Only eight schools open yesterday

Only eight of the 20 public schools had classes yesterday but Public School System associate commissioner David M. Borja said this was not due to the earthquake that hit the island Saturday afternoon.

Schools that had classes yesterday were Hopwood Junior High School, Marianas High School, Oleai Elementary School, Tanapag Elementary School, Kagman High School, Kagman Elementary School, Garapan Elementary School, Dan Dan Elementary School and Tinian Elementary School.

Borja said that yesterday was a make-up class day for these schools.

“They used the day yesterday as make-up day because of Typhoon Chaba,” he said, “to catch up on those days lost or not used due to the suspension of classes during the onslaught of the typhoon.”

Hopwood Junior High School and Chacha Oceanview Middle School were having make-up classes last Saturday when the earthquake occurred. However, classes were already finished when the earthquake hit.

Borja said that Hopwood principal Jim Brewer called him to inform him that no one was hurt. “Mr. Brewer said it was about at the end of the day when the earthquake hit,” Borja said, “The buses were already waiting to pick up the students to go home.”

This was also the true with Chacha Oceanview, said Borja.

Marianas High School was reported to have shattered windows due to the earthquake but PSS denied this. According to MHS, there was no damage incurred besides the loosened cables of the computers.

“As far as other reports regarding school damage due to earthquake, I have not received any report yet,” Borja said.

Today classes are suspended at the following schools: Saipan Southern High School, William S. Reyes Elementary School, San Antonio Elementary School, G. T. Camacho Elementary School, Sinapalo Elementary School, Rota Junior High School and Tinian Junior/Senior High School. Instead of regular classes, public schools are holding make-up classes.

Tomorrow, all schools will resume their regular schedules except for Sinapalo Elementary School, Rota Junior High School and Tinian Junior/Senior High School.

Schools have been conducting make-up classes since December but Borja said the schedule this week is just for this week only and will resume regular classes next week. For clarifications, PSS advised parents and students to contact their respective schools for confirmation. (Marconi Calindas)