PSS principals ready to deal with power outages

Principals from the Public School System say they are ready to start school on Sept. 8, despite the constant power outages across the island.

Christine Tudela Masga, acting Hopwood Jr. High School principal, said the power outages will be a challenge to deal with, but thinks it is time for the students to return to school.

“Let’s go for it,” she said. “Whether we face it or not, we can’t wait on the government.”

On Thursday, the Board of Education voted to keep the start of classes on Sept. 8.

Gov. Benigno Fitial had expressed concern about starting school without reliable power, and had asked board chair Lucy Blanco-Maratita to consider pushing back the start of school for two weeks, or until there was reliable power.

Tudela Masga admits it will be hot, but said the administrators are planning outdoor activities that tie in academics for the kids when there are extended outages.

PSS Commissioner Rita Sablan said the district is procuring generators for every school so that water can run to the bathrooms and the cafeterias.

San Antonio Elementary Principal Katrina S. Lizama said the students are used to surviving the heat because the school saved money on utilities last year by turning off the air conditioner in the mornings. The school has a generator to pump water to the bathrooms.

“They’re already adjusted,” she said.

The students would rather start school on time without power than extend the school year, she added.

Although some schools release the students during extended outages, Lynette Villagomez, principal at William S. Reyes Elementary, said that is not an option at WSR.

“When we let them out they will be unsupervised,” she said. “We keep them here so they aren’t out on the streets.”

Teachers often take the kids out to sit under the trees to continue classroom instruction, Villagomez said.

“It’s really making sure we know when the power goes out so the teachers can plan accordingly,” she added.

Scott Norman, principal at Calvary Christian Academy, which started three weeks ago, said he allows his students to carry handheld fans during school in order to try to keep cool.

“We’re not allowing [the lack of power] to hinder expectations,” Norman said. “It’s not comfortable, but they’re learning and we’re making sure they’re learning.”

In order for students to arrive at school with a positive attitude, “every faculty member needs to walk in their with a positive attitude despite CUC,” he said.