Burglary and vandalims at SVES

San Vicente Elementary School visibly carries out its mission to the satisfaction of parents and community. Its administrators, teachers, and school staff have shown to all and sundry their commitment to student learning. It is one of the fully accredited schools in our public school system. The parents have also invested much commitment in order for this school to have the amenities necessary to create a wholesome learning atmosphere both in and out of the classroom.

We are however greatly saddened by the acts of vandalism and thievery perpetrated by some members of the community who victimize San Vicente Elementary School especially during holidays when the school is off-session. We are appalled at the thought that these bad elements have no respect for the school and even have the nerve to steal from our children.

The Christmas holidays gave these callous thieves the opportunity to break into two classrooms and stole two (2) TV/VCR sets while leaving the message “Merry Christmas” on the chalkboard. Two (2) containers of physical education equipment and the storage room on the stage were forced open. This school year another classroom was forced open where a brand new “Karaoke” was stolen. At the same, time another room was forced open where compact discs belonging to a teacher were stolen. Even the CNMI flag was stolen from the pole. At another time the Art Room was ransacked.

Several attempts of break-ins were noted by the school staff having seen locks and doors fiddled with. On all occasions, these vandalism and burglary were reported. Other than getting information from the school staff, no arrests have been made to date. Nothing was heard of about any results. The foregoing series of break-ins and vandalism came about after the school guard’s hours were reduced as one austerity measure of the Public School System.

We appeal for help from members of our community. Help us stop this vicious disrespect for our school properties. If you know anything about the break-ins and entries, please call the school, the police, or Crime Stoppers. We cannot afford to tolerate these negative activities that deprive our children of the equipment they need for conducive learning. We cannot afford to spend so much to purchase equipment only for these thieves to steal and go scott free. For sure they will keep on stealing because they have not been caught.

This is also an appeal to all parents, police officers and members of the community. We need to be vigilant with our children. We need to know where they are and what do they do during the weekends and holidays. Let us take preventive measures in order that our children, especially the older ones, do not get involved in self-destructive activities. Moreover, let us instill in them the respect for government property most especially for schools. It is an irony that people vandalize and physically destroy the institution where they and their relatives may have obtained their own education.

Finally, this is an appeal to those who are gutsy enough to steal from our school. When you steal from our school, these are materials and equipment that could have helped your brothers, sisters, cousins, perhaps your own children prepare themselves for the challenges of the future. Help each of them by leaving school properties alone.

Roman Benavente

President, Parent Teacher Association
San Vicente Elementary School