Saipan Tribune

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Thursday, October 25, 2012

BOE endorses November as PSS Education Month

The CNMI State Board of Education yesterday endorsed November as the Commonwealth's Education Month to recognize the invaluable support and achievement of stakeholders that have contributed to the success of the school system.

The proclamation was made during the board's special meeting yesterday where it also endorsed three separate Education Day celebrations on three islands.

The Board of Education approved the celebration of Rota Education Day on Nov. 19, to be followed by the Tinian edition on Nov. 20, while Saipan schools will celebrate the occasion on Nov. 21.

According to the board, Education Month will provide an opportunity for the CNMI Public School System to increase public awareness of the role of education on the islands, the Pacific region, and the global world. It will also promote closer cooperation and stronger relationships between educators and the community at large.

The proclamation states that PSS believes that the cornerstone of intellectual and character developmental for children is founded on the teaching of basic academic skills and character building skills. The system also believes in the implementation of programs that foster enthusiasm for learning and develop diverse cultural awareness, knowledge, and understanding appropriate to the Commonwealth's heritage and traditions as well as other people and their culture.

BOE chair Marylou S. Ada called on people of the CNMI to observe the month of November 2012 with appropriate programs, activities, and ceremonies supporting this year's celebration.

This year's theme is “A wave of knowledge flows into a tsunami of success,” as suggested by fourth grader Dominic Torres of Garapan Elementary School. Torres received a plaque of commendation for winning the theme competition, along with Saipan Southern High School student Kohei Nimura, who topped the logo contest.

Education Commissioner Rita A. Sablan, Ed.D., said the executive education steering committee-headed by last year's CNMI Teacher of the Year Jonathan P. Cabrera-is planning and developing a series of activities for the occasion.

Besides activities honoring all educators in the system, PSS traditionally recognizes outstanding employees. These include the teacher of the year awardees, teacher aides of the year, support staffers of the year, best school administrators, counselors, and outstanding administrative staffers.

Every year, the Teacher of the Year awardee gets the chance to vie for the national title and meet with the U.S. President.