Flores praises teachers and staff for the success of PSS

ROTA—During the 35th anniversary of the Public School System’s establishment as an autonomous government entity, interim Education commissioner Donna M. Flores also visited Rota and Tinian to directly speak to personnel and staff and praise them for the success of the school district.

“I, together with our associate commissioner for Administrative Services Eric Magofna, are here with you today to personally recognize you for your heartfelt dedication and commitment to the job that you all do. It is not an easy job, but it is a ‘heart’ job that we all do,” Flores told Rota’s Sinapalo Elementary School and Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Junior Senior High School’s staff and personnel during the two schools’ respective PSS Education Day Celebration on Nov. 21.

“The reason we work for PSS, for our schools, and work together with our parents is because we want them to grow to be independent thinkers and contributing members of our society. It makes a difference to serve and to celebrate each other’s hard work and contributions,” Flores said.

Sinapalo Elementary School principal Daisy Quitugua led school staff and personnel in a celebration that was held at the school’s cafeteria. AmeriCorps’ students also joined in the celebration.

Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Junior Senior High School principal Annette Calvo and Board of Education vice chair Herman T. Atalig celebrated with the school staff with a luncheon in the cafeteria.

“PSS works hard to give our children the education they need in each of our 20 schools, and we know it is possible because we have professionals in various roles and capacities committing themselves to the success of our students,” added Flores.

She also praised Atalig for “always sticking it out for our Rota stakeholders.”

On Tinian, Flores and Magofna joined the staff and personnel of Tinian Elementary School, Tinian Middle School, and Tinian High School in their celebration.

Tinian Elementary School principal Lou Connie Manglona led in honoring her school’s respective “of the year’s” honorees at the school cafeteria, which was followed by a special luncheon.

Tinian Middle School and Tinian High School principal Liz Perzinski held a similar activity for the schools’ staff and personnel.

“Thank you for caring for our children; thank you for taking time, especially for our children who need extra support and attention. It’s not just about classroom instruction but the whole child,” Flores told Tinian PSS staff and personnel.

Magofna echoed Flores: “We at PSS central office are not able to do it alone. We have all of you who make things happen for our schools, for our parents, for our children. That’s why we extend our un dangkulu na si yu’use ma’ase to all of you.”

Flores said PSS couldn’t do it alone and thanked BOE chair Antonio L. Borja for “making it happen” not just on Tinian but for all of PSS.

“We are one system even if the ocean separates us. I wish I could tell the whole world that you’re all doing a great job—but for now these are the words that I would like to share with our local community,” Flores said.

She also thanked Tinian PSS staff and personnel for their support: “I would like to thank you all for your support for my interimship. The job isn’t easy but am motivated to go to work every day because I feel respected and well received.” (PSS)