Six public elementary schools register for Parade of Books

The Rotary Club of Saipan is calling on private elementary schools to sign up for this year’s Parade of Books.

Rotarian and parade coordinator Reina Camacho said yesterday that only public schools have so far registered for the 8th Annual Parade of Books that will be held at the Marianas High School Gymnasium on April 14.

Camacho disclosed that six schools have already signed up for the annual educational competition: Dandan, Gregorio T. Camacho, Koblerville, Oleai, San Vicente, and Tinian elementary schools.

The competition is open to all public and private elementary schools in the CNMI.

“We need the private elementary schools to register for the contest,” Camacho said.

Participating private schools in last year’s event were Golden Harvest International School and Green Meadow School.

Parade of Books is part of Rotary’s efforts to encourage literacy and creativity and instill the importance of reading among the islands’ youth in a fun and innovative way.

This year’s competition will have participating schools choose from a selected list of books that reflect Rotary values and principles.

Camacho said they held a successful first orientation meeting at the MHS gym on Feb. 1. Except for Tinian Elementary School, participating schools sent their representatives to the Wednesday meeting. Each school received a copy of last year’s Parade of Books recording as an incentive.

“It was great,” said Camacho. “We went over the new rules and they’re okay with a more structured format. We’re pleased because that was a major concern, having to put more parameters for the participants.”

Camacho said they will be holding their next orientation meeting on March 7, 5:30pm at the Oleai Elementary School.

To sign up or for more information, call Camacho at 664-8512 or email reinacamacho@gmail.com or saipanrotary@gmail.com.