Its academic improvements, along with the addition of a permanent principal, include adding three full-time professional teachers to its staff.
This will not only allow the school to improve its educational curriculum, but it will also maintain and improve its already great after- school activities.
Michael Berglund is the newly hired principal of the school.
“I am excited to be brining with me a wealth of both educational and practical experience,” he said.
“My professional background includes nearly 15 years as a history teacher and director of a large, yet high achieving, social studies department in the Wisconsin Public Schools.
“My 20 years of educational experience will enable me to continue bringing academic improvements to Saipan Seventh-day Adventist school.”
He holds a bachelor of science in industrial technology degree with an emphasis in business from Andrews University.
He also has a master of arts degree in history from Eastern Michigan University.
“While studying history I began to realize my interest in teaching and learning. and with this new found desire to become a teacher, I enrolled and earned a professional certificate of teaching from the University Of Michigan.
After nearly 10 years of teaching, I continued my studies by earning a master of science degree in educational administration through the University of Wisconsin-Superior,” Berglund said.
The Saipan Seventh-day Adventist school believes in the importance of contributing to the local community, he added.
“We have increased the number of scholarships available to students who show an interest in attending our school, and who have also demonstrated financial need.
“As our facility and teaching staff continues to grow, and as we have more room, we expect our contribution to the scholarship fund to grow as well.
“After school activities and childcare will continue to be a mainstay of the Saipan Seventh-day Adventist school.
“As we maintain a regular 8 a.m.-3 p.m. school day, please note that we intend to continue to serve our parents and students by offering before and after school care at no extra cost.
“Supervised before school drop-off begins at 7:10 a.m., and resumes after school Monday through Friday until 5:30 p.m.
“Finally, as this year comes to an end, and the next year is planned our staff and students would like to thank Mr. Yasuda of Big Boyz 2 Marine for his generous donation of a bus to our SDA school.
“This selfless gift is indicative of how God has continued to bless our school. With our new bus we have the ability to improve and make field trips more efficient, and safer for our students and staff.
“We have received many generous donations throughout the school year and appreciate everyone in the Saipan community who has helped make possible our mission.”
Berglund said he looks forward to his return in July “so we can continue to develop these planned improvements.”
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