the Pacific Region – will
serve to provide consultations and advise
to the Pacific Center on “how to better
serve the Pacific region.”
“As McREL’s arm, the Pacific Center is
an expanded form of assistance for the
organization, with a vision solely for the
region. And their vision is centered on
research evaluation, improvement trainings and technical assistance,” Dr. Sablan
pointed out.
Over the last four decades, McREL’s
research and studies have been replicated
in almost all school districts in the nation and other organizations that caters
to education. Their research-based solutions for meeting educational needs have
already reverberated in the region, and
the CNMI-PSS has acknowledged their
importance that their studies’ have been
proven effective in the CNMI school district.
Students First
3
May 2011
WSR Wins
Laura Bush Grant
At a time when education budget continue to dip and impacting public education
services, including school libraries, the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries continue to help reverse this trend.
The national not-for-profit foundation announced this month that William S. Reyes
Elementary School will receive up to $5,000
in grant to expand its school library collection, with a goal of selecting books that will
deepen diversity.
The WSR library was one of the 241 grants
recipients nationwide, and the lone recipients
in the region.
Former first lady Luara Bush, who has held
a love of books and reading since child and
was first employed a librarian herself a librarian, announced early this month at a ceremony
in Jack Lowe Sr. Elementary School in Dallas,
Texas that a total of $1.086 million in grants
are being awarded to 241 school libraries in
the country, including William S. Reyes Elementary School’s library.
Since its inception, the Laura Bush Foundation has already awarded more than 48.4 million to 1,624 school in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the US Virigin
Islands, the Marshall Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands. It was founded in 2002.
“This is the first time for WSR and the
CNMI to receive the Laura Bush Grant. And
the purpose of this is to essentially open our
libraries to the community wherein not only
students but our parents and the community
as a whole can avail of the resources that we
have in our school libraries,” says acting CNMIPSS Assessment Coordinator Lynette Villagomez, the former principal of WSR.
WSR’s Art Sondhiem and Kevin Laden wrote
and applied for the grant on behalf of WSR.
Six years ago, the school also received close
to $300,000 grant for three public school libraries—WSR, Kobelrville Elementary School and
Kagman Elementary School.
“This grant that our school has received will
be a lot of use as we continue to invest in reading resource and media,” Villagomez added.
At the onset of spiraling cost of school supplies and materials, including books and other
educational/learning materials, WSR’s grant
application stood out among the hundreds of
grants applications submitted by various school
libraries throughout the nation.
“This will complement the already on-going
programs that we have and are in existence
within the CNMI Public School System,” Villagomez pointed out.
Last year, through the Office of US Congressman Gregorio Kilili Sablan, a federal grant
of $100,000 was awarded to the CNMI public
school libraries, for the development and invest-
ment in reading resources for students in the Commonwealth.
Another program that continue to promote reading and learning, as
whole, is the Saturday Reading Programs implemented not only at WSR
but in all public school libraries. Throughout the years, this program
had grown that the federal government, in a form of various grants,
continue to support.
Kilili Announces AmeriCorps Grant for PSS
C
ongressman Gregorio Kilili
Camacho Sablan announced
today that the CNMI Public
School System has received
a $340,186 AmeriCorps grant from the
Corporation for National and Community Service. The funds are to be used to
support high school seniors who mentor
other students in reading and study skills.
“Once again, PSS has put together a
successful grant for a very worthwhile
program,” Sablan said.
“60 of our high school seniors will get
part-time work as AmeriCorps members,
testing their own interest in the teaching
profession and also training younger students to be more successful at school.
“So the program provides double benefit.”
The 60 high school seniors provide
one-on-one tutoring and mentoring support during and after school, at the Saturday Reading Programs at the elementary
“In addition to
the grant dollars to
PSS, the Corporation is setting
aside funding to
pay a $5,350 education award that
the AmeriCorps
seniors can use to
pay for their highereducation.”
schools, and during the summer.
The focus is on helping the younger
students who need help with reading proficiency. The AmeriCorps tutors chart
their students’ progress in reading vocabulary, reading comprehension, word
study skills, thinking and listening skills,
and the number of books read.
“This is also a way for these high
school seniors to earn money
for college,” Congressman
Sablan said.
“In addition to the
grant dollars to PSS, the
Corporation is setting
aside funding to pay a
$5,350 education award
that the AmeriCorps seniors can use to pay for
their highereducation.”
This year’s grant cycle was highly competitive, according to AmeriCorps. Nearly
twice as many grantdollars and AmeriCorps positions were applied for as could
be funded.
“PSS should be congratulated for putting together a strong application that
succeeded against heavy odds,” said Kilili. “That hard work by PSS administrators creates opportunities for our young
people, which they would not otherwise
have.”
AmeriCorps, which is administered by
the Corporation for National and Community Service, engages80,000 people
each year in intensive, results-driven service through more than 14,000 nonprofits across the country.
Among other activities, AmeriCorps
funds programs that tutor and mentor
youth, expand health services, build affordable housing, run after-school programs, support veterans, helpcommunities respond to disasters, and recruit and
train volunteers.
“Citizen service is an essential part of
the solution to many of the social challenges facing our communities, especially
in tough economic times,” said Kilili.
“These AmeriCorps high school seniors members will help strengthen our
community as they develop civic and
leadership skills that will last them a lifetime.”
Students First
4
May 2011
her Intel ISEF Experience
Alisha Shresta and
M
ay 8, 2011 was a life-changing experience for Tinian
High School student Alisha
Shrestha, the twelfth-grade
student that made a mark not only among
her peers, but for her school. She was the
CNMI-Public School System statewide
STEM Fair overall winner.
When she flew to Los Angeles early this
month, Shrestha carried with her the honor for the CNMI Public School System.
She represented the CNMI school system to affirm
the district’s affiliation to the premier global science
event for high school students.
She may have won for her project, “The Science Behind Tsunami,” that enabled her to participate in the
world largest international pre-college science competition, but for her, it was beyond any accolades and
honor: it was humbling and enriching journey.
“It allowed me to meet students of my age, and
learn from them as well of their researches and projects— (the wisdom) from listening and learning from
them was (immeasurable),” Shrestha opines.
Shrestha was accompanied by Koblerville Elementary School Principal Rizalina Purugganan, the statewide STEM Fair coordinator.
ganan. “This year, we have fulfilled our affiliation. Now, we have a chance to be part
of the competition… which is next year.”
The five-day event covered a whole array of activities that include symposia,
science and engineering young scientists/
high school competitions, field trips, and
other hands-on activities that participants
enjoyed.
One of the principal speakers was John
Stevenson, the award-winning Hollywood director
who talked about his use of technology in the famous
animated movie Kung Fu Panda 2.
Akin to this, participants also had the chance to interact with the main organizers from Society for Science & The Public on how to better improve their
projects. During one of the symposia, organizers also
discuss the rules and guideline for the preparation of
next year’s competition.
As the participants enjoyed the activities prepared
for them, Shrestha had her moment at L.A. Live (Club
Nokia) and a trip to Universal Studio, which sealed off
the place for the day to accommodate the visiting science buffs. The field trip was shouldered by INTEL.
While the CNMI-PSS is now officially affiliated
with Intel ISEF, Shrestha and Purnugganan had the hands-on experience and
knowledge of the research projects that
were submitted by the 1,500 participants
competing in this year’s largest science
fair/award for high school students. Participants competed for over $4 million
in awards and prizes and were judged
on their creative ability and scientific
thought, as well as the thoroughness,
skill, and clarity shown in their projects.
Grand Winner/Awards of the Intel
ISEF included: the Gordon E. Moore
Award, a $75,000 top award for the top
Best in Category project.
Shrestha was one of the over 1,500 high school students who are slowly making names for in the field of
science and research. The Society for Science & The
Public Annual INTEL ISEF Science and Engineering
Fair competition was just the perfect venue for these
budding scientists, inventors and researchers.
The Intel ISEF has been the training ground for
some of today’s great leaders in the sciences and even
policy making. Every year, students from 65 countries,
regions and territories gather to showcase their independent research.
Gordon Moore co-founded Intel Corporation in 1968, serving as president and
CEO as well as Chairman of the Board
before his retirement in 1997. With degrees in chemistry and physics from University of California, Berkeley (B.S.) and
Caltech (Ph.D.), Moore is widely known for “Moore’s
Law,” the driving pulse of the semiconductor industry
.The Moore Award recognizes the Best of the Best
among the outstanding students from around the
world who participate in the Intel ISEF. The winning
project is selected on the basis of outstanding and innovative research, as well as on the potential impact
of the work — in the field and on the world at large.
And today, it has grown to become the premier
global science competition for students from grades
9–12.
Another is the Intel Foundation Young Scientist
Awards. Through Intel and SSP, a $50,000 award to
two Best in Category projects is also given. Finalists
are be selected for their commitment to innovation
in tackling challenging scientific questions, using authentic research practices, and creating solutions to
the problems of tomorrow.
“It is a once in a lifetime experience and we are glad
that we become part of it”, expresses Principal Purug-
The Dudley R. Herschbach SIYSS Award is an allexpense-paid trip enables three Finalists to attend
the Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar (SIYSS) which includes attendance at the Nobel
Prize ceremonies, in Stockholm, Sweden. The Dudley
R. Herschbach SIYSS Award is a multi-disciplinary
seminar highlighting some of the most remarkable
achievements by young scientists from around the
world. Students must be 18 years old prior to the Nobel ceremony in December to be considered. This
award is named for Dudley R. Herschbach, Harvard
Professor and 1986 Nobel Laureate in chemistry. He
is Emeritus Board Chair of Society for Science & the
Public.
Another award is the European Union Contest for
Young Scientists, an all-expense-paid trip enables attendance at the European Union Contest for Young
Scientists — located in a new city each year.
The Intel Best of Category Awards includes a
$5,000 scholarship. Additionally, a $1,000 grant will be
given to their school and the Intel ISEF Affiliated fair
they represent.
The Intel ISEF Grand Awards is also presented in
each of the 17 Intel ISEF categories. The top award
includes separate cash incentives.
And another award is the Massachusetts Institute
of Technology’s Lincoln Laboratory. Lincoln Lab has
partnered with SSP and the Intel ISEF to promote
science education through a program called the Ceres
Connection. First and second place category award
winners at Intel ISEF will have their names submitted
to the International Astronomical Union (IAU) for
naming rights of a minor planet. (All minor planets
named in the Ceres Connection program have been
discovered by the Lincoln Near Earth Asteroid Research (LINEAR) program, operated by Lincoln Laboratory. – Editor)
The Intel ISEF Special Awards have been on going
for many years now with organizations representing a
wide variety of scientific disciplines provide awards,
scholarships, internship and other prizes to hundreds
of student finalists.
And next year, the CNMI Public School System is
already setting its sights on the May 13-18 global science competition that will be held in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
Students First
5
May 2011
The Road to be HQT
I
n one of her leadership meetings last year, Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan spoke
with high emphasis the need to sustain a program of the CNMI Public School System that
attracts gifted junior and senior high school students
to consider the teaching career.
“When we talk about building local capacity, we also
have to see within the school system family… that
there is now growing interest among our students interested in the teaching career,” the education chief
said, noting that since the 1994-establishment of
the Teacher Academy Program, the number of high
school graduates from Saipan, Tinian and Rota who
have joined the school system had risen.
Dr. Sablan was talking about the Teacher Academy Program which was established in 1994, though
was cut short seven years after, it was a local capacity building program that has resulted the hiring of
over 100 teachers and are still employed in different
schools within the school system.
Last year, exactly ten years after it was temporarily
shelved, Education Commissioner Dr. Sablan revived
– re-established – the Teacher Academy Program, as
part of the school district’s larger agenda: create a
pool of local teachers and to reduce the high cost of
recruiting teachers off-island.
And under the Strategic Priorities PLUS One, the
Commonwealth’s education system’s effort for educational reform, among others by raising the bar of
classroom teaching continues to inch forward—three
years after the education chief ’s promised reform of
how she wants “to get things done” by investing in
instruction and infrastructure parallel to the 21st Century education.
As of May 2011
500
Highly Qualified Teachers
(595 Total CNMI Teachers)
450
400
80%
283
300
250
65%
200
65%
150
56%
100
50
0
81
13%
3
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, are actuals 2008 & 2009 are projections
The education chief said that the school system is
meeting the highly qualified teacher challenge as the
clock ticks closer to the July 31,2011- deadline of the
five-year PRAXIS trajectory or for school personnel
to pass the state examinations.
This was in stark contrast six years ago when only 13
percent of the Commonwealth public school teachers
were PRAXIS I and PRAXIS II passers.
“We project that by the start of the next school year
all of our teachers will be highly qualified and highly effective,” Education Commissioner Sablan told
CNMI lawmakers during a recent meeting.
The growth of classroom teachers taking—and
passing the PRAXIS examination indicates that
the hundred-percentage compliance target
to both federal and State requirements/
policies are within reach.
Of the 310 elementary classroom teachers, 240 or 77% are
already HQT. For junior high
schools, the figure is high:
73 percent or 66 out of 91
middle school teachers have
already met the requirements.
In the high school, the figure
is also higher—85 percent or
150 out of 177 teachers are now
under the highly qualified status.
One of them is the Teacher Certification
Process. As the school system’s way to increase
the quality of teaching, the State Board of Education on July 8, 2004 adopted a policy that would led
to the mandatory PRAXIS I and PRAXIS II examinations, which were aimed to “tests the teacher’s core
knowledge, meet the highly qualified teachers requirements spelled out by the No Child Left Behind Act
of 2001.”
“The investment that the Public School System has
made in professional development for our teachers
of over $2.5 million in PRAXIS seminars and over
$1 million in balanced leadership, purposeful communities, research-based strategies, suing data to drive
decision-making has resulted in doubling of students
scores on the SAT 10 across the past five years,” Education Commissioner Dr. Sablan said during a separate meeting on May 11 with the House of Representatives Education Committee.
411
398
388
339
350
Classroom learning in public schools – and in any
classroom setting, for that matter – remains integral to student performance. Teaching quality
and the immersion of innovations and new
skills have continuously taken shape within
the CNMI Public School System. And this is
because of the many creative solutions and
approaches that the school system has instituted only in recent past.
While these maybe rigorous state examination,
the CNMI Public School System provide support to
classroom teachers, school administrators, counselors
and program specialists in their preparation for the
PRAXIS tests. Since 2006 to the current school year,
the school system provided seminars and trainings and
partnership with the Northern Marianas College and
the University of Guam. These programs are regularly
held during summer and althroughout the school year.
470
While 90-days notices have already been
issued last April for non-HQTs to pass the
PRAXIS examinations, there is still time—ample time
for them to meet the requirements.
As of this month, the CNMI Public School System
employs 595 classroom teachers and, on average, recruits between 45-50 new teachers each school year.
The new recruits replaces teachers retiring or leaving
the system for other opportunities.
In 1998, the school system has required that all
classroom teachers must, at a minimum, possess a
bachelor’s degree or higher degree to teach in the public schools.
Records shows that of the 595 classroom teachers,
65 percent have bachelor’s degree, 34 percent have
MA/MS degrees, and three percents have doctoral
studies/graduates.
What is worth noting as well is that there is a total
of 80-percent from the number of classroom teachers
that have attained the highly qualified teaching status
in accordance with the No Child Left Behind Act of
2001 and the State BOE policy.
As the number of HQTs expected to increase by
July 31, at its currnt pace, the CNMI Public School
System is already reaping the product of its investment in human resource: student achievement across
public elementary, junior and high school on Saipan,
Tinian and Rota have doubled.
For the last five school years, PSS’ Adequate Yearly Progress – which sets the benchmarks of student
learning – indicates huge leap in student performance.
The Stanford Achievement Test result for CNMI
PSS student during school year 2003-2004 was at the
20-percentile rank. Today, with most classroom teachers now under the highly qualified status, the SY 20092010 SAT 10 results was pegged at the 45-percentile
rank.
The road to achieve the HQT status for classroom
teachers had been tough, tedious and, to some extent,
challenging but the result is—or was well worth it. Just
look at the numbers.
Students First
Over the Years... from Page 1
Gomez’ perspective is a result of a personal investment,
he says, adding that “my decision to enter the Air Force
was because of an inspiration from my JROTC Program
and the troops that serve with my school.” And it is also a
product of CNMI Public School System investment in of
providing new careers as educators to service members.
Surrounded by veterans and service members still in active duty, Gomez was perhaps the youngest among the
group that gathered for the CNMI Public School System’s
Support Our Troops luncheon which was held as coincide
the nation’s Troops To Teachers celebration held at the
Hyatt on May 20.
Gomez is one of the dozen of public high school students who have enlisted with the United State Armed
Forces after high school graduation. He got his motivation and inspiration to enlist with the military not only
with the drill sergeants that handled the JROTC Program
at Saipan Southern High Schools but with teachers who
were/are service members who have chosen teaching as
their newest career.
Within the CNMI Public School System, the JROTC
Program and the Troops to Teachers Program seemed
alike or shares the same vision— teaching students and
shaping them like a basic training through leadership skills
programs.
Troops to Teachers Program, is part of the Department
of Education but run by the Department of Defense. It
helps eligible military personnel begin new careers as educators where their skills, knowledge and experience are
most needed. As a federal program, it serves two key goals:
BOE, PSS Succeess ... from Page 1
Over the years, the growth had been
visible. And this formed part of the Strategic Priorities PLUS One which sets the
growth pace of public education in the
Commonwealth.
“I believe that an over-arching principle across the Public School System,
all across the three islands, to push for
equity amongst schools; that no matter
where the students are, be it on Saipan,
Tinian or Rota, that they have the access,
the same opportunities and readiness for
a 21st century skills,” says BOE member
Lucia Blanco-Maratita of Tinian.
When the Strategic Priorities PLUS
One was established by the policy making
body, it was with high expectations that
there will be equity in terms of implementing school reforms – improvements
in classroom/student learning, repair,
renovation and rehabilitation, and professional developments of staff and personnel.
“The meeting that we have on Tinian
was an opportunity for at least our staff
and personnel to come and join, and actually see the process and the discussions
going on at the board level,” member
Blanco-Maratita added.
With two public schools – Tinian Elementary School and Tinian Junior/
6
May 2011
It helps veteran who retire from the military to prepare
for rewarding careers in public service—second tours of
duty helping school children succeed. And it helps meet
the critical need for K-12 teachers in the United States.
The US Department of Education has not only funded this program to recruit, prepare and support former
members as teachers in high-poverty schools, but successful program candidates obtain certification or licensing as
elementary, secondary or vocational or technical school
teachers and become highly-qualified teachers. The program also helps these individuals fins employment in highneed local education agencies (LEAs) or charter schools.
An Innovation
There are school districts across the country that has
already attracted national attention of their innovative approach in hiring military members as classroom teachers.
The CNMI Public School System is among the school
districts in the nation that have already attracted national
attention with its innovative approach to tapping service
members as classroom teachers. This is notwithstanding
with the amount of support it provides to service members who have pursued teaching career.
This year, the school district was already recognized by
the Department of Defense through the Employees for
the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) as the only outstanding
employer within the Commonwealth with the Commissioner of Education Dr. Rita A. Sablan also being hailed
for her active support— recognitions that led to the
CNMI Public School System to be nominated as one of
the nation’s top employers for the service members.
Senior High School – the island had received equal distribution of school resources, like their Saipan and Rota counterparts. Today, the two public schools
have invested heavily in building local
capacity through highly qualified personnel, the use of technology, distance/online learning. In essence, the island- and
the Northern Marianas, as a whole – are
awash with advancement in classroom
learning similar to that of the other states
and even in other countries.
The meeting, held on May 2-3 was also
the first time to be held on Tinian.
“We would like to have a school system
that is working and that is progressive and
keeping in tune of the modern world, for
our students not to be left behind with
methods of teaching, the use of technologies and facilities,” State BOE Chairperson MaryLou Seman-Ada said separately.
The comprehensive and over-arching
improvement plan of the Commonwealth school system meant millions of
dollars in capital infusion, to be able to
meet the constitutional mandate of delivering and providing free and quality education to the islands’ 11,000-plus students
population.
At the Tinian Junior/Senior High
School library, State BOE members saw
these investments: new desktop computers, video-teleconferencing technology,
There is no better yardstick to the success of the Troops
to Teachers Program than to see how it has grown over
the years.
The program started at Hopwood Junior High School in
2006 with only four service members joining the Troops
To Teachers Program.
Today, there are about 47 service members that are
working for the Public School System. Last year there
were only 41.
“We have promoted a lot. And we are proud that we
have sustained the program and have grown it (to a large
group within our school system),” says Roman Benavente,
one of the pioneers of the program.
The CNMI school system has provided service members the flexibility to take college courses after instruction
hours.
Last school year of the 41 service members that are
working as teachers in various public elementary, junior
and senior high schools in the Northern Marianas, a huge
number of them have already completed their associate
degrees and have pursed bachelor’s degree. This summer,
most of them will receive their diploma in teaching.
Under this program, the US Department of Education
and the CNMI Public School System jointly provide assistance, including stipends of up to $5,000 to eligible members of the armed force so they can obtain certification
or licensing as school teachers, secondary school teachers,
or vocational/technical teachers and become highly qualified teachers by demonstrating competency in each of the
subjects they teach.
smart board, and a newly refurbished facility, among others
And State BOE Chairperson SemanAda said their approach was to be “proactive” and “aggressive” with their longterm planning.
“We have to be proactive and provide
what is necessary. We want our students
to be independent and not dependent,
and to achieve this is to provide them the
needed knowledge, preparing them after
high school,” the state board chairperson
explained.
The Tinian State BOE meeting was
part of their rotation plan to bring the
board meetings to the respective islands.
Following the meeting, they made a courtesy call with the Office of the Mayor of
Tinian and Aguiguan, wherein they discussed matters pertaining to the islands’
public schools. The meeting was also held
together with the Tinian Legislative Delegation.
Actions Taken
During the meeting, the board members approved several policies and initiatives, as part of its long-term school
reform program. Among them were the
policy on evaluation system for classroom teachers and school administrators,
the license agreement relating to posting
of regulations to the new PSS website,
revised policy on instructor classification based on National Certification or
Occupation License, reprogramming of
Project ARRA Consolidated Grant and
SFSF, the application for Striving Readers
Grant Application, and the anti-bullying
policy, among others.
The board also approved it school calendar for school year 2011-2011.
As the longest elected member to the
State Board of Education, Herman T.
Guerrero acknowledge how the Commonwealth’s education system has transitioned to what it is today: a competitive
and modern system that is home to many
innovations, both in classroom learning
and facilities.
And it is still a growth in progress.
And this was as a result of the board’s
policy not only “listening and or hearing
them” but making them part in the many
processes pertaining to classroom learning, adds State BOE member Guerrero,
citing the Fifth Strategic Priority: Parental
Involvement and Community Partnership.
“You have to hear the community’s
concern and through their concern, we
translate and communicate these concerns to the Commissioner of Education,” says Guerrero.
Students First
Open Letter ... from Page 1
Inside your classroom, you exercise a high degree of
autonomy. You decide when to slow down to make sure
all of your students fully understand a concept, or when
a different instructional strategy is needed to meet the
needs of a few who are struggling to keep up. You build
relationships with students from a variety of backgrounds
and with a diverse array of needs, and you find ways to
motivate and engage them. I appreciate the challenge and
skill involved in the work you do and applaud those of you
who have dedicated your lives to teaching.
Many of you have told me you are willing to be held
accountable for outcomes over which you have some control, but you also want school leaders held accountable for
creating a positive and supportive learning environment.
You want real feedback in a professional setting rather
than drive-by visits from principals or a single score on
a bubble test. And you want the time and opportunity to
work with your colleagues and strengthen your craft.
You have told me you believe that the No Child Left
Behind Act has prompted some schools—especially lowperforming ones—to teach to the test, rather than focus
on the educational needs of students. Because of the pressure to boost test scores, NCLB has narrowed the curriculum, and important subjects like history, science, the
arts, foreign languages, and physical education have been
de-emphasized. And you are frustrated when teachers
Commissioners Profile ... from Page 1
The Chief Executive Officer pointed out that as McREL
furthers its commitment to and engagement with the Pacific educational community – it is ready to assist in addressing pressing educational challenges the Pacific educators want to address in providing a quality education
for our children. These issues may range from school
leadership to classroom needs, parental/community
needs to school system needs, while sharing the capacity
of McREL in the area of research, program evaluation,
design, program and institutional development, professional development and technical assistance.
The CNMI is also represented in one of the10 Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) which was recently
formed by Secretary Arne Duncan with the US Department of Education. The Pacific RAC represents
the Pacific region that includes American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated
States of Micronesia (Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap)
Guam, Hawaii, Republic of the Marshalls, and the Republic of Palau. The Pacific RAC’s effort will be to assess
the educational needs of states, schools, school districts,
and other education stakeholders. The feedback the Pacific RAC receives will be incorporated into a report to
the U.S. Secretary of Education and taken in to account
in setting priorities for the Department of Education’s
technical assistance centers.
Parent Summits
The PTSA Advisory Council has recently completed
the last of a series of parent meetings on Rota, Saipan
and Tinian. The Council led by President John M. Sablan
with the various local PTAs from the PSS and Head Start
Centers achieved their outreach this year as they placed
an emphasis to inform parents about the educational
programs under Title I, parental engagement activities
such as ScreamFree Parenting, Stress and Anger Management for Parents, Project Virtues, Sexuality Education and Teen Pregnancy, and a special presentation by
the Youth Advisory Panel – Sharing the voices of today’s
youth. The school level PTSA are also lauded for their
activities this year and in promoting educational programs for parents, involving parents at schools, for the
many hours of services and volunteerism, and for contributing to the schools’ improvement process. THANK
YOU PARENTS, TEACHERS AND STUDENT ASSOCIATIONS.
National and State Level Initiatives
If there was one major topic of concern that has
reached everyone’s agenda – it is EDUCATION. At the
national level –Common Core Standards and Assessments are thoroughly addressed by the National Governor’s Association, the Council of Chief States School
Officers, the US Department of Education – and most
importantly that at the state level – these topics are also
addressed within the CNMI Public School System and
the State Board of Education.
The Board of Education in their March 16 meeting adopted the Common Core Standards in English Language
Arts and Math. The Common Core State Standards Ini-
7
May 2011
alone are blamed for educational failures that have roots in
broken families, unsafe communities, misguided reforms,
and underfunded schools systems. You rightfully believe
that responsibility for educational quality should be shared
by administrators, community, parents, and even students
themselves.
The teachers I have met are not afraid of hard work, and
few jobs today are harder. Moreover, it’s gotten harder in
recent years; the challenges kids bring into the classroom
are greater and the expectations are higher. Not too long
ago, it was acceptable for schools to have high dropout
rates, and not all kids were expected to be proficient in
every subject. In today’s economy, there is no acceptable
dropout rate, and we rightly expect all children—Englishlanguage learners, students with disabilities, and children
of poverty—to learn and succeed.
You and I are here to help America’s children. We understand that the surest way to do that is to make sure that
the 3.2 million teachers in America’s classrooms are the
very best they can be. The quality of our education system
can only be as good as the quality of our teaching force.
So I want to work with you to change and improve federal law, to invest in teachers and strengthen the teaching
profession. Together with you, I want to develop a system
of evaluation that draws on meaningful observations and
input from your peers, as well as a sophisticated assessment that measures individual student growth, creativity,
and critical thinking. States, with the help of teachers, are
now developing better assessments so you will have useful information to guide instruction and show the positive
impact you are having on our children.
Working together, we can transform teaching from the
factory model designed over a century ago to one built
for the information age. We can build an accountability
system based on data we trust and a standard that is honest—one that recognizes and rewards great teaching, gives
new or struggling teachers the support they need to succeed, and deals fairly, efficiently, and compassionately with
teachers who are simply not up to the job. With your input and leadership, we can restore the status of the teaching profession so more of America’s top college students
choose to teach because no other job is more important
or more fulfilling.
In the next decade, half of America’s teachers are likely
to retire. What we do to recruit, train, and retain our new
teachers will shape public education in this country for a
generation. At the same time, how we recognize, honor,
and show respect for our experienced educators will reaffirm teaching as a profession of nation builders and social
leaders dedicated to our highest ideals. As that work proceeds, I want you to know that I hear you, I value you, and
I respect you.
Arne Duncan is the U.S. Secretary of Education.
tiative is a state-led effort coordinated by the National
Governor’s Association Center for Best Practices (NGA
Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers
(CCSSO) in partnership with Achieve, ACT, and the
College Board. Forty Six states and three territories have
joined the Common Core State Standards Initiative.
The Common Core State Standards Initiative is build
directly on the recent efforts of leading organizations
and state that have focused on developing college and
career ready standards and ensures these standards are
evidenced and research – based and internationally
benchmarked to top performing outcomes
These K-12 Standards are:
• Aligned with college and work expectations;
• Include rigorous content and application of
knowledge through high-order skills;
• Builds upon strengths and lessons of current
state standards;
• Informed by top-performing countries, so that all
students are prepared to succeed in our global
economy and society; and,
• Evidence and/or research-based.
In addition to the Common Core Standards, the CNMI
Public School System is also reviewing the projects of
the Assessment Consortia that will be used towards the
assessment of the Common Core Standards in English
Language Arts and Math. The CNMI Public School System represented by the Office of Special Education and
its staff recently participated in the National Center State
Collaborative Meeting – New Orleans which is focused
on the development of alternate assessments that will be
made available for those students with disabilities requiring this type of statewide assessment.
the armed forces.
In 1993, the CNMI Public School System established
the Junior Reserves Officers Training Corps program
and recruited retired military personnel from the U.S.
Army certified to provide a program of instruction that
will motivate young people to be better citizens, providing quality citizenship, character, and leadership development program, while fostering partnerships between
the Public School System and the communities within
Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
In 2006, the CNMI Public School System established
the Troops to Teacher Program to help recruit teachers,
to relieve teacher shortages, especially in math, science,
special education, and other high-needs subject areas,
and assist military personnel in making successful transitions to second careers in teaching.
In School Year 2007-2008 to the present, the CNMI
Public School System high school exit surveys reflected
approximately 20% to 30% of the graduating seniors entering the US Armed Forces.
In School Year 2007-2008 to the present, the CNMI
Public School System saw an increase of current students
enrolled in the various high schools to have enlisted in
the U.S. Armed Forces prior to high school graduation.
The CNMI Public School System in a very special way
recognizes our men and women in the armed forces for
their unwavering and patriotic services to their respective
schools, island communities, country, and people. Their
true commitment, dedication, and support to the learning and successes of the students in the Public School
System emulate their achievements and accomplishments.
Statewide Homeland Security Exercise
The CNMI Public School System participated in a
rigorous 36 hour emergency exercise sponsored by the
Homeland Security and names “Konfitma”. This exercise
required PSS to activate its emergency response team,
pupil transportation personnel, the PSS Command Center, and a school-wide alert notification to all campuses.
Although the exercise specifically involved the evacuation of students and personnel at Hopwood Jr. High
School – the communication network was most crucial
throughout the entire operation. The PSS Committee on
Safe and Orderly Schools is charged to review the recommendations received during the exercise including the
updates needed to be included in the PSS Emergency
Logistics and Operations Manual. All in all – the CNMI
PSS Emergency Response Team and the entire staff are
commended for the smooth operation experienced during the Konfitma exercise. WELL JOB DONE.
Support our Troops Week
We strive for every opportunity to recognize our staff,
students, and parents within the Public School System.
Over the last 3 years – the CNMI Public School System takes time during the month of May to pay tribute
and recognize its Troops to Teachers, all those who have
been in the armed forces at one point of time in their
career, and all those students who have been enlisted into
Board of Education Regular Meeting on Tinian
The State Board of Education held one of its regular
meetings on Tinian in May as part of its rotation plan to
bring the board meetings to the respective islands. Following the Board meeting – a courtesy call to the Office
of the Mayor of Tinian was made where the State Board,
the Mayor of Tinian and the Tinian Delegation met on
matters pertaining to Tinian schools.
The State Board at their regular meeting on Tinian adopted the following business matters:
1. Policy on Evaluation System for Classroom
Teachers
2. Policy on Evaluation System for School
Administrators
3. PSS License Agreement re Posting of
Regulations to PSS Website
4. Revised Policy on Instructor Classification based
on National Certification or Occupation License
5. Ratification of BOE-PSS Letter to Governor
Fitial on Senate Bill No. 17-68, “Education
Tax Credit”
6. Reprogram of Project ARRA Consolidated Grant
7. Reprogram of SFSF Funds
8. Striving Readers Grant Application
9. CNMI AmeriCorps Audit Report and Responses
10. PSS School Calendar for SY 2011-2012
11. Anti-Bullying Policy
Students First
8
May 2011
Tataga’s Teacher & Troops-to-Teachers Appreciation
T
he Tataga sure love their teachers and staff!
Teacher appreciation week coincided with
School Spirit week, and we had a blast.
Many thanks to all students, parents, admin,
and staff for making it possible! When teachers and
staff pulled up to school with their shades on Monday
morning, they were greeted by students and parents
waving signs that said “Thank You Teachers!” and
“Honk for Teachers!” Students then rushed over with
leis and hugs to all respective recipients. The Monday
celebration continued with breakfast and letters from
students. Teachers and staff had mailboxes posted and
were delighted to check their mail throughout the day.
Everyone felt like a million bucks. On Tuesday, teachers and staff sporting crazy hair were treated with
breakfast from admin and staff and flowers from the
students. For Wednesday, the hat-wearing celebrants
were again treated to breakfast and even more to eatfruits from the students. What could top all this you
ask? Hugs galore from students on Thursday! Yes, and
breakfast, too. It’s surprising that all managed to wear
their clothes inside out that day. May be that was a
good thing. Finale Friday had all red-wearing Tataga
assembled to watch teachers and staff being corralled
on the ranch. Yee-haw! No breakfast that day because
the rodeo crew worked up an even bigger appetite,
so all were treated to lunch instead. Teachers and
staff were also given little gifts of appreciation from
the stylin’ admin. Thanks to Mrs. Dora Quitugua for
the candy leis! Again, Thank You! Si Yu’us Ma’ase!
Ghilisow! Salamat Po! Sulang! to all students, parents,
staff, and admin for a wonderful week. The teachers
and staff appreciate you more!
The Tataga always support our Troops and love our
Troops to Teachers! Mr. Ed Sablan joined the Army
Reserves in 2003 and is a member of the 368th Unit
based out of Guam. He rolls with the Military Police (MP) as a mechanic, and has had his share of MP
related duties. Mr. Sablan is an honored veteran who
has been on tour in Iraq from 2008-2009. There’s a
possibility that he will have to do another tour by the
end of this year. The Tataga salute and support our
brave men and women who defend our country and
our freedom! Thank You! Si Yu’us Ma’ase! Ghilisow!
Salamat Po! Sulang!
Transferred
from
the Ayuyu, Mr. Sablan
joined the Tataga family
in January of this year.
Mr. Sablan has been with
the Troops to Teachers program for about
16 months now, and the
Tataga are happy to have
him! He is very involved
with students and is currently working in the Special
Education program. When not working directly with
the students, Mr. Sablan diligently prepares student
assignments for the next day. He can be seen leafing
through supplemental materials and making copies.
His friendly, easy-going personality makes it easy for
students and staff alike to work with him. He explains
that the transition from a secondary to an elementary
school was great because it was when he felt that the
Troops to Teachers job really kicked in. He enjoys
working with the students because it’s never boring
and every day is a new day. This job keeps him on
his toes! All teachers can relate. Hopefully, he will stay
on with Tanapag for the next school year. He is also
pretty good with computers. To thank Mr. Sablan, the
Tataga celebrated him with letters, post cards, thanks,
and hugs during the week. Yes, he had an overflowing
mailbox, too! He also read every single letter and card.
All wore yellow on Friday and all the staff treated him
to a big breakfast. The Tataga love to show appreciation through food! Luckily for him, he goes through
training regularly to keep himself in shape. He would
like to thank all the students, parents, and staff for the
wonderful appreciation week. The Tataga thank and
appreciate him more! Thank You! Si Yu’us Ma’ase!
Ghilisow! Salamat Po! Sulang! to all our Troops to
Teachers and your dedication to our students!
Students First
9
May 2011
Tinian Elem. School Teacher’s Appreciation Week
“A good teacher is like a candle: it consumes itself to light the way for others.”
O
n behalf of the faculty/
staff, students, and parents of Tinian Elementary School and the entire community of Tinian, we would
like to express our special thanks
to all teachers, teacher aides, and
instructors for the unconditional
efforts, compassion, patience, and
perseverance each of you put forth
daily towards the education and nurturing of
the young minds who are our future.
Tinian Elementary School recognizes its outstanding
staff of teachers and teacher aides for their commitment and dedication to our students and community
as a whole. For 2nd grader Elvie Marie Domingiano,
she describes her teacher, Ms. Jennifer San Nicolas as
very kind and loveable and wants her to know that
she “is the best teacher in the whole world.” John
Casauran, a 4th grader in Mrs. Chavelyn Epity’s class
appreciates his teacher for her hard-work and the time
she spends working with them. 1st grader, Cheraline
Epity, says she appreciates her teacher, Mrs. Celina
Farrell, for “making them do fun in class.” For Kindergartener Ciara Santos, she appreciates her teacher
Ms. Therese Acosta for teaching them “ABCs and
numbers so they can learn how to count.” Carmen
King, a 6th grader, appreciates her teachers Mrs. Brenda Safer and Mrs. Suaad San
Nicolas, because they are “kind, respectful,
and good at teaching.” For 3rd grader Osi
Reyes, he appreciates his teacher, Ms. Mariana Omengkar, for “making us do activities
and centers if we work hard…and she also
gives us prizes if we do our best.” In Mrs.
Rinenta Hofschneider’s class, 2nd grader
Savannah Sandbergen says she appreciates
her teacher because “she is kind to me and makes me
learn lots of stuff.” Kindergartner Isa Reyes, appreciates her teacher Mr. Phillip Wachsler, because “he’s
funny and I like him.” For 5th grader Augusta Palacios, she appreciates her teacher Mrs. Jenina Manglona
because “she teaches us well, she’s nice and doesn’t
yell at us.” In Ms. Christina Zuccaro’s 5th grade class,
student Juschery Castro appreciates his teacher for
“teaching us math and teaching us positive and negative numbers in math.” For Edward Quichocho, a 4th
grader in Ms. Virginia Sarangelo’s class, appreciates
his teacher because “she teaches me stuff to make
me learn more and she takes care of me.” 1st grader
Samantha Sandbergen appreciates her teacher Mrs.
Gina Rankin for “teaching them good stuff about a
lot of things…and she’s mostly nice.” For 3rd grader
Tiniana Patron, she appreciates her teacher Mrs. Isabel Kiyoshi because “she helps us learn more about
the subjects. 4th grader Akiko Acollador appreciates
her teacher Mrs. Joann Dela Cruz because she teaches them new things and she’s kind. For 1st grader
Ryan Evangelista Jr., he wishes his learning resource
teacher Mr. Patrick Pressley and everyone a “HAPPY
TEACHER’S DAY!”
Teacher Appreciation Week 2011 will be filled with
fun activities coordinated by our Student Government
Organization (SGO) to demonstrate how much our
amazing educators are truly appreciated. The students
will start the week off on Sweet Day (May 2nd) by
bringing or doing something “sweet” for their teachers/aides. On Tuesday is I.O.U Coupon Day (May
3rd) when students present their teachers with coupons to do something “extra special” for their teacher
(e.g. being a class helper, cleaning the classroom, etc.).
On May 4th students will present their teachers with
flowers for Flower Day; and on Thursday May 5th,
they will dress-up like their favorite teacher for DressUp like a Teacher Day. To end the week of celebrating their appreciation for their teachers, the students
will assemble to present each teacher with a special
award on their very own Awards Day ceremony. Each
teacher will receive an award specially selected by our
student leaders in recognition of the unique flavor
each of one of our teachers brings to Tinian Elementary School.
Students First
10
May 2011
SVES Students & Parents Show Appreciation to Teachers
S
VES was a bit of a loss as to how to celebrate
Teacher Appreciation Week this year. Tough
economic times and tight restrictions on the
use of PTA funds left us floundering on how
to show our teachers our appreciation without breaking anyone’s personal piggy bank. As a result, we left
parents, students, and teachers to their own devices in
determining how to show our teachers that we care.
The results were surprising. Homemade letters and
cards, surprise parties in classrooms, banners, buttons,
and posters made by students and teachers for teachers, coupled with treats sent from home, and pizza
delivered to the cafeteria created lasting memories
for our teachers. Although this was a break from our
traditional PTA sponsored luncheon and designated
daily gifts (Monday send this, Tuesday send that) it
was refreshing to see teachers putting so much effort
into acknowledging one another’s diligent efforts in
caring for our students. As a result, students were also
more involved in the celebrations. Brief descriptions
by Student Council Officers follow:
By :Sora Jo
Last week (May 2-6 2011) was teacher’s appreciation week. So on these days students got to thank our
teachers for what they’ve done for us throughout the
school year. To show how we appreciate them, some
classes had special events that surprised their teachers. Some wrote letters and cards and some gave them
presents.
Our school student council had secretly arranged a
present for our teachers. We had a paper that the student council members were supposed to bring it to
their class, and write their class’s ideas about why they
like their teacher. When they are done filling that out,
the class gave it to their teacher with a button from
Ms. Anna that said “Those who can do. But, those
who care teach.” In my class, I personally gave it to my
teacher, and she really appreciated that we showed our
appreciation to her.
By: Tiava To’omata:
Why we appreciate our teachers
Our teacher(s) have done a lot for us lately. We appreciate them for working hard to help us get good
grades, so we could promote to 6th grade. Now we
celebrate a week to appreciate them. That’s the least
we could do. Some of our teachers are mothers/fathers. They have to work 2 xs as hard. Now, in Ms. Patris’s class they showed lots and lots of appreciation.
They hung up a big banner that says awesome things
about their old teachers. Another class that showed
appreciation is Ms. Adam’s class. They threw a surprise party for her. They brought some snacks and
drinks for them to share. This was how our teachers
were appreciated.
As you can see by the student descriptions, material
items are not the only way for SVES to express how
much we love our teachers. We appreciate the grace
our teachers have shown in accepting our small tokens of appreciation, and the fact that they took time
to celebrate one another throughout this very special
week.
Students First
11
May 2011
T
eacher appreciation week has been a custom
to PSS for quite some time. This week has
been bestowed upon us to honor the teachers who have dedicated their time to ensure
the future of the CNMI and lead us into prosperity.
The teachers of Hopwood have truly brought us
to the peak of success. There is no doubt that we are
more than fortunate to have such devoted teachers.
To many, they are just individuals who take the responsibility of teaching. In reality, they are so much
more than that. They are parents to thousands of students, instructors who guarantee a brighter future, and
the heart and soul to ONE school.
In the hands of Hopwood’s teachers are lives in
need of guidance. They are the light that keeps on
shining regardless of difficulties. Without them there
is no reason to come to school and unfortunately students wouldn’t be able to learn. Thankfully, to our advantage we can count on our teachers to be there for
us.
Their hard work and dedication gives us the opportunity to achieve great goals in our lives. In addition
to learning, students learn life lessons which will help
when maturing and most of all in the workforce field.
With their help, the students of Hopwood transform
to young adults and later, become role models for
many generations to come.
When two of our very own teachers were interviewed and asked whether or not they would trade in
being a teacher for anything else, they both exclaimed,
“Never!” It is heartwarming to know that their hard
work is truly sincere.
HJHS: Teachers of the Future
To conclude this article, we would like to give our
thanks to the many teachers who have given Hopwood’s students a piece of their lives and a handful of
their time. Without them, we have nothing; they are
our backbone that holds us up right.
Teacher’s Appreciation at Saipan Southern
T
By: Donna Formalejo
o show appreciation and to thank our mothers and fathers, we celebrate Mother’s Day
in May and Father’s Day in June. Parents
take charge of the same set of children their
whole life; teachers, however, deal with different students every year. Teachers are children’s parents away
from home. Teachers have a big impact in the lives
of all those they teach. For our beloved teachers, we
dedicate to them the whole first week of May—May
2 to 6 this year—every year. Saipan Southern is no
exception.
Every year, the SSHS Chapter of the National Honor Society treats the whole SSHS faculty—including
administrators, maintenance helpers, and of course
our beloved teachers—to small gifts on the last day of
the week as a token of their appreciation. This year the
SSHS NHS treated each faculty member to a brownie,
a bottle of water, an apple shaped stress ball, and an
inspirational quote of each of the members’ choosing.
Whether the teacher is working overtime for after
school fifth period classes, is advising a class for its
next big event, is coaching a team for its next game,
is taking care of the school vegetable garden, or is
staying late into the night to finish grading the works
of his or her students, every teacher in Saipan Southern High School goes the extra mile to make sure the
school is functioning above and beyond expectations.
Of course we can’t forget the time teachers spend
teaching students before school starts—the ever-famous zero period which starts at 6:30 am. There are
those weekends as well where students practice for
competitions and pep rallies, prepare for big events
like cultural day, meet with advisors and officers of
clubs and organizations, and work for extra credit,
community service hours, and group projects. All of
these and more are accomplished under the supervision of a teacher.
Students and teachers also develop special bonds
where connections are made beyond the academic lessons in the classrooms. Faculty and staff at Saipan
Southern High School provide guidance and support
to help students through difficult personal issues.
Teachers willingly give time to listen to students talk
about their problems. Teachers help comfort students
by providing them support, advice and guidance.
Teachers help students through relationship issues,
challenges in the classrooms, post secondary plans,
and encouraging us to be proactive in our educational
endeavors. The level of love and care given by our
teachers exceed that of ordinary teachers. The level of
dedication each teacher exhumes tells us that we are
important and motivates us to become the best we can
be. Happy Teacher’s Appreciation Week and THANK
YOU to all TEACHERS!
Students First
12
May 2011
On May 2nd to May 6th Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Jr. High
School celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week. This
week was filled with excitement as the students and
their parents showered the teachers with specially
made gifts and treats.
The Student Council/Youth Advisory Panel along
with their Advisors from our school RHI and our
SISTER SCHOOL from Saipan Chacha Junior High
“Home of the Lancheros” collaborated shared ideas
and planned out Teacher Appreciation Week.
The first day was celebrated with the theme “Rise
and Shine Monday,” students brought coffee, tea
and healthy breakfast treats, such as fruits, meal bars,
crackers, and bread for their teachers. The STUCO/
YAP organization greeted the teachers at the main office.
Day two was “Tuity Fruity Tuesday” Teachers received a fruit or vegetable, students wanted to promote Health and Wellness.
Then there was “Do It Yourself Card Wednesday”
this provided every teacher with a thank you note
handmade by the student themselves, expressing their
sincere gratitude.
“It was nice to see every single teacher with a smile on their face,
getting a card with a compliment and being thanked by a student,” quoted Kelina Hocog (RHI STUCO President).
Thursday was Super Chocolaty Day, a sweet cheat day.
Students and parents presented their teachers with
sweet treats. It was fun to see teachers sneak a bite or
two from their treat bags as the students smiled with
gratitude.
The grand finale, SUPER STAR FRIDAY!!! Students
were allowed to bring their cameras for unlimited
Photo Opportunity with their teachers. The teachers
acted like super stars and models, doing the Catwalk
throughout the campus as the student paparazzi followed them along. This activity was to show how famous and loved the teachers really are here at RHI.
The week was pretty exciting for everyone: parents,
students, teachers and staff. Thank you to all teachers,
we salute you! It was truly an amazing TEACHER
APPRECIATION!
Teacher’s Appreciation at
Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Junior High School
Support Our Troops
Colorful poster stating “We Support Our Troops!” can be seen around campus here
at Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Junior High School (RHI); students have written letters,
created cards, and sent care packages to our troops to show our appreciation to
those who serve in the military. Our Youth Advisory Panel (YAP) is also excited to
host the annual Candlelight Vigil at the Rota Round House. Here are two of our
staff members who serve in the military.
Mr. Edwin Aldrin H.
Orilla was raised on Rota and
joined the United States Army
Reserve right after high school
in 2006. He received training
in Georgia and Guam, and
served 15 months in Iraq. Mr.
Orilla is the Leadership Corps
Instructor at RHI and his class focuses on the 7 Core
Army Values. This teaches the students to build character in loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity
and personal courage. Every day Mr. Orilla also leads 10
at 10. All RHI students and faculty step outside their
classrooms and offices for 10 minutes of exercise at
10 o’clock. This encourages us all to live a healthier
lifestyle. Thank you, Mr. Orilla, for serving our country and our school!
Sgt. David Frank Bamba
joined our staff at RHI in 2001 as
a 6th Grade classroom teacher and
after four years transitioned to the
School Counselor role. Mr. Bamba has been instrumental on our
school’s Leadership Team and has
served as an advisor for the Youth
Advisory Panel (YAP). He has done a lot to encourage the students to excel and instill respect on campus.
Mr. Bamba serves in the Army and in 2007 he was deployed to Afghanistan. While there, students sent care
packages and letters and were thrilled to receive letters
back from him. In March 2010 he was given orders to
deploy again, this time to Iraq. RHI students, faculty,
staff, administration, and parents are proud of Mr.
Bamba!
Students First
13
May 2011
Extreme Makeover, Playground Edition— Dandan Head Start
D
andan Head Start students are enjoy
enjoying their newly rehabilitated playground,
thanks in large part to the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act. “The
ARRA-funded Dandan playground rehabilitation
project was a priority for our Head Start Program,”
explains Head Start Director Melissa Palacios. “The
playground needed a lot of work in order for it to be
usable, from backfilling its deep slopes to putting in
retaining walls and new fencing. We are very excited
for our students.”
Playground construction began in late November of
A
2010 and was completed in March, 2011. The $63,000
project also included a new sandbox for its play station and a new trike path.
Dandan Head Start’s teachers, students and their parents, and Head Start Men’s Project representatives
spent a Saturday in May planting trees and plants for
the playground. “We had a great turnout and the parents did an awesome job,” said Program Manager Ed
Propst. “It was a fun day and it showed how committed the parents are to their children’s education and
their school.”
Director Palacios thanked everyone for their commitment to the playground rehabilitation project. “There
are a lot of people to thank, from our Commissioner
and our Board of Education, to our former Director
Keiko Yamagata, to our Head Start Policy Council,
to our community partner Coastal Resources Management and their Administrator Rita Chong-Dela
Cruz…this was a team effort and everyone played an
important role in making this possible. This is a nice
example of putting students first.”
MHS Teachers plant seeds of
knowledge that grow forever
t Marianas High School the Dolphin
Teachers and Teacher Aides are interactive
and inspirational individuals. Like one saying goes, “Teachers plant seeds of knowledge that grow forever” you can see their relationship
with all stake holders exceed a higher level of commitment and dedication. During our Teacher Appreciation Week, our students gave special treats such as
chocolates, flowers, cards, letters/poems, and other
special treats each day. Our teachers and staff were
also treated with a surprise breakfast prepared for
them at their New Teacher Lounge located behind the
cafeteria building. Most special treats were initiated by
our very own student body (STUCO) this year and we
thank them and their advisers for all their great planning and hard work for all our teachers. The students
even prepared a school get together to celebrate and
acknowledge our Education Day Winners including
our Teacher of the Year and Teacher Aide of the Year
(TOY & TAOY) along with our other winners.
At MHS, we appreciate our teachers who go above
and beyond the call of duty. No words or actions are
enough to show our teachers how special and wonderful individuals they are in the nation. We see our teachers more on campus as they spend their supervision
duty out and about on campus or simply just out interacting with various students, co workers, and visitors
beyond the 21st Century Education. Your long hours
and hard work go unnoticed. Thank you for all your
efforts, commitment, and dedication!
on campus during various break times starting from
6:30am in the morning all the way to even past 7pm
at night. This year we started our teacher supervision
schedules that run starting through morning cafeteria
duty, lunch duty, bus duty, and ending with gym supervision duty. Other activities with extra- curricular classes and sports are supervised by our dedicated advisers
and coaches starting as early as 6:45am in the morning
and ending late hours working through preparations
for numerous academic and sports competitions that
are all done with our school spirit in mind. Thank you
wonderful Teachers and Staff who dedicate your love
and extended hours you give to our students. Keep
bringing those trophies to our Dolphin Home! In the
efforts of having majority of our staff certified with
Defense Driving courses, this was all possible with
our new leadership and now we see more engagement
with after school and weekend events. We praise our
teachers for working towards their certification and
other requirements that make them learn and advance
To our MHS Teachers and Teacher Aides on behalf
of the Administration under the leadership of Mr.
Craig H. Garrision (Principal), Ms. Cherlyn Cabrera
&Ms. Christine Tudela (Vice Principals-) Mrs. Melanie Agulto, Mr. Joshua Franklin, Mrs. Anna Mendiola,
Mrs. Janice Muna, & Ms. Hazel Tudela (Counselors),
STUCO/PARENT COUNCIL Members- we would
like to extend a sincere “Thank You” for your all your
dedicated hard work, leadership direction, instructional inspiration that supports the excellence with
higher mastery gains in teaching and providing quality
instruction to all our Dolphin Students.
Sharing quote for your
thoughts…“If a doctor,
lawyer, or dentist had
40 people in his office
at one time, all of whom
had different needs, and
some of whom didn’t
want to be there and were
causing trouble, and the
doctor, lawyer, or dentist, without assistance,
had to treat them all with
professional excellence
for nine months, then he
might have some conception of the classroom teachteach
er’s job.” Donald Quinn
Students First
E
14
May 2011
Capturing the Uniqueness Of
Our Culture Through Our Students
ffective parent participation and partnership have been key to the success of the Chamorro and Carolinian Language and Heritage Studies and how its has grown over the years within the CNMI Public School
System.
This support enabled the school system, particularly our CCLHS teachers and advocates to
push forward activities within and outside the
classroom that are aimed to promote protect
and value what is indigenous to the CommonwealthÑo ur culture, language and even beliefs.
The month of May saw, for the first
time an island-wide celebration of
the Chamorro and Carolinian culture,
and spearheaded by the CCLHS Program led by Program Manager Lumi
Bermudes and Pat Kapileo, public
schools on Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
When the State Board of Education declared
May as CCLHS month, a landmark dedication
to the islandsÕ storied past.
The month of May was filled with activities that
further heightened the awareness on the promotion and use of the indigenous language
and heritage.
Ò What we did for the whole month of May was
to complement that programs we
have on our schools,Ó says CCLHS
Program Manager Lumi Bermudes.
The CNMI Public School
System is among the few
school districts in the nation that continuously
push social and educational relevance of knowledge about language
and heritage.
On May 28, 2011 the
CCLHS month-long celebration
capped
with a day-long festivities.
School
children
chanted, sang and recited
poems in the vernacular, a
hearth-warming scene that
filled Hopwood Junior High
School’s open field.
Students First was there to
capture the event in photos.
And there is no better way
to share them to our readers
than to publish them in this
monthÕ s issue, in black and
white.
Students First
15
May 2011
Manta Ray JROTC
Battalion Claims
Inter-Island Title
Cadets showcase best
As he strolled past his platoon, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Mark
San Juan signaled for readiness. “Let’s do this!”
From the corner, he glanced at his battalion, the 65-member
Saipan Southern High School Manta Ray JROTC.
Ò Aye, aye sir,Ó they said in chorus.
Then there was muted silence. Moments later, footsteps in unison
could be heard; the scene was similar to a parade marching to the
tune of snare drums. At the vastness of Marianas High SchoolÕ s open
field, the force and energy of Saipan Southern High School’s Junior
Reserve Officer Training Corps could be felt.
This year the Manta Ray JROTC Unit was much stronger. They did
something unique in their movements. There were combinations of
quick to easy march, slow to double march. There were outstanding
rifle exhibition. And one by one officers judging the Manta Ray JROTC
Unit were just in awe.
The SSHS Manta Ray JROTC Unit is the overall winner of the 9th Annual
Inter-Island Drill Competition held this month. This is their third time to
win the top JROTC inter-island competition.
Four schools from within the CNMI Public School System competed in the
day-long event. And under the scorching sun, they all showed their best.
The different units participated in six individual drill disciplines that included Color Guard, Unarmed Regulation, Armed Regulation, Saber Color
Guard, Rifle Drill Team and Fancy Drill Team.
Ò Finally, all the work has paid of. I am proud of my tamÕ s accomplishment,” Cadet Lt. Col. San Juan said of his team, shortly after the judge
The Manta Ray JROTC Unit also swept three of the six special awards
at stake during the annual multiple unit drill competition. They took
home the Best Team in Color Guard Rifle Drill, Best in Color Guard
Saber Category, and first place winner in the armed drill exhibition.
Close second was the competitionÕ s host
school, Marianas High School. MHS also won
the Best Exhibition Rifle Drill Award.
Kagman High SchoolÕ s Ayuyu Battalion was
third and won the Best in Armed Drill and Fancy
Drill Exhibitions.
Over the years, Manta Ray’s JROTC Unit has
been under changing hands, with officers and
leaders come go, but the discipline and motivation remains intact, if not, stronger.
SSHS’ JROTC Unit success is credited for its hard
work and commitment, spending at least two
hours every day for the past year in preparation for the annual competition.
Cadets/units compete in exhibition where the
JROTC Units create its own routine; regulation,
where commands are called out by officers;
and a color guard drill and personnel inspection.
Retired Lt. Col. Robert Gay was proud of all schoolsÕ performances.
Ò We are always proud of our school units. They have shown us today of
their motivation, sacrifices and readiness to show their best,” Col. Gay
said.
Drill competitions test cadet discipline, precision and attention to military
detail. And as Col. Gay puts it, the drill competition aims to promote
discipline and leadership skills, develop self-confidence, teamwork, and
camaraderie among peers and all contest categories are based and
rated according to U.S. Army manuals and regulations.
The event also honored retired Sgt. Maj. Frank Cepeda, founder of the
JROTC program in the CNMI.
The chief of Army instruction also lauded the support of the State Board
of Education, which was represented by Vice Chairperson D. Tanya King
and Finance Director Richard Waldo who represented Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan.
Meanwhile, Ret. Lt. Col. Gay disclosed that his office and the Office of
the Commissioner of Education are now forming a delegation comprising best cadets from all JROTC Units within the CNMI Public School System, to for a national JROTC competition in Hawaii next school year.
Students First
16
May 2011
Saipan, Rota Parents Took Time Off
Students First
17
May 2011
Stallion Family Celebrates Teachers, Troops-to- Teachers Contibutions
W
ith today’s globally connected classrooms and the culturally diverse composition of our schools, teaching becomes more complex and challenging.
We compete with the latest gadgets in who would capture our students’ interest, not only for second, but for
the whole class period. From the Multiple Intelligences that exist, whether students are visual learners, auditory learners, etc., and the predominantly ESL/ELL
student population of our school, our teachers have
a continuum of challenges, as well as, assets when it
comes to the education of our students. These are
daily classroom factors that all our teachers constantly
work with. Even with these challenges in front of
them, our teachers and Troops-to-Teachers still manage to extend their volunteerism beyond the school
day and even into the weekends and holidays. Their
unending and untiring dedication to providing tutorials, supervision, home visits, and a list of many other
things are examples of their continued commitment
to our students’ education.
In every school day, there can be a variety of factors
that affect the learning environment in the classroom.
The multiple intelligences of every student, their ability levels, and emotional as well as physical factors can
make or break the success of the daily lesson. This
diverse collection of factors that our teachers and
Troops-to-Teachers encounter on a daily basis can
be stressful, but they all work extremely hard in embracing them and ensuring that the education process
continues. Their ability to deal with such a dynamic
environment is both amazing and admirable.
Additionally, despite the challenges in providing youth
programs in the community as a whole, our teachers
and Troops-to-Teachers volunteer their time to assist,
coordinate and, sometimes run youth sports, both
school related and community-based service-learning
events.
Even with all these on their plates, our Stallion Family
still manage to participate in our school’s ongoing yearly accreditation process, and advising student clubs/
organizations. Tinian Jr./Sr. High School Teachers
, Teacher Aides, and Troops-to-Teachers truly wear
many hats. We are honored to recognize and celebrate
all your work and continued commitment.
To show gratitude for all their hard-work, commitment, and dedication, the ASB officers planned a
whole week’s event (May 2nd – 6th) from creating cards
and writing letter of appreciation to the teachers,
hanging banners outside their classrooms, to cleaning
their rooms, and giving sweets to their teachers, teacher aides. They closed the week with a Bang, a Teacher
Fashion Show where selected students dressed up
as their teachers as they escort them down the “redcarpeted” cafeteria to be honored on the stage. The
whole week was a success. For the upcoming “Support Our Troops” week (May 16th-20th), the Youth
Advisory Panel are planning a fun-filled week for
Teacher-to-Teachers on board.
From all of us in the Administration to all of you,
Un Dångkulo na Si Yu’us Ma’ase for all that you.
We are positive that that our parents and community
share the same sentiments. Go STALLION TRAINERS…. GO STALLION TEACHERS, TROOPSTO-TEACHERS, & TEACHER AIDES! MEGAHOOAH!
RHI Teachers Can’t Be Outdone With Their Learning Experience
R
ota High School Teachers and Teacher
Aides have outdone themselves this school
year. Since McRel came into the picture our
teachers and aides have been very dedicated
to improve students’ achievements by implementing
several of the strategies that McRel has given us.
During the beginning of the school year 2010-2011,
all teachers, aides and staff were exposed to Purposeful Community, Shared Leadership, Success in Sight,
Classroom Instructions that Works and more. All
these trainings have a huge impact on the way we see
our students learning goals. As a school, we collaborate together to find ways to address our students’
learning.
In September, everyone employed at RHS contributed to making a Purposeful Community statement.
This statement was agreed upon everyone to abide by
our mission to improve student achievement. Shared
Leadership was accomplished by expanding our Leadership Team to include other department members.
The Leadership Team is very committed to implement the Success in Sight model. Several fractals were
designed by the Leadership Team but with the agreement of all teachers for implementation.
RHS teachers are to be commended for their commitment in implementing all of our Fractals. RHS has
implemented five (5) Fractals. We were very successful on two fractals with two more on the way. Our
first one was a learning experienced. We gained great
knowledge and adjusted as we designed and implemented our second Fractal. Since then, we have been
accomplishing our goals. RHS celebrates success stories during Fractal meetings and also celebrates accomplishments at the end of monitoring each Fractal.
RHS teachers have implemented the Classroom Instruction that Works strategies. They have gone as far
as creating their own Professional Learning Community to share their knowledge with one another. This
PLC has helped teachers used different strategies in
the classrooms. Our student achievements have gone
up as of the 1st Semester End of Course Assessments.
We see more teachers working together and sharing
new ideas with one another. RHS has a great team of
teachers, aides, and staff.
RHS can never go without the JROTC Instructors.
SGM. (Retired) Herman Atalig is to be commended
for keeping the JROTC program in tack. As we loose
instructors for personal reasons or transfers, SGM.
Atalig is always there to run the program smoothly.
Now with the help of 1SF. (Retired) Francisco DeLeon Guererro, our cadets are gearing up for the Drill
Competition and the JCLC Camp Out.
My hats off to all RHS staff, teachers, aides, and
instructors. You guys are the best. Thank you for your
untiring support and commitment to our school, students, and parents. You are the best teachers, aides,
staff, and instructors. Keep up the good work!
Students First
18
May 2011
Kagman High School
Ms. Olaughlin’s Class having fun
Pay It Forward
I
n everyone’s life, there has been
at least one teacher who has influenced their lifes’ journey. A
teacher who believed when no
one else did. A teacher who pushed
when no one else pushed. A teacher
who cared enough to make you care.
From head-start to college, teachers
influence our futures and validate our
dreams. We asked Kagman High students two questions:
Mr. Priest, Mr. Peterson and Mr. Bucher
What do you appreciate about
your teachers?
“They teach us stuff we don’t know, they take time to
teach us what we need to learn for our future.”
Nicole, 11th
“I like all my teachers because they all teach me a
lesson and they do what they are supposed to do in
school. They have close relationships equally with
each and every one of us students.” Kim 10th
“Their patience and guidance”
Kayla 11th
“They take time to talk to me.”
Atonism 11th
“I appreciate they way the communicate with the students.”
Tanya 12th
“They take the time to help me with what I need to
get done.”
Shirley 12th
“They come to school and teach us, they take their
time and sacrifice everything for us.”
Lampha 10th
“They develop a strategy to enhance all students learning abilities. It makes the students enjoy their time in
class and have fun learning, set their minds right and
prepare themselves for work.”
Kim 10th
“They have a lot of patience”
Gera 12th
Who is your favorite teacher and why?
“All of my teachers are great. They are all kind, considerate and patient. And no I am not just saying that!”
Maria 10th
“Mr. Davis, because he taught me a lot.”
Shirley 12th
“Ms. Frannie because she gives me Essays”
Tiana 12th
“Mr. Sablan, because he is an inspiration”
Joey 12th
“Mr. Reiman, He is a good teacher”
Juan 12th
MR. Sizemore, Ms. Frannie D. and Mr. Penaroyo Prepping it up
“I appreciate that they wake up every day to come to
work and do their job despite all of the student behaviors. I also appreciate that they communicate with
students even when it is not instructional time.”
Jessica 12th
“Nina Demapan, Because she is the best and gives
out good work and explains it well. The work is easy
when she does that. “
Josh 9th
“Mr. Aldan, because he is effective and really helps
make us understand the things he teaches.”
Kayla 11th
“I appreciate the fact that they show me encouragement that really helps me and motivates me to continue to do my best.”
Angela 12th
“Ms. Duenas, because she is bad ass and she loves me.
I love her because she is so wonderful. She teaches
me everything. She is they type of teacher that I can
talk to about life.”
Atonism 11th
“Mr. Ellingson because he knows what he is doing”
Miguel 12th
“Ms. Kuckuck, because I used to suck at English and
she helped me get better at it. She made me believe
in myself.”
Nick 9th
“My favorite teacher is Ms. Frannie. She taught me a
lot. She makes us understand the work easier and she
really prepares us for college.”
Shirley 12th
“Mr. Penaroyo because he teaches well. He is not like
other teachers, he explains and explains and explains.”
Lampha 10th
“Mr. Gavin because he is bad ass. We do our work
and makes us enjoy our time.”
Alan 9th
“Mrs. Masiwemai because she is understandable.”
Ricardo 11th
“Ms. Kaipat because she can be fun. She knows how
to teach. She knows when it is time to have fun and
when it is time to be serious.”
Joe 10th
“Ms. Park, because she is smart.”
Jacob 12th
“Mr. Aldan, because he makes art look easy.”
George 12th
“I appreciate that they are here to teach us and they
show their dedication and passion to us.”
Chakrit 12th
“Every one is my favorite teacher because they all
make a difference in my life.”
Jon 12th
“I appreciate that when I don’t do my work, they still
encourage me to become a better student.”
Greg 10th
“Ms. Pladevega because she is fun.”
Jerry 12th
“They make me learn and I appreciate how much they
take their time off to teach students.”
Nocilas 9th
“Ms. Herber because her class is easy to understand
and she makes it fun with all her activities and stuff.”
Jason 10th
Mrs. Staffler, Mr. Silberberger and Mrs. Johnson-Padilla
Students First
19
May 2011
Teacher Appreciation Week at
San Antonio Elementary School (SAES)
Monday, May 2nd through Friday, May 6th 2011.
TeacherAppreciationWeek@SAES
The first week of May was “Teacher Appreciation
Week” at SAES. This was the week for all stakeholders
to show our teachers how much we appreciate their
hard work; and to acknowledge the crucial role they
play in making sure every student receives a quality
education. It was a great opportunity to pay tribute
and extend gratitude to the teachers who have greatly
impacted the lives of our children. Each and every
day, our teachers and instructional staff encourage
children that there are endless possibilities in life and
also instill knowledge to our students, both academically and socially. We appreciate all teachers for being
positive role models by demonstrating through their
actions and words that each child truly matters and
can succeed. Below are specific ways we as a school
and community honored our teachers during the week
of May 02-06:
May 2, Monday: Say “Thank you or I Love you” to
your Teacher at least 5 different times during the day
May 3, Tuesday: Fruit Day-“Give your teacher fruit”
May 4, Wednesday: Treat Day-“Give your teacher a
treat”
May, 5, Thursday: Appreciation Letter/Note or Card
—“Let them know how you feel about
them and all they have contributed to you”
May 5, Friday: Flower/Lei and a Hug Day?Recognition
of teachers during the schoolwide PeaceBuilders Assembly
Staff BBQ:
Non instructional staff, parents and lunch vendor personnel, prepared and served
“Gamson Burgers” and other side dishes to the instructional on Friday afternoon from 3pm to 4:30pm
“SGT Lukela because he makes learning fun. “
Dorothy 9th
“Ms. Kaipat because she speaks her mind and she is
not fake.”
Keisha 11th
“Mr. Epperson because he never gives up on us and
he always has hope.”
Kay 12th
“Mr. Ellingson because he knows how to act towards
us and makes his lessons easy to understand.”
Tem 12th
“Mr. Peterson because he knows what he is doing. He
teaches history and he is good at it. He makes history
easy to understand. He is that good.”
Angel 12th
“Mr. Torres teaches us using groups and we learn better.”
Max 12th
“Ms. Nina, I learn a lot and it is
easy to understand the way she
teaches compared to others.”
Odel 11th
“Mrs. Staffler because she is always professional and understanding. She always elaborates and
puts herself in the shoes of the
people she was teaching us about. I like how she gets
on the students level
as well.”
Jessica 12th
“Ms. Attao,
o, because
she understands
derstands us
and treats us with
respect.
She re-members what it
was like to be our
age and uses that
to teach us the right
Mr. Aldan, Mr. Pangelinan and Mr. Priest Hamming it up
way. I love her for that.”
John 11th
“Ms. Frannie Demapan because she pushes us to do
more than what is expected. She makes us strive for
more.” Chakrit 12th
Kagman High appreciates all the teachers on its staff.
Each person has given priceless amounts of time,
priceless amounts of energy and spirit to making our
school the best place to be on the East side of Saipan.
From the countless nights of grading, advising, preparing and planning to the instruction and learning
they facilitate, Kagman High teachers worked very
hard to make this school what it has and is becoming.
Thank you Kagman High teachers for all that you do
and more.
“Ms. Kuckuck because she has the strength to run for
8 hours non stop and that I admire.”
Greg 10th
“Mrs. Olaughlin because her class is fun and we learn
at the same time.”
Isabel 12th
“Mr. Ellingson because he doesn’t let the students
take advantage of him. And because he is funny in
a weird way.”
Tanya 12th
Ms. Attao contemplating what is next.
Students First
20
May 2011
Oleai Elementary School
A Teacher: A Person Who Makes a Difference
One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant
teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our
human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary
raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the
growing plant and for the soul of the child.”
--Carl Jung
E
veryone has one, a teacher, who has made
a difference our life. Oleai Elementary
School has 48 teachers who continue to
make a difference on a daily basis. And on
behalf of the entire Oleai Elementary School family,
we extend our “Si Yu’us Masse, Olomay, and Thank
You to the teachers for all the hard work and dedication to our students as they continue the journey of
life with you.
We all know that the work that occurs in your classroom each day is the some of the hardest and most
important work in the CNMI. You are the mentors
to our futures leaders in the community. Your commitment to the success, well being and safety of our
student is present. Every day you report to work to
help supervise in the morning and stay late in the afternoon to grade papers or attend grade level or learning communities meetings.
For most of our students, their teachers continue
to have an impact on their lives after school. While
in the classroom, our teachers open the minds of our
children to ideas and knowledge. Teachers help students shape their dreams and goals in life. Everyone
has a favorite teacher who listens, motivates, and men-
tor. They become role models to their students. We
love our teachers because they do not only teach but
they are expected to have an answer to all the questions and concerns students share Like all profession,
teachers are expected to be educated on the latest
teaching strategies. For instance during spring break,
students were at home enjoying the break from the
classrooms, while teachers had to attend a week-long
training to improve instructional strategies. Though
the teachers were tired from work, they knew who will
benefit from the training - - their students. The one
characteristic we admire of our teachers - - they report
to work daily from 7:30am to 3:30pm, but we know
that the work of a teacher does not stop at 4:30pm.
They have to prepare their lesson plans, class activities, reports, and other work that is expected of them.
The community expects a lot from our teachers because parents and the community know that you have
the best interest of their children. They have a highrespect and regards to the work our teachers do on a
daily basis. The entire community respects that every
day in front of the classroom your guidance affects
the lives of the future of the CNMI. And for that we
are always grateful.
Though we do not say it enough, THANK YOU
TO ALL THE TEACHERS FOR THEIR DEDICATION TO OUR CHILDREN!! For “you are the
wind beneath our children’s wings”!
“Whoever first coined the phrase ‘you’re the wind
beneath my wings’ most assuredly was reflecting on
the sublime influence of a very special teacher.”
--Frank Trujillo
The Calling to Serve
“Every calling is great
when greatly pursued”
~ Oliver Wendall
Holmes
As we celebrate and recognize all teachers in the
CNMI, a cluster of teachers also are being recognized
of their desire of becoming classroom teachers and
for their service to the nation. At Oleai Elementary
School, we are honored to be served by members of
the military who has served our nation and the commonwealth honorably. As young men and women,
they decided to serve the nation by joining the armed
forces. As they continue with their military career,
they have decided to be a member of the noble profession: teaching.
Today, five (5) members of our faculty are current
and former members of the military. Four of these
members are part of the Troops-to-Teachers program and are pursuing their undergraduate degree in
education at NMC. The remaining member is a certified teacher and is currently pursuing her doctorates
degree. The troops to teachers are assigned to work
with our special education department. Sgt. Randy
Pagapular and Spc. Eugene Tabhan are Army veterans. Spc. Tabhan, Spc. Jeffrey Bacani, and Spc. Koni-
ko Nakazato are members of the Army Reserve, Echo
Company. Sgt. Tina Tenorio is member of 368th MP
Company in the Army Reserve.
As future teachers, they offer their services and assistance to students in the classroom and the school.
They have assisted in extra-curricular activities such
as Parade of Books, Christmas Program, and Interscholastic sports. Despite their hectic schedules of
working and going to school full-time, these service
members make time to work with kids during after
school hours.
Sgt. Tenorio has been teaching at OES and decided
to join the Army Reserve. Today, she is a Reading Resource teacher; Sgt. Tenorio serves students in grades
4- 6 who need intensive small group instructions to
improve their reading skills. With her colleagues at
the Reading Resource/Library, Sgt. Tenorio have led
the school’s reading campaign, such as Reading with
the Stars, Super Turtle Readers, Family Reading Night,
and the very successful rendition of Mulan for the Parade of Books.
Though we have them presently at the school, just
like the troops, the school is prepared to support our
troops if they are called to defend our nation. Sgt.
Tenorio and Sgt. Tabhan have been called to active
duty to fight the war against terrorism in Iraq and
Kuwait. Mr. Randy is a veteran from Desert Storm
in 1992. When they are called to serve, the school
keeps them in our prayers to be safe and to return to
the school.
Just like other working college students, our troops
have to handle working with the demands of their college courses and instructors and the expectations of
the school administrators. They have to ensure that
the take the necessary classes for them to fulfill for
their degrees and to work with the administrators on
fulfilling the necessary hours.
We are honored to work with men and women who
serve and protect our country. For this, we thank you
for keeping us safe!
Students First
21
May 2011
S
inapalo Elementary School’s “Teacher Appreciation Week” was celebrated by our students in
which they have planned special dedications for
our teachers such as:
May 2: Monday – A Homemade Card or
CertificateforTeacherDay
May 3: Tuesday - Give your Teacher a Hug Day
May 4: Wed.
– A Thank You Note for
Teacher Day
May 5: Thurs.
– Give your teacher a Flower or
Lei Day
May 6: Friday - Give your Teacher a
High Five Day
On behalf of the Lu’ao Students, the SNP Student
Council Organization would like to give a warm Hug
and Thank You to their Lu’ao Administrators, Teachers, & Support Staff for their untiring support and
dedication in ensuring that ALL students are provided with the best education at Sinapalo Elementary
School.
Teacher’s Appreciation at
Sinapalo Elementary School
Mr. and Mrs. Arvin Ogo from the 13th Municipal
Council also contributed a teacher appreciation poster
and cake for teachers to show their appreciation.
The following quotes were presented to some of the
lower and upper grade students during their break
time and were asked which would be great to post
for the next article to show their appreciation to their
teachers. Enjoy…
May’s Flag ceremony included a very special recognition to all Teachers and Staff Members in celebration of “Teachers Appreciation Week.” The STUCO
officers and members presented appreciation certificates and crowned all the #1 teachers. Applauds
came from all students with happy smiles and cheers
as names were announced. Each student’s face was
filled with expression of thankfulness for believing in
our teachers and for all the encouragement to strive
for excellence in their education.
Quotes to show our appreciation to all our teachers
and staff at Sinapalo Elementary school
THANK YOU!!!!
•
The Administration also contributed flavored treats
and drinks in the mornings for everyone to enjoy and
as a way of saying “Thank You” for being a part of a
great team.
“Without teacher appreciation there can’t be
any student progress.”
~Theresa Grimm
• Iamindebtedtomyfatherfor living, but to
myteacherforlivingwell. ~Alexander the Great
• “Letusthinkofeducation as themeansof
developing our greatest abilities, because in
eachofusthereisaprivatehopeanddream
which,fulfilled,canbetranslatedintobenefit
foreveryoneandgreaterstrengthforour
nation.”
~John F. Kennedy
• Thedreambeginswithateacherwho believes
inyou,whotugsandpushesandleadsyou tothenextplateau,sometimespokingyou withasharpstickcalled“truth.” ~Dan Rather
• Noonewhoachievessuccessdoessowithout
acknowledgingthehelpofothers. Thewise
andconfidentacknowledgethishelpwith gratitude. ~Author Unknown
• Weoftentakeforgranted the very things that
mostdeserveourgratitude. ~Cynthia Ozick
• Appreciationisawonderfulthing. Itmakes
whatisexcellentinothersbelongtousaswell. ~Voltaire
• “Ateacher affects eternity; he can never tell
wherehisinfluencestops.”
~Henry Adams
Students First
22
May 2011
Koblerville
Elementary School
Students’ and
Parents’shout out
on Teachers
Appreciation
Week!
compare you to anything in the
world, I would say you are a
beautiful garden of flowers.
Dear KES teachers,
Thank you for teaching us to read and write. You
make our school days happy and colorful. You work hard to help us become
better students. You even miss some of
your lunch or maybe dinner because you
are busy grading our papers. You actually
give up a lot for us.
To Ms. Verna Reyes, thank you for all the
things that you do for us. You help me to
like Science class. Because of what you
taught me, I want to become a scientist
someday. I will remember you always.
Jennifer Irene Napalan, 1st Grade
Dear Ms. DeWitt,
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! You
are the best teacher. Thank you for helping me improves my reading. Now I can
read and comprehend better.
KaydieKalen, 2nd Grade
Dear Mrs. Mendiola,
Thank you for being our teacher. You are
very hard working. You never miss school even when
you are sick to make sure that we learn our benchmarks. You are also generous. You always give us
prizes when we do our best in class and you give us
something during holidays. We love you.
Carina Rogopes, 3rd Grade
Dear Ms. Torres,
Thank you for teaching me how to count and read.
Thank you also for giving us stuff. I love you so much.
Mikkilyn Higgins, 1st Grade
Dear Ms. Sumor,
Thank you for teaching me everything that I need to
learn in 3rd grade. You are kind, smart, pretty, and
funny. You are also the # 1 teacher!
Kristine DL Guerrero, 3rd Grade
Dear Ms. Angel,
We love you! You are the best teacher! You make our
learning experiences at school fun yet meaningful.
You are innovative and resourceful. You have changed
our lives become better students.
Evangelika Evangelista, 5th grade
To Ms. Marina Reyes and the UMANG teachers,
Thank you so much for everything you taught us and
thank you for being there whenever I need help. Every
time I’m having problem with the lessons, you always
make sure that I understand and get it right. Please
continue doing a good job! Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
Bennet Higgins, 4th Grade
Dear Senora Evangelista,
Namagofnasimanapara I maestrsiha, Be tuton I
sentensaparabaihusanangnahagu
I
mosmauleknamaestragi bilingual agulokkue gut bunitanapaloangi
bilingual. Etchokamalangou-humanona magi ponfaraguehamniletra Chamorro napralabrayansiyu’usmaase
paraafabidamutisinabaimalefaneihagu.
Antonio Angui, 3rd Grade
Dear Mrs.Quichocho,
Thank you for having us learn
at school. I like it when you let
us play while learning. You are
the nicest teacher at Koblerville Elem. School. You always
smile
Tito Hocog, 2nd Grade
Dear Mr. Etpison,
Thank you so much for making my last year here at KES super fun! You made us
do powerpoints and present it to the class. It’s my first
time hands-on learning experience using technology.
Thank you also for encouraging us to do well in our
Science projects. I am proud I made it to CNMI wide
STEM Fair and won 2nd place. I appreciate you!
LizelleSalanga, 6th Grade
Dear Ms. Lynn,
Thank you for your patience in dealing with me. You
are a loving and a funny teacher.
Stacy Palacios, 6th Grade
Dear Mr. Mendiola,
You are cool and funny! Thank you for educating me.
When I don’t understand the lesson, you give more
examples and you act things out when we don’t get it
sometimes. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
DaisylynRejano, 6th Grade
Dear Mrs. Lee,
Happy Teacher Appreciation Day! Thank you for being the best teacher at KES. I like all the activities that
we do in the classroom.
Sophia Gauran, 2nd grade
Dear Mrs. Taman
We appreciate you for being a good teacher because
you have taught us so many things. In Math, we learned
about multiplication and division. You also taught us
how to spell and use correct grammar in writing.
Raven Andevor, 2nd Grade
Dear Mr. Benavente,
Thank you for teaching us how to use the technology
like powerpoint presentation, video clips, and EXCEL
during our computer class. I also like the interactive
and educational games we play at the computer. YOU
are totally the BEST!
Jester Kintaro, 5th Grade
To our dear teachers, teacher’s aides, and troops to
teachers, First of all I would like to give my sincere
appreciation for simply being a teacher. If I were to
This garden is filled with various
colorful flowers. One will be the
ever so popular and powerful red
rose that is known for its beauty.
Then there are the friendly yellow daffo
daffodils that symbolizes the joy and happiness
of your friendship. I will also have a variety of royal purple orchids with dignity, and
pride which represents your admiration and
achievements as an Umang Teacher. Our island’s orange flame tree will stand right in the
middle of the garden because of its’ great
confidence and enthusiasm for life. The
green grass, which is nature’s color, means
fortune and health. And that is why I won’t forget to
plant the youthful pink flowers that also shows happiness. A blue worried-free carnation would resemble
all the peace and calmness. But this garden will not be
complete without the pure and white gardenia and lily
that resembles the respect that you deserve.
Sincerely,
Ellen Liz S. Piteg
KESPTSAOfficer
TROOPS TO TEACH PROGRAM
at Koblerville Elementary School
Koblerville Elementary School is proud to have Mr.
George Cruz and Mr. John Siren as our teacher aides
from “Troops to Teach” program. Mr. Cruz and Mr.
Siren work hand in hand with teachers and other
teacher aides at our school’s learning center to assist
students with disabilities.
Mr. George Cruz is a very dedicated and a hardworking teacher
aide. Besides his duties and responsibilities of being a SPED
teacher aide, he assists several
public schools in trouble shooting issues on student data system
using Rediker program.His expertise in technology provides us
with great assistance in maintaining our student data
system including the development of standard based
report card. He helps many teachers in our school with
issues on computers, web resources, and even internet
links. He is also active in extra-curricular activities as
a coach or as an event coordinator. He works closely
with Mr. Siren and Mr. Etpison to coordinate Cub
Scout at our school. Mr. Cruz is the SUPERMAN of
the UMANG family.
Mr. John Siren works part time as
a “troop to teach” teacher aide.
He assists 4th grade students
who need extra help in the classroom. Like Mr. Cruz, Mr. Siren
is also a hardworking and a dedicated teacher aide. He supervises
the students at the playground
before and after school. He assists in coordinating Cub Scout. He provides help and
assistance with sports and other extra-curricular activities. His great contribution to improve our school
is admirable.
Students First
D
23
May 2011
Dandan Elementary School Teacher’s and Troops:
Dedicated, Enthusiastic & Hardworking
andan Elementary School showed its
gratitude to our dedicated, enthusiastic,
and hardworking teacher and teacher
aides during the Teacher Appreciation
Week in style! DES wanted to convey the message
that we care for our teachers, just as they care for their
students. Here’s a breakdown of what DES did to
show appreciation for all our exemplary teachers and
teacher aides.
Monday – Teacher Appreciation Card Day
A heartfelt, handwritten thank you note goes a long
way to sharing the love!That’s why teachers and teacher aides were given cards from the office, their students and parents. To make it even more meaningful,
cards included something specific the teacher has said
or done that has made a difference. The students had
a blast preparing and presenting it to their teachers
and teacher aides, and the teachers and aides in turn
had a great time reading the messages.
“Teachers appreciate being appreciated, for teacher appreciation is their highest award.”
William Prince
some teachers received so much that they could not
carry it home!
Thursday – Special Breakfast for the Teachers
and Teacher Aides
Tuesday – Teacher Appreciation Day: Special
Flag Ceremony/PTSA Surprise
DES had a special flag ceremony for all teachers and
aides. Individuals were recognized for their hard work
and dedication to the school and were presented with
flowers, leis, and mwarmwars from the office and their
students. Each teacher and teacher aides were given a
special gift bag containing supplies that they can use in
the classrooms including; hand sanitizers, correction
tape, post-it notes, pens and a 4GB flash drive! Each
gift bag was personalized with quotes such as Kathy
Davis’ quote, “A hundred years from now it will not
matter what my bank account was, the sort of house
I lived in, or the kind of car I drove . . . but the world
maybe different because I was important in the life of
a child.”
During our monthly staff meeting afterschool, the
PTSA officers surprised the teachers and teacher aides
with pizza to show appreciation, as well as drinks and
a cake, both donated by our PTSA President, Sgt. Maj.
Joaquin O. Kiyoshi.
The Administration staff treated all the teachers and
aides to breakfast consisting of sausage, ham, egg and
fried rice, as well as orange juice, all delivered to their
classrooms by our admin staff. Each breakfast was
personalized with a message of appreciation, “For
what has been - thanks! For what shall be - yes!” The
teachers were encouraged to come to the office for
second serving as well!
Friday – Movie Surprise!
The last day of the Teacher Appreciation Day was
kept under a shroud of secrecy.Teachers were informed that there will be a “staff meeting” at 3:30pm
and the agenda wasn’t stated, bringing a nervous stir
to all on campus. Later on the day, teachers and aides
were given a special invitation and a ticket to a matinée movie, courtesy of DES! Transportation was
provided by the “Chicken Bus” courtesy of Big Boyz
Marine, and it was a great experience for all! Some
teachers brought along their kids and they all had a
variety of movies in which to choose from. Those
teachers who weren’t able to make it still kept the free
movie ticket to use with their family at a later date.
DES Troops-To-Teachers article
Wednesday – Fruits and Candy Day
The school indulged the sweet tooth of our teachers
with Fruits and Candy Day. Teachers and aides were
treated to candy from the office and students, as well
as freshly picked fruits such as mango and star apples,
all perks of living in the islands! Teachers were sharing their fruits with their students and colleagues, for
May is Troops-To-Teachers, Guards and Reserves
Month. Dandan Elementary School is fortunate to
have three committed and reliable Troops to Teacher as part of our family. Our Troops-to-Teacher
(TTT),Mr. Joey Mostales, Mr. Patrick Antonio, and
Ms. JemmaMamibo, perform a variety of tasks including: Providing small group and one-on-one guidance
with student(s) in need, and any duties and assigned
by the classroom teacher. On top of that, the Troops
to Teacher help design out school website, lead the
school during Friday field-day activities, coach PSS
sanctioned sports, and assist in PE and Health classes.
These troops play an integral role in the everyday
functions of the school, as evidenced by the testimonies of one of their classroom teacher, Ms. ZinnaAgulto; “Having the troops in my class is really beneficial because they are helpful in many ways. They
help assist in class with my special needs students as
well as working with small groups. They assist during
assessment week, helping watch the students while assessments are done and assist in thesupervision of our
students as well.”
Mr. Joey Mostales, who will be graduating this May
with a BS in Elementary Education reflects in his experience here at DES; “My experience as a Troops-to
Teacher here in DES were fascinating and exiting. I
have over four years of knowledge and experience as
a Teacher Aide III. Here in DES, I have taken active role in the preparation of stocks or materials and
resources. Furthermore, I have worked with individuals or small groups and provide feedback to students in relations to progress under the guidance of
the teacher. I’ve attended many valuable training and
took responsibility for my own development. Thank
you DES for supporting me to further my educational
endeavor.”
Mr. Patrick Antonio will also be graduating this May
with a BS in Elementary Education, and his future
educational endeavor includes attaining a master’s degree in an area related to Education. Through Direct
observation and participation in DES daily functions,
events and activities, he “gained practical knowledge
and skills needed to function in a school and classroom setting as a result to the trooper experience.”
Ms. JemmaManibo, still an active in the Army
Reserve,reflects on her experience so far as a TTT;
“The administration has been very supportive with
my education and I’ve been provided with great master teachers that give me the support and mentorship
that I need to further my career within the field of
education. They acknowledge my duties not just as a
trooper for education but a trooper for my military career. They have been supportive on both my civilian
and military life. DES has given me an opportunity to
reach out to the community like no other job in the
civilian side had to offer. I hope that in furthering my
career, I will touch lives and reach out to students the
way my master teachers have reached out to me.”
Ms. Valencia Flores-Tasi, another master teacher to
the TTT, reflects on the experience of having the
troops in the room; “They are like my extra hands in
the classroom. I have a really large class this year and
having the TTT made my job easier. He worked with
a small group of struggling students while I taught
the rest of the class, or vice versa. It also allowed us
to work one on one with at risk students…The TTT
are well trained in respect and self-discipline. Our students can really learn a lot from them.”
Students First
24
May 2011
Kagman Elementary School Thanks Teachers
For Educating Our Children
What greater reward could there ever be than the privilege and responsibility of making a permanent difference in the life of a child!
On May 2nd thru 6th 2011 is National Teachers Appreciation Week. Kagman Elementary School “Home
of the Blue Marlins” took this opportunity and recognized all our classroom teachers, Reading Resource
Teachers, Special Education Teachers and computer
teacher. Also included are the CCLHS Program Instructors and Teacher Aides, SPED Program Teacher
Aides and of course our Troops to Teachers. We recognized and acknowledged all our teachers for their
service, dedication, commitment, and hardwork in
making an impact on our student’s life.
The Teacher’s Appreciation Week kicked off with
encouraging students and their parents to provide a
little token of appreciation to our teachers. Monday
was bring your Teachera favorite drink day. Tuesday
was bring your teacher a fruit day. Wednesday was
write your teacher a Praise Note/Letter of Appreciation Day.Thursday was bring your teacher something
Sweet Day. Friday was bring your teacher a Lei/Flower/Mwaar Day.
One of the culminating Teachers Appreciation Activity took place on Friday, where each teacher were given special invitation to take their recess time out and
report to the teacher’s lounge for their surprise. It was
a happy moment when you could see the cheers and
smiles on their faces as each grade levels entered the
teacher’s lounge and they were amazed with the set up
ofdecorated room to honor them. The school principal and vice principal hosted them with light refreshments acting as “hostess” and “waitress” serving all
the teachers with corn soup, tuna and egg sandwiches
and fresh fruits. After the teachers had their light refreshments, the school principal with the school vice
principal awarded the teachers their “Certificate of
Appreciation” and they were given small gift token,
the “Peacebuilders” lanyards for their key chain. The
teachers deeply appreciated their short time away from
their students and classroom and be treated nicely on
their special day. Overall in this event, we included
and recognized our Troops to Teachers as well.
Thank you Teachers for your contributions in educating our students.
On May 16th to 20th, 2011 is Support our Troops
Appreciation Week. Once again,Kagman Elementary
School would not leave out our Blue Marlins Troops to
Teachers Mr. JB Babauta and Mr. Justine Santos, who
are servicing students (K-5th) in the Special Education Program. We have lined up a week long activities
for students, teachers, staff and parents to appreciate
our Troops to Teachers. Monday is Wear/Make Yellow Ribbons. All the teachers and staff were wearing
their Yellow Ribbon to show our Troops to Teachers
our deepest support and appreciation for their service
to our students and our nation. On Tuesday is Praise
Note/Thank You Card Day. On Wednesday is designated as Favorite Drink Treat Day. Thursday is designated as Sweet Goodies Day. Friday is designated as
Leis/Flowers/Mwaar Day.
Thank you Trooper JB Babauta and Trooper Justine
Santos in making an impact in our student’s life and
in our school learning environment.
Students First
25
May 2011
GES Teachers making a
Difference in the Life of a Child
A
sk any adult whom he feels made a significant impact in his life and you are likely
to hear him sing the praise of his parents
or his teacher. Ask any teacher why she
teaches and more often than not, she will say that she
wants to make a difference in the life of a child. No
other relationship, save the parental one, has the same
enduring bond. Our teachers, even the ones we didn’t
like are engraved into our long-term memory.
The little things mean so much. A genuine token
of appreciation was placed in each teacher and teacher
aides box each morning during National Teacher Appreciation Week. A mid-week breakfast spread was
laid out in the office for all to enjoy, as a small symbol
of gratitude for all teachers do day in and day out.
We are aware that these small gifts of thanks are not
nearly enough for the sacrifices teachers make, especially during these economically challenging times in
our system. With very little funding support for critical classroom infrastructure needs or student supplies,
our schoolteachers have had to be resourceful and
creative. Many of them plan student activities, always
with frugality in mind, and always striving to create
the richest learning opportunities within their means.
When asked to tell us what they feel the most meaningful form of appreciation is, our teachers responded:
“I don’t know what’s best to receive…I guess it’s
not material things, but a simple appreciation and acknowledgement of what you have done and accomplished.” – Mrs. Joy Yumul, 1st grade
“Parents to volunteer in the classroom. Students
to really follow their classroom rules. Administrators
to communicate better…this is what I would appreciate.” – Ms. Julie Curry, 1st grade
“One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant
teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched
our human feelings. The
curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but
warmth is the vital element
for the growing plant and
for the soul of the child.”
-Carl Jung
“ A note. Show up for report card conferences.
Fresh fruit from your yard.” – Pam Thorpe, 3rd grade
“I believe words of encouragement or a simple
“thank you” occasionally would be pleasing. I am
grateful to feel appreciated, even in the simplest
form.” – Sebastian Deleon Guerrero, 2nd grade
“I guess HELP wold be the best. Provide help or
support in making it easier for us to achieve our goals.
We want to make sure students learn. Students help
by doing their best and focusing on the task. Parents
help by finding out what their children need help on
and provide extra support on that. Admin helps by
providing whatever we need here in school to achieve
high student success. A Snickers Bar would be nice
too.” – Paul Salalila, 3rd grade
Garapan Elementary School has a total of 7 Troops
to Teachers employed in various areas of discipline.
Many of them are one to one aides for Special Education, or classroom aides helping students achieve
learning goals. Isaac Aguon, a Chamorro Language
Heritage Teacher provides instruction to students in
the indigenous language and culture.
Aside from working full time, Troops to Teachers
attend college courses that prepare them to be fully
certified classroom teachers. They are also committed to their duty as military personnel, serving and
protecting our freedom. In recognition of Troops
to Teachers, GES wore yellow ribbons and students
wrote letters of thanks to their teacher aides. A formal ceremony, organized by Central Office for Troops
to Teachers recognized their contributions to the PSS.
We are truly indebted to our teachers and troops
for their contribution to the future of our community.
Although Teacher Appreciation happens once a year,
we should all keep in mind the thoughts our teachers have shared about how they feel we can show our
thankfulness daily.
Honoring Teachers
teachers to make an impact in the lives of children. Exemplary teacher choose to
continue learning and improving their skills to reflect the changing needs of students and our society.
To the Binadu Team, THANK YOU for your professionalism and the high expectations you have of our students and most especially for motivating and making learning a fun process. To all teachers, un dangkulo na Si Yu’us Ma’ase for the
hard work and sacrifices you have made and for your valuable contributions to the
public school system in educating our students. We honor and respect you for a
job well done!
A
ll the US State Teachers of the Year were
recognized on National Teacher Appreciation Day, May 3, 2011. The CNMI
Teacher of the Year, Ms. Raena Bermudes
was amongst those recognized by President Barack
Obama along with the Secretary of Education, Mr.
Arne Duncan at the White House.
We appreciate what teachers
do daily to reach students and parents.
On National Teacher Appreciation
Week, we make the extra effort and
time to really focus and be thankful
for the dedication and commitment
that teachers hold for the immense
responsibility they have in educating
students. Teachers are special individuals in that they choose to become
Students First
26
May 2011
WSR Honoring Teachers & Staff
If a doctor, lawyer, or dentist had 40 people in his office at one time, all of whom had different needs, and some of whom didn’t want to be there and
were causing trouble, and the doctor, lawyer, or dentist, without assistance, had to treat them all with professional excellence for nine months, then he
might have some conception of the classroom teacher’s job.
~Donald D. Quinn
T
aking on a professional career in education requires one with the desire to make
a difference in people’s lives. Teachers and
staff, often feeling overly consumed by daily
school routines and tasks, are often drained by the end
of the day. It doesn’t end there, however. So: If you
thought a teaching job does not require much of a
person’s time and effort, think twice about that!
Teachers hold numerous and a wide-range of responsibilities under their profession. The core of their
role is to help assimilate and encourage the intellectual and social development in the formative years of
students’ lives. In the face of school challenges, they
optimize their efforts toward student achievement as
an ongoing natural process.
By looking through these lenses, you will see that
teachers’ roles and responsibilities have increased fourfold and have expanded tremendously over time. With
emerging national, state and school level initiatives,
along with increasing accountability and educational
paradigm shifts, teachers are called upon even more to
adapt to changes. Demands will be made to use ongoing professional learning opportunities for assuming larger roles in influencing school improvement
efforts through shared leadership. Besides preparing
year long programs and daily lessons aligned with
the system’s goals, teachers now do more than ever
to support students in reaching their fullest potential,
not only intellectually, but emotionally, physically and
socially -- from planning and evaluating individual student progress, keeping parent feedback journals updated, and helping out in formulating school policies,
even as they step in to supervise student conduct in
the cafeteria, for instance.
To be a teacher is to wear a coat of many colors. It
is a calling to those who unequivocally choose to deliver quality education, and not those who participate
by default.
Support Staff members on campus play a pivotal
role in the school setting as they help drive the daily
operations of the school and provide special program
services necessary for additional student support.
These individual roles include the administrative staff
and maintenance staff who are the backbone of the
school community. Without them, maintaining a safe,
clean and orderly environment and ensuring resource
support are compromised.
Additionally, Teacher Assistants, Instructors, Li-
Saluting our Servicemen
Troops-to-Teachers
Since the inception of the Troops-to-Teachers program at PSS, William S. Reyes Elementary School has
lodged several troops-to-teachers aides over the years.
Some have joined and stayed with the school community, whereas others have moved on to other things.
Regardless, the school has always valued the employment of these individuals because they not only build
on the school’s capacity, but with them, they bring a
good sense of discipline, positive attitude and multiple services.
Marshon Mongami
Mars, as we refer to him here
at WSRES, joined the Kingfisher
family in SY 2006-2007. He was
a Troops-to-Teacher Aide in a 6th
grade class during his first year experience. He was later deployed to
serve our nation, leaving behind his
young family and a class full of students that weren’t so thrilled about him leaving. After
some time in SY 2008-2009, Marshon returned home
and resumed his position at WSRES, this time with
5th grade students.
At present, he is providing one-to-one assistance in
a 2nd grade class. Mars is described as a modest and
courteous gentleman, a great motivator of young boys
who look up to him for encouragement and inspiration. He is very patient when working with students
and helps them in meeting their individual goals. As
Ms. Phyllis Ain strongly pointed out, “He capitalizes
on student’s strengths!” Mars is a team player who
continually works closely with teachers, yet self-directed with other tasks at hand. To him, every day is a
challenge, but as he realizes student learning taking
place, it’s a reward in itself for him. Mars received
his Associate in Arts Degree in Education while in
the program and continues to take courses for future
endeavors. WSRES salutes him for his unselfish act
of goodwill to the students in need of an inspiring
model – Thank you!
Ricardo Quichocho
While Ricardo was in the Army in
the U.S. mainland, he learned about
the Troops-to-Teachers Program.
When he decided to relocate back
home to Saipan, he applied his way
into the program with Garapan Elementary School. As time passed,
Ric joined WSRES midway in SY 2008-2009 and since
then WSRES became his niche. Ric’s experience in
the Special Education program was an eye-opener for
him. He finds it challenging, but rewarding working
at the heart of students with special needs. Watching
brarian, Counselors, and Reading Resource- some of
who are identified as teachers themselves provide varied and critical services that cater to either the entire
student population or small student groups requiring
special/ support services. Propelled by the shared
school vision, the services provided by our valued
staff are complimentary and aligned with the school’s
priorities and needs. The beauty and wealth of possessing these support staff helps enhance the quality
of education at greater extents.
of “Quality” and “Excellence” continue to reign on
campus.
As we step back and look at the entire school personnel landscape, they are immeasurably interdependent
of each other for the success of student achievement
and school improvement. With the establishment of
a purposeful community and strong shared leadership
ties among teachers and staff, the operating principles
Happy Teacher and Staff Appreciation to Our
Kingfishers and to All of the PSS Family!
At William S. Reyes Elementary School, teachers
and staff are naturally molding each other, without
realizing themselves becoming “Change Agents” for
students. Albeit the daily challenges that of the school,
our Teachers and Staff continue to “Aim High, Fly
High!”
Thank you for making a difference in the lives of
children.
Students First
27
May 2011
Chacha Jr. High School: Saluting our Servicemen
T
eachers don’t just teach us about math, social studies, science, P.E., and language arts,
they are my second parents. When I don’t
do my work it makes me feel guilty because
they work every day to help me be successful. Teachers
show me and teach me new things. I learned that if
you planned ahead for your life and continue to work
hard at it you will achieve your dream.
-Sage Borja, 7th grade
I appreciate all my teachers, because they have really
helped me with everything. They are always encouraging me and are always kind to me. The teacher I appreciate the most is Ms. Amy Sletten because she gave
me a second chance when I needed it and she always
takes the time to help me and she never judges me.
-Camacho C., 7th grade
First of all, teachers are adults that take their time
to help their students learn. I appreciate that teachers
also educate their students about right and wrong. I
learn a lot from my teachers. I respect them very much
for not leaving any students behind.
-Butters Kris, 7th grade
I appreciate the teachers because they are always
helpful to us, even when we make them mad. So thank
you teachers for all that you do for us.
-Aldan R, 7th grade
I appreciate my 3rd period teacher because she
taught us how to make really fun poems. She is one of
the best teachers that I’ve ever had. She motivates me
to read every day in class. I love reading now!
-George Nimei, 7th grade
7th grade has been awesome for me because all of
my teachers are really cool. I really appreciate the
things they do. They inspire me to work harder and to
challenge myself.
-Fernandez Allanah, 7th grade
Teacher’s of Cha Cha are really great! They are smart,
helpful, and encouraging teachers. I have learned a lot
from them, and I really like that they always challenge
us. They care about us, not just the job.
- P.S. , 7th grade
We, the students of Cha Cha are very lucky to have
these teachers. They are all very understanding, patient, and very encouraging. I thank them for their
time and commitment.
- Narvarez Arianne, 7th grade
I appreciate everything about my teachers. They are
helping so hard to learn new things. They inspire me
to accomplish all my goals and dreams. I thank them
for the job they do and for being great role models to
us.
- Wasisang Melody, 7th grade
We Support Our Troops;
We Support Ms. Mollie Atinison
This is the second year
now that Mollie has served
as an instructor for the Leadership Corps Program here
at Chacha Oceanview Junior
High School. She has done
an outstanding job helping to
educate all cadets on lessons
to include first aid, map reading, drill and ceremony, etc.
those students grow and develop is what keeps him
coming to work. He enjoys his work environment
and finds the support he needs from the Kingfisher
family. He is optimistic and has a positive attitude
toward the students he caters to. He is described as
fun, lively and a good company. Ms. Paulette Tudela,
a classroom teacher whose student Ric worked closely
with, commented that he is the kind of person that
would go beyond expectations to help students meet
their goals and learning objectives. Ric is considering
attaining a degree in Early Childhood or Special Education in the near future. For his lively synergy and
positive attitude towards students and staff, WSRES
salute Ricardo Quichocho!
Joseph villacrusis
Joe, a Sergeant in the Army and
a Teacher at WSRES, first joined
WSRES in SY 2008-2009 as a
Troops-to-Teacher aide. With a
mission in mind, Joe eventually
gained timely advancements in both
his educational and military career
in 2011. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree
while working for PSS and now holds a Highly Qualified Contact Teacher position at WSRES.
She maintains a strong drive to motivate students in
and out of class. She is an energetic and goal-oriented
person. Students continue to enjoy Ms. Mollie’s company she is reliable, an intelligent person and a creative
problem-solver person with good sense of humor.
We are grateful to have Mollie on our team and we
look forward to many more years of tireless dedication in educating our students. Go Lancherus!
Mr. Roque Pulido
Mr. Anthony Aldan
Joe has been very active over the years in assisting
many school curricular and extra-curricular activities-from the inter-scholastic sports program to student
instructional student services. Along the way, he
shared ideas, but also learned from his experiences as
a member of the school community. One colleague
observed his true patience for special needs students
while conducting one of his pull-out sessions. He truly illuminates the desire to serve his students’ needs
by the virtues he carries and the support he provides
academically and behaviorally. Students are respectful
towards him because he continues to be a good role
model. He is known for his leadership skills- who
with enthusiasm would step up to the plate, take action and get the job done. He is charismatic in nature
with the right attitude for encouraging and motivating
fellow colleagues he works closely with. He is considered hard working, goal-oriented and a big promoter
of healthy living. He is also an avid sports player, par-
Mr. Augusto Evangelista
Mr. Stephen Vaughn Gilles
ticularly in basketball. All in all, Joe has made strides
to make a difference in others. Thank you and the
WSRES family salutes you!
In Celebration of “Support Our Troops” Week
Thank you also to all those current and former servicemen who have dedicated their lives in one way or
another to defend our nation!
•
Mr. Roque Pulido- WSRES Teacher Aide/
Currently in Military Training
•
Mr. Anthony Aldan- WSRES Teacher/
Served in the U.S. Military
•
Mr. Augusto Evangelista- WSRES / Served
in the U.S. Military
•
Mr. Stephen Vaughn Gilles- WSRES/
Served in the U.S. Military
Menus
Menus
menus
for for
June
June
June
Wednesday, June 1
Thursday, June 2
Breakfast
Breakfast
Friday, June 3
Breakfast
for
Pancakes
Sausage Patty
2011
2011
2011
CChicken Teriyaki & Rice
Mixed Melons
Steamed Broccoli or
Mixed Veggies
Food Court
School System
Turkey, Ham & Cheese
Mixed Melons
Chicken Caesar Salad
Garlic Bread
Oranges or Tangerines
Ginger Pork & Rice
Baked Sweet Potato
Pineapples
Friday, June 10
Fried Rice
Bacon Strips
Lunch
CNMI Public
CNMI Public
Cnmi
Public
School
School
System
System
Lunch
Beef & Broccoli
With Rice
Oranges or
Tangerines
Food Court
Ham & Cheese Melt
Fresh Fruit
Lunch
Chicken Curry with Rice
Pineapples
Food Court
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Monday, June 6
Tuesday, June 7
Wednesday, June8
Thursday, June 9
Breakfast
Breakfast
Breakfast
Breakfast
Corn and Egg Soup
Dinner Roll
Lunch
BBQ Chicken & Rice
Mandarin Oranges
Corn Salad
Food Court
Food Court
Chicken Soup
Pan de Sal
Lunch
Lunch
Food Court
Turkey, Ham & Cheese
Mixed Melons
Chicken Caesar Salad
Garlic Bread
Apples or Grapes
Spicy Chicken & Rice
Green Beans
Fresh fruit (Chef’s Choice)
Friday, June 17
Food Court
Tuesday, June 14
Wednesday, June 15
Thursday, June 16
Breakfast
Breakfast
Breakfast
Breakfast
Food Court
Italian Sub
Pear Halves
Beef Casserole
Rice
Fresh Fruit
French Toast
Sausage Patties
Lunch
Pulled BBQ Pork with Rice
Mixed Melons
Steamed Broccoli or
mixed Veggies
Food Court
Ultimate Veggie Pizza
Fresh Fruit (Chef’s Choice)
Chocolate Milk
Lunch
Meat Lovers Pizza
Apple or Grapes
Veggie Sticks & Dip
Monday, June 13
Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Fresh Fruit (Chef’s Choice)
Chocolate Milk
Cinnamon Rolls
Fresh Fruit
Pork Chops
Red Rice
Mixed Melons
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Italian Sub
Mandarin Oranges
Lunch
Breakfast
Fried Rice
Sausage Patty
Italian Sub
Pear Halves
Bulgogi & Rice
Pear Halves
Local Leafy Greens
Lunch
Bisteak and Rice
Pear Halves
Local Greens, Leafy Veggies
Sotanghon Soup
Toast
June
Sausage on a Roll
Juice
FFried Rice
Chicken Nuggets
Lunch
Lunch
Beef Macaroni Bake
Oranges or Tangerines
Food Court
Chicken Caesar Salad
Garlic Bread
Oranges or Tangerines
Food Court
Turkey, Ham and Cheese
Mixed Melons
Lasagna
Fresh Fruit (Chef’s Choice)
Green Beans
Food Court
Breakfast
Egg Salad Sandwich
Fresh Fruit
Lunch
Honey Baked Chicken
Rice
Baked Sweet Potato
Fruit Cocktail
Food Court
Ginger Pork & Rice
Baked Sweet Potato
Fruit Cocktail
Calendar of Events (COE and PSS)
•2TeacherAdvisoryPanel
Meeting
•2-3Timekeeper’sTraining
•4JROTCMilitaryBallon Rota
•6LeadershipMeeting
•7HOUSEEducation
CommitteeMeeting
•8TECHPlanCommittee
•8SpecialPrincipals/
ProgramMeeting
•9RegionalAdvisory
CommitteeWebinar
•10RitaHocogInosJr.High
SchoolGraduation9:00a.m.
•10RotaHighSchool
Graduation5:30p.m.
•IIMarianasHighSchool
Graduation4:00p.m.
•13ChaChaOceanViewJr.
HighSchool9:30a.m.
•14HopwoodJr.HighSchool
9:00a.m.
•15TinianJr.HighSchool
Graduation9:00a.m.
•15TinianHighSchool
Graduation5:30p.m.
•16KagmanHighSchool
Graduation3:30p.m.
•17SaipanSouthernHigh SchoolGraduation4:30p.m.
•17LastDayofInstruction
•20LastDayfor190Days
•20-24SummerIntern
Orientation
•23Principal’sMeeting
•24ExecutiveCommittee MeetingforTitleI
•27ProgramEvaluations Meeting
•28-29SchoolAdministrators
EvaluationMeeting
July
•5through3I-Summer SchoolProgram
•14-17-PAC6Meeting
inGuam
•19-22PECPonhpei
•I”Week-Dr.EllenForteon
PEERReview
•3’dWeek-AdvancEDon PSSsystem-wide
Accreditation
•3’dWeek-School
Administrators/Central
OfficeProgramSummer Institute
•29-FirstDayof190Day
•6FIRSTDAYOFSCHOOL
forSY2011-2012
August
September2011