THE Public School System’s Spring Parent Summit held on April 26 at Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, served as a significant platform to strengthen collaboration between families and schools. The event provided parents with essential resources to support student success, emphasizing the powerful role of family involvement in education.
Organized by PSS’s Family Engagement and Community Involvement program in collaboration with the State Parent Advisory Council, the summit highlighted the shared commitment to continuous student learning through tailored resources and support for parents.
A federally funded program of the school district, the summit reminded parents and other stakeholders that education is not solely the responsibility of schools but a collective endeavor involving families, educators, and all school communities on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. The summit aimed to reinforced the central role of parents in student learning and highlighted PSS’s commitment to providing resources and ongoing support to ensure every child thrives.
Since its establishment in 2012-2013, the Parent Advisory Council has served as a critical part of PSS’s strategic priority to expand parental involvement and community partnerships. This has helped build and strengthen a framework that empowers families and schools to support student success.
Parents, educators and social issues
One of the key takeaways from the summit was Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho’s remark that every child has the potential to succeed when nurtured and cared for. Achieving this, he said, is all about shared responsibility.
“Today, as we open a new chapter in learning, let us remember that every child has the potential to lead, to thrive, to transform the future if we choose to nurture them with care, opportunity, and hope,” he said.
During the summit, parents learned strategies to foster a supportive home environment while addressing critical social challenges such as vaping, bullying, harassment, and abuse. Through mini-sessions that guided discussions, the summit underscored the essential role of family engagement in student learning and success.
Camacho also showcased a video presentation that he shared at the recent Annual Council of Chief State School Officers in Washington, D.C., which highlighted, among other things, the history and successes of PSS.
Collective action
Using a beehive as a metaphor, Board of Education Chairman Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong delivered a compelling message about the power of care and guidance.
Reflecting on the resilience of bees, Ogumoro-Uludong shared how a hive, when faced with the loss of its queen, rallies to nurture an ordinary larva into a new leader through a unique process involving “royal food.”
He likened this to human society, saying that transformation is not defined by where one begins, but by the care and opportunities received along the way.
“No queen is born. It is nurtured and guided. And perhaps just as in the beehive, in life, too, it doesn’t matter who you are in the beginning but rather what you received, how you are cared for, and what decisions others make in difficult times,” he stated.
His words reinforced the summit’s theme of collaboration between families, educators, and communities, urging collective action to uplift and empower students, enabling them to thrive and lead.
“Today, as we open a new chapter in learning, let us remember that every child has the potential to lead, to thrive, and to transform the future,” he added.
The summit also highlighted how collective efforts can empower student success.
Intervention
The Board of Education’s School Attendance Review Committee or SARC called upon parents to continue their support and collaboration, particularly in assisting the committee’s intervention program aimed at reducing student referral cases.
Established in 2014, SARC addresses issues such as truancy, inconsistent attendance, and disruptive behavior before referring them to the juvenile justice system.
“We cannot do it alone. That’s why we continue to reach out to you, parents — our partners. We have to do it together. Let’s make this a movement that connects all of us — the BOE, PSS, and all agencies — to you, our parents,” SARC Coordinator Bob Coldeen said.
The CNMI Alcohol, Beverage and Tobacco Control, and the Division of Youth Services, emphasized the importance of cooperation between schools and the community. Representatives from these agencies shared details about their initiatives and methods that aim to strengthen parental engagement.
In addition, the summit featured community exhibitors who showcased family-oriented and community-focused services.
Reaffirming commitment
Leila Yumul, the PSS family and community engagement director, affirmed the school district’s dedication to providing families with resources tailored to diverse needs.
“Together, we can build pathways for every child to reach their full potential,” she said. “Our schools are committed to providing the tools, encouragement, and guidance necessary for students and parents alike.”
According to Yumul, “Engaging in your child’s education is more than just helping with homework or attending meetings, it’s about creating a true positive partnership between school, home, and community.”
Parent Advisory Council President Alyssa Pangelinan emphasized the importance of parental advocacy and collaboration within the school system.
She highlighted initiatives such as schoolwide improvement plan training, which empowers parents to advocate for their children’s unique needs while strengthening their connection to school communities.
Noting the school district’s commitment to meaningful dialogue, she said “the PAC and the school district have provided numerous opportunities for our voices to be heard.”
Parent leaders, representing public elementary, middle, and high schools on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota gathered for an official photo following their Spring Parent Summit on April 26 at Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan.
The Spring Parent Summit was designed to provide parents with tailored resources and support for student learning.
CNMI Division of Alcohol Beverage and Tobacco Control Director Dave Maratita talks about the partnership opportunities between his agency and various public schools in the Commonwealth.
Student Attendance Review Committee Coordinator Bob Coldeen gestures as he explains the role played by SARC.
Division of Youth Services-Child Protective Services’ Mariah M. Barcinas talks about the division’s programs.
During the breakout session, parents participated in student/child-centered initiatives to help prevent child abuse.
Exhibitors from various government programs and departments provided parents with information about additional resources.
The Child Nutrition Program of PSS was one of the featured exhibitors.
