Saipan Tribune

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Teachers prepare for Jr. High Mock Trial

Four classroom teachers recently completed a training workshop at the Guma Hustisia in preparation for the upcoming Junior High Mock Trial Program.

This program is sponsored annually by the Northern Marianas Humanities Council to foster knowledge about the law and the legal process in a fun, non-competitive format.

The workshop, facilitated by Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho, introduced new teacher-coaches to the mock trial program and to basic courtroom procedures.

Workshop participants included Chellette San Nicolas, Tinian Junior High School; Joel Jimenez, Chacha Ocean View Junior High School; Donald Manglona, Dr. Rita H. Inos Junior High School; and Ron Hodges, Hopwood Junior High School.

Teams from these four schools will join teams from Mt. Carmel School, Whispering Palms School, Grace Christian Academy (Rota), and Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja (Rota) at a final mock trial event to be held at Guma Hustisia on April 13, 2013.

Camacho, who has served as the junior high mock trial judge since the program's inception in 2006, invited the public to “come and enjoy this wonderful program.”

Teacher-coach Jimenez said that this was Chacha's first time to participate in the program. “It is very exciting for us and hopefully we'll continue the tradition.”

This sentiment was repeated by Tinian's San Nicolas. “I know the kids can't wait. It will be a great way for them to see how the law really affects their lives.”

The mock trial program is one of several Council-sponsored programs that introduce the humanities to CNMI students in a variety of enjoyable formats. (Humanities Council)