Parents reminded of PSS’ goals

More than 200 parents who joined public school teachers and support staff Friday for the 2005-2006 Parent Symposium were once again briefed about the priorities of the Public School System for the ongoing school year.

PSS event chair Stephen Smith said the parent symposium held at the Marianas High School Gymnasium was the first of the three symposiums to be conducted for this school year.

Commissioner of Education Rita H. Inos served as the moderator of the event and said the symposium would have different themes per session.

“We are sure that each will be most interesting and informative for you,” said Inos, who added that the PSS regarded the conference as an opportunity for them to communicate with parents and collect their feedback and questions.

“Our strategic priorities are the guideposts, the cornerstones, of our planning and delivery of educational services,” Inos said.

She added that the four strategic priorities of the PSS include: High student performance, quality personnel, safe and orderly schools, and effective and efficient operations.

Inos reiterated to parents that by 2008, all students entering the fourth grade should be at or above grade level in Reading, while by 2010, 50 percent of CNMI students in all grades should be at or above the 50th percentile as determined by a nationality administered standardized test.

By 2014, said Inos, all students under PSS must be proficient or above the determined standards based assessment.

Parents were divided into seven groups and held more intimate discussions in seven rooms at MHS. They discussed about certain topics given by facilitators. After a while, Smith said the parents themselves presented the output of their discussions regarding concerns and goals of the PSS in educating their children.

Smith said the parents’ symposium would not have been successful without the cooperation of the PSS officials.

He thanked MHS principal Karen Borja for her assistance, the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Joeten Kiyu Public Library.

He also acknowledged the presence of the members of the Board of Education—chair Roman C. Benavente, secretary and treasurer Marja Lee Taitano, and board member Herman T. Guerrero. The next conference is tentatively scheduled in February 2006.