‘Exciting moment for everyone’

All 20 public elementary, middle, and high school campuses on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota had their first day of classes yesterday.

At exactly 7am yesterday, the gates of all nine elementary schools opened. Classes began at 7:30am.

Classes for all of Saipan’s five middle schools began at exactly 8:30am. Tinian Middle School started at 8am, while Rota’s Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Junior High School was at 8:15am.

For high schools, Tinian High School began its first day at 8am, while Rota’s Dr. Rita H. Inos Senior High School at 8:15am and 9am for all of Saipan’s four high schools.

Education Commissioner Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho emphasized the importance of collaboration and partnership as key in continuously developing relationships within and beyond the school environment. He and his key management team were spread at various public schools, joining school leaders in welcoming returning and new students yesterday.

“This is an exciting moment for all of us,” he said. “Our students are excited about coming to learn. Our teachers and staff were eager to welcome our students. Our parents were as excited as everyone else. We have a lot going on today.”

Schools reported a generally smooth opening of the new school year, according to school administrators from Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

There were normal last-minute needs for students and parents, including late enrollment. The school district is expecting the total number of student population to breach the 9,000-mark due to late enrollment. Enrollment is ongoing throughout the first few weeks of the opening of classes.

“They are expected to increase due to the fact that enrollment is still ongoing,” Dr. Rizalina Liwag, senior director for PSS’ Office of Accountability, Research and Evaluation, which tracks students’ data and information. “There are still a lot of students that were not enrolled as of yesterday’s (today) opening.”

Excited

At Garapan Elementary School, one of the largest public elementary schools, returning and new students began arriving before the official designated opening time.

Camacho began his day early at 6:33am. He assisted the school staff to open the main gain of GES for early student arrivals.

And he was the first to greet the first student that arrived at GES.

“Welcome back!” exclaimed the education chief to 9-year-old Steven Flores, an incoming fourth-grade student, who was dropped off by his older sister, Savannah Flores, an incoming senior at Marianas High School.

Camacho also toured and observed classrooms at various stops. “I want to make sure that all of our students are safe,” the education chief said. He was joined by principal Derwin Johnson.

Escorted by both of his parents, James is a new student entering second grade. On Saipan, he is attending school for the first time. He moved to Saipan last summer after completing his first grade in China.

“Good luck with school today and don’t forget to make friends,” Camacho told James. “And thank you parents for joining your child on his first day of school.”

On the first day of classes, another first-time student, Madison, arrived with her mother, Jennilyn. Madison attended kindergarten through first grade in Abu Dhabi before relocating to Saipan a few months ago.

“Are you excited,” Camacho asked Madison. “Yes, I am,” she replied shyly.

Strong support

Yesterday, every employee in the school district—teaching, non-teaching, and support staff—was fully engaged in their work. Their assistance made the opening of classes a seamless process.

“We are ready. We are ready every single minute of every single day,” said third grade classroom teacher Mary Grace Mendoza.

“We welcome students with loving hands,” she added.

A bus driver said, “I am just happy to provide safe transport and care for our students who ride our buses.”

Lorraine Arriola, who teaches homeroom in the second grade, has meticulously organized her classroom. Her students were enjoying breakfast while listening to a soothing instrumental song. “Every morning when my students arrive and eat breakfast, I do this so they can unwind and enjoy learning.”

The food service provider for the schools was also praised by Camacho for making sure students can eat breakfast and lunch, which is essential for their health and wellbeing.

There were about 1,200 PSS staff that reported to work yesterday. This includes 570 instructional staff, over 40 bus drivers/conductors, and 560 instructional staff that includes teacher aides, school administration, support staff, and central office staff.

Schools

Principal Jonathan Aguon reported that MHS, the largest public school, smoothly opened its 60 classrooms. “It was a very smooth opening. We were all eager for each one of our students to return.

Along with his vice principals Melanie Sablan Rdiall, Preston Basa, and Romolo Andrew Orsini, Aguon also greeted parents who had come to drop off their kids.

“A lot of parents were mindful of the traffic situation (due to ongoing road improvement work). They really dropped their students on time,” Aguon said.

There were 1,698 students enrolled at MHS as of yesterday. Students who were unable to enroll on time were still permitted to attend the first day of classes because MHS staff helped them with the registration and enrollment process.

“It was a great day for us,” said Daisy Quitugua, principal of Rota’s Sinapalo Elementary School, about her students’ first day of classes. Excited parents accompanied the students as they arrived at campus. In addition, there are a few new and returning students.

The 180 students of Sinapalo Elementary School participated in their first flag ceremony in the school cafeteria. According to Principal Quitugua, the number of students is expected to rise as enrollment continues.

Saipan Southern High School principal Vince Dela Cruz praised the school vice principal, Arisa Sakai Peters, and all support staff for “a good job in creating a seamless opening schedule.”

“Every student showed up and went to attend their class without any problems. And I want to thank our support staff, counselors, and administration for all their hard work in putting together the school schedule and class cluster assignment,” Dela Cruz said.

SSHS reported an enrollment of 685 as of yesterday.

Tinian Elementary School had a near-perfect student enrollment on its first day of classes. Principal Lou Connie Manglona reported 159 student population representing over 90 percent.

“We were excited to introduce our students to our 35 staff during the flag ceremony,” Manglona remarked, “We were excited to introduce our students to our 35 staff during the flag ceremony.” “We couldn’t contain our excitement at seeing our students return to school.”

Parents, too

Parents were as thrilled as their children returning to school, especially in elementary grade.

“We are just very happy to be able to see our daughter attend her first day,” a couple said after seeing off their daughter at Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School.

Some parents waited by the door of the homeroom classrooms of their child until they get acclimated following the summer break.

“Did you have a good summer break? Are you ready to learn?” Camacho asked a student as his parents stood next to him.

“Yes,” a second grade student said.

“It’s now time to go back to school and learn,” added the education chief. (PR)