Community Briefs

FARMERS’ MEETING CANCELLED

A meeting with farmers that was supposed to take place today to discuss the commitment to supply the PSS school meal program with locally grown fruits and vegetables has been postponed due to the typhoon.

The meeting is being cancelled indefinitely, according to Isidoro Cabrera, agricultural consultant to CREES.

For more information, contact Cabrera at 234-5488 or NMC-CREES at 234-5498 Ext.1709 or 1713.

DES OPEN HOUSE TOMORROW

This is to inform all parents and guardians of Dandan Elementary School that we will be having our Open House tomorrow, Aug. 26, from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, followed by our first PTA meeting for school year 2004-2005 at 6:30pm in the school cafeteria. Your presence at our PTA meeting is very much appreciated.

YOUTH LEARNING CENTER REGISTRATION TO START

The Garapan Youth Learning Center announces its open-house/registration beginning Aug. 30, 2004 to Sept. 3, from 9am to 4:30pm. Interested parents are encouraged to visit the center. The center provides services on tutoring in general subjects, computer lab, sports, guidance and counseling and other related educational activities. Services are free of charge and available to youth from grade levels 1st through 12th. For more information contact 664-7883.

AMERICORPS RECRUITING 34 MEMBERS

The Public School System’s AmeriCorps program—a federally funded program—is currently recruiting 34 members to participate in the community service and educational program.

AmeriCorps members will provide tutoring and mentoring services to CNMI youths between the ages of 6-17 at various youth centers. Members will assist students during structured youth center activities that may include homework assistance, arts/crafts, sports activities/events, computer trainings, etc.

Members will be awarded a living stipend for 900 hours served; and educational award of $2,362 after successful completion of program; developmental trainings and workshops; and satisfaction of serving the youth and community in the CNMI.

Those who want to participate in the program should be U.S. citizens, at least 17 years old, a high school graduate, and is drug free and possesses a clean police clearance.

Application and proof of eligibility requirements must be submitted by Aug. 18, 2004.

For applications, contact AmeriCorps Program, CNMI Public School System Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Office, Retirement Fund Building, 2nd Floor, Capitol Hill, Saipan; or call 664-3716/32; or email tenoriod@pss.cnmi.mp.

E-FORM FOR SHEFA SCHOLARSHIP NOW AVAILABLE

Applications for Saipan Higher Education Financial Assistance are now available online and can be downloaded by accessing its website: www.saipanshefa.com.

This option is especially helpful for those students who are currently abroad, and qualified to avail of this assistance.

The scholarship, which is under the Municipality of Saipan, Office of the Mayor, aims to provide supplementary financial assistance pursuant to Saipan Local Law 13-21, to qualified residents of Saipan (inclusive of the Northern Islands) in pursuing postsecondary education on Saipan or abroad.

Under the rules, ongoing applicants need to submit official sealed transcript, valid Saipan municipal ID No., and official class registration. New applicants are asked to submit acceptance letter into a higher education institution, proof of one year residency on Saipan, most recent official sealed transcript, and valid Saipan ID. No.

Completed application and supporting documents must be submitted to SHEFA at the Mayor’s Office.

For inquiries call 234-6208/234-6280 or email: jbtmayor@vzpacifica.net.

MOTHEREAD/FATHEREAD SCHEDULE OUT

The CNMI Motheread/Fatheread® schedule for its upcoming classes is as follows:

* 6pm Mondays at Garapan Youth Learning Center
* 6pm Tuesdays at Tanapag Head Start Center
* 6pm Wednesdays starting Aug. 25 at San Roque Head Start Center
* 6pm Thursdays starting Aug. 26 at Kagman II Head Start Center
* 10am Saturdays starting Aug. 28 at Kagman III Head Start Center

The classes run for eight weeks and meet one time a week. They are free. They are open to anyone wanting to learn how to read effectively with children as well as improve their own reading skills.

For more information contact the Motheread/Fatheread coordinator at 235-4785 or 235-7323.