Mixed emotions, stoic attitude over 4-day school week

The Board of Education’s recent decision to cut the Public School System’s school weeks to just four days is creating a mixed bag emotions among teachers. Some appear appear resigned to the impact of the weakened economy, while others are looking at the possible impact on students.

One such teacher at Koblerville Elementary School, who agreed to speak with Saipan Tribune on the condition of anonymity, said it’s scary that school days have to be reduced but understands the sacrifices PSS needs to make to make ends meet.

“This isn’t the first austerity measure that PSS has taken. I wish it didn’t have to happen because so many people’s wellbeings are compromised. The families of PSS staff are being compromised but, at the end of the day, we need to either work with what we have and be content or, to be quite real, just leave,” he said.

Personally, the teacher said the cut wouldn’t affect his teaching since teachers are trained to make use with whatever time they have with their students.

“That is why half-day schools can teach students half the day and still achieve some goals. It’s going to be harder but, again, considering the situation that we are in, we just need to work with it. I know other teachers’ opinions differ but, at this point, there’s nothing we can do,” he said.

He added that he trusts that PSS has done all it can for teachers and is just thankful he has a job during this crisis.

“I trust that the board and key management have exhausted their options. I understand the difficult decisions that had to be made to keep us afloat. I’m thankful to still have a job. Again, I know people are angry, people are upset but, honestly there’s no money. That’s the fact that we need to accept. There is no money to ask for. Everyone is going through austerity,” he said.

Another elementary school teacher, who asked that his name be withheld, said that, although it’s a realistic option, they still have to take care of their families and another pay cut would affect that.

“We all have a passion for teaching, yes, But we all have our personal life to take care of. One cannot expect teachers to continue to come with a smile on their faces. We will try, but eventually the cut will take a toll on us and, let’s be real, it’ll start to show,” he said.

He added that, with some schools still in double session, many students are falling behind and a shortened school week would just add to that.

“As teachers, we try to do everything we can within the day and, most of the time, it is impossible but there are days where it is, but we zoom through lessons, which is basically useless. So what more cutting one whole day? These students will feel it as they progress to the next grade level. The government is robbing [them of] their learning time and their time to grow,” she said.

Overall, he said, cutting school days would affect every student’s learning and emotional behavior.

“Students might also think, ‘If they cut school days, school must not be that important.’ It’s very sad. It’ll not only interfere with students learning but their social and emotional behavior. Most students come to school as a getaway from home,” he said.

The four-day school week is set to begin in April 1 as part of PSS’ proposed austerity measures.